Santa Rosa Island Backcountry Beach Camping
4.5427 reviews1901 Spinnaker Drive, Ventura, CA 93001, USA
Santa Rosa Island Backcountry Beach Camping
$10.00 - $10.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$10.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Advanced camping reservations required for all backcountry camping due to limited capacity. Reservations are $10 per site per night, accommodating up to four people per site.
About this campground
Escape to one of California's last true wilderness frontiers at Santa Rosa Island Backcountry Beach Camping, where 55 miles of untouched coastline await the adventurous soul. This pristine paradise offers the ultimate in primitive camping, where you'll trade modern amenities for star-filled nights and the rhythmic lullaby of Pacific waves. Limited to just 10 small groups per quadrant each night (with four campers maximum per group), this exclusive wilderness experience promises solitude and connection with nature that's increasingly rare in today's world.
Santa Rosa Island Backcountry Beach Camping offers a rugged, primitive experience designed for tents. There are no established campsites or infrastructure.
Historical SignificanceWalk through living history on Santa Rosa Island, where every windswept hill and sheltered cove tells stories spanning millennia. The ancient Chumash people first called these shores home, followed by Spanish explorers who charted new worlds, and hardy ranchers who carved out lives on this remote outpost. Today, carefully preserved archaeological treasures dot the landscape, silent witnesses to California's rich tapestry of cultures. Each footstep here connects you to generations of dreamers, survivors, and pioneers who found magic in this island sanctuary.
Weather and SeasonsTime your adventure wisely to catch Santa Rosa Island at its most welcoming. Late summer through early fall (August to October) brings the island's gentlest face, with tranquil winds and clear skies perfect for exploration. Yet this wild isle keeps its untamed spirit year-round – powerful winds that can surge past 50 knots remind visitors of nature's raw power, while mysterious fog banks roll in like ancient spirits, transforming familiar landscapes into otherworldly scenes that challenge even seasoned navigators.
ElevationSanta Rosa Island's dramatic topography creates a natural playground of varying elevations that will challenge and reward hikers. From sea-level beaches where waves kiss the shore to mountainous interior peaks that offer commanding views of the Pacific, the island's terrain constantly shifts beneath your feet. These elevation changes create distinct microclimates and ecosystems, ensuring that every mile of your journey reveals new wonders.
Natural Features and SceneryDiscover a California that time forgot, where rugged cliffs plunge into azure waters and endless sandy beaches stretch beyond the horizon. The island's chaparral-covered mountains harbor secrets in every canyon, while the coastline alternates between gentle coves and dramatic rocky outcrops. This living museum of biodiversity serves as sanctuary to remarkable creatures – playful sea lions bask on remote beaches, massive elephant seals claim their territories, endemic island foxes dart through the underbrush, and rare seabirds wheel overhead in an endless aerial ballet.
Geological RegionRising from the Pacific as part of Channel Islands National Park, Santa Rosa Island stands as a geological marvel shaped by millions of years of tectonic forces and oceanic sculpting. This rugged jewel combines soaring mountains with windswept chaparral, creating a landscape where pristine beaches meet ancient rock formations. The island's unique position in the California Bight creates an extraordinary meeting place of warm and cold ocean currents, fostering an ecosystem found nowhere else on Earth.
Campsite details
AccessibilityDue to rugged hiking trails and backcountry conditions, this site is not accessible for individuals with mobility limitations or wheelchairs.
Sites SizeThere are no designated campsite sizes as this is dispersed backcountry camping. Visitors camp directly on beaches.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy levels vary depending on the campsite location, but reviews indicate that some areas, such as Ford Point, are "really exposed" with little privacy.
Total Campsites30 campsites
Recommended CampsitesCamping near Ford Point is recommended for experienced hikers due to strong winds and tides. East Point is not ideal for camping due to small size and high tides.
Best CampsitesFord Point is frequently highlighted as a beautiful camping spot with stunning coastal views.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
11:00 AM
Check-out
11:00 AM
Stay Limit
14 consecutive nights per visit.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Up to four people per site.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutPrimitive dispersed camping on beaches. No designated campsites.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen August 15 - December 31 for backcountry beach camping. Closed January 1 - August 14 to protect wildlife.
Reservation PlatformsReservations available via Recreation.gov or by calling 877-444-6777.
Walk-in AvailabilityNo walk-up availability; advance reservations required.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations allowed with a $10 cancellation fee. Late cancellations (less than 1 day prior to arrival) also forfeit the first night's recreation use fee. Changes to reservations incur a $10 change fee if new dates differ entirely from original reservation.
Activities you can enjoy
Santa Rosa Island offers a range of outdoor activities, including hiking, kayaking, wildlife viewing, and snorkeling. However, these activities are suited for experienced adventurers due to challenging terrain and environmental conditions.
