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Campground

Santa Rosa Island Backcountry Beach Camping

Island coastline with tan sand beach leading out to rolling hills in the distance with green water.

Southeast Quadrant Beach

Photo: Tim Hauf, timhaufphotography.com

About

Backcountry camping on Santa Rosa Island is currently limited to certain beaches between August 15th and December 31st. Hiking is along the beach and rugged, unsigned (and sometimes unmaintained) dirt roads. The closest beach for camping is 8 miles from the boat/plane drop-off location. Reservations are required ($10 per night-per site). No services are provided.This is primitive, dispersed, backcountry camping. Visitors must backpack to all locations and carry all of their own gear, food and water.

Campsites

30
Total Sites
30
Tent Only
30
Walk/Boat-in

Contact

Phone8056585730
Emailchis_information@nps.gov
WebsiteOfficial NPS Page

Location

Santa Rosa Island Backcountry Beach Camping
Santa Rosa Island, CA 93001

Fees

Santa Rosa Island Backcountry Beach Camping Fee$10.00

Hours

January 1 - August 14 Backcountry beach camping is closed to protect pupping seals/sea lions and nesting seabirds. August 15 - September 15 Only East Point to South Point Beaches (Southeast Quadrant) are open to backcountry camping for boaters, kayakers, and backpackers. September 16 - December 31 Southeast, Southwest, and Northwest Quadrant beaches are open to backcountry camping. Beaches around Sandy Point, at Lobo Canyon, and Northeast Quadrant beaches (between Carrington

wednesdayAll Day
mondayAll Day
thursdayAll Day
sundayAll Day
tuesdayAll Day
fridayAll Day
saturdayAll Day

Reservations

Advanced camping reservations are required for all camping in the park. There are no entrance fees to visit the park. However, a reservation fee of $10.00 per site-per night is charged for backcounrty beach camping on Santa Rosa Island. This fee covers up to four people. Reservations can be made by calling (877) 444-6777 or through http://www.recreation.gov/.

Make a Reservation →

Directions

Santa Rosa Island backcountry beach camping is only accessible by boat or plane. Visit our island transportation webpage for more information: http://www.nps.gov/chis/planyourvisit/island-transportation.htm The closest beach for camping is 8 miles from the boat/plane drop-off location.

Weather

Weather conditions are generally best from August through October, with relatively calm wind and sea conditions and virtually no rain. Backpackers and kayakers should be prepared for strong northwest winds throughout the year, with the possibility of strong east or Santa Ana winds from October through January. The average wind speed is 15 knots, although speeds of 40 to 50 knots are not uncommon. Dense fog is common making chart and compass navigation mandatory.

Accessibility

wheelchair Access

Due to the rugged hike, Santa Rosa Island Backcountry Camping is not accessible for individuals in wheelchairs or those with limited mobility.

fire Stove Policy

No fires are permitted. Use only enclosed, gas camp stoves.

rv Allowed

0

rv Info

Santa Rosa