Hiking
Hiking is one of the primary activities on Santa Rosa Island. Trails include rugged dirt roads and unmaintained paths. Distances vary significantly, with hikes to certain locations like Ford Point (7 miles) and San Augustine Canyon (10 miles) being physically demanding. Many trails involve challenging elevation changes and are recommended only for experienced hikers. A review noted, "The hike totaled 24 miles or so, with ~4k ft elevation gain. It was super scenic!"Fishing
Fishing is permitted outside marine reserves with a valid California fishing license and ocean enhancement sticker. However, some areas are closed to fishing, and visitors should adhere to regulations.Swimming
Swimming is possible but challenging due to the cold ocean temperatures (ranging from 50°F in winter to 68°F in fall) and strong currents. Wetsuits are recommended for comfort and safety. Reviewers enjoyed snorkeling and tide pooling during low tides.Boating
Boating is an option for accessing the island and its beaches. Kayakers need advanced skills due to strong currents, high winds, and unpredictable ocean conditions.Wildlife viewing
Santa Rosa Island is rich in wildlife, including island foxes, elephant seals, sea lions, and a variety of bird species. One reviewer noted, "We saw leopard sharks, sea lions, harbor seals, elephant seals, bald eagles, and island foxes."Beach activities
Beach activities include beachcombing, tide pooling, and exploring sea caves. However, visitors must be cautious during high tides.Winter Activities
Backcountry camping and hiking continue through December, but visitors should prepare for colder temperatures and strong winds.Water Sports
Kayaking, snorkeling, and beach activities are popular, though ocean conditions require advanced skills.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires and charcoal fires are prohibited. Only gas stoves are allowed.
- Quiet hours enforced at 10:00 PM.
Hazards
General hazardsHazards include challenging terrain, high winds, potential flash floods, strong ocean currents, and wildlife encounters such as elephant seals. Dense fog can impede navigation.
Active alertsTemporary closure of beaches and dunes between China Camp and Cluster Point to protect sensitive resources. Travel restricted to marked paths.
Weather forecast
65
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Humidity: 89%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 17.9 mph
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Nearest emergency services are located in Ventura, CA. No emergency services available on Santa Rosa Island itself.
Good to know
Peak season datesAugust 15 - December 31.
Trash and recyclingVisitors are required to pack out all trash, as there are no trash or recycling facilities on the island.
Proximity to water featuresClose to ocean and beaches. Reliable water located at Clapp Spring, 7 miles from the pier.
Common complaintsConcerns over limited water sources, crowded beaches occupied by pinnipeds, and derelict lobster traps littering beaches.
HostNo on-site host available; rangers provide check-in orientation at arrival.
Campground Map
1901 Spinnaker Drive, Ventura, CA 93001, USA
Driving directionsSanta Rosa Island backcountry beach camping is only accessible by boat or plane. Visitors must arrange transportation via private boat or through authorized concessioners, Island Packers or Channel Islands Aviation. The closest beach for camping is 8 miles from the boat/plane drop-off location.
Only accessible by boat or plane. Requires transportation to Santa Rosa Island using authorized concessioners. Rugged terrain; no direct road access.Nearby places
Ventura (approximately 60 miles by boat)
Santa Barbara (approximately 70 miles by boat)
Los Angeles (approximately 120 miles by boat).
Nearby supplies
Potable water available at Water Canyon campground. All other supplies must be brought by visitors
no food/grocery stores on the island.
Camper Reviews
4.5
27 reviews
Santa Rosa Island Backcountry Beach Camping is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews praise the island's natural beauty, solitude, and unique wilderness experience but emphasize the challenges of the rugged terrain and need for preparation. Visitors frequently highlight the difficulty of carrying sufficient water, dealing with strong winds, and finding suitable backcountry campsites.
Review Summaries
Based on 27 reviews
What Campers Love
Highlights include stunning coastal views, wildlife sightings (like island foxes and elephant seals), and the serenity of camping in a remote location. Reviewers appreciated the pristine beaches and...
Based on 27 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Common complaints include the difficulty of carrying enough water, the strong winds (up to 50 mph), and the lack of potable water sources. Some reviewers noted the challenging hiking conditions and...
Based on 27 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Bring a water filter and plan to utilize Clapp Spring as a reliable water source. Check tide charts to avoid setting up camp in areas prone to flooding. Prepare for strong winds and pack enough...
Based on 27 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Visitors in the fall particularly enjoyed the cooler temperatures and reduced wind conditions. Late summer trips involved carrying more water due to dry conditions.
Based on 27 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. "Ford Point is about 7 miles from Water Canyon Campground. Camping is possible on the beach; however, keep in mind the tide chart and how to find a suitable spot above the high-water mark." 2. "We...
Based on 27 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Ford Point is frequently mentioned for its scenic location but also noted as exposed and lacking privacy. Clapp Spring is a recommended water source.
Based on 27 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility is limited due to rugged terrain and the requirement to hike long distances.
Based on 27 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are not allowed on Santa Rosa Island.
Based on 27 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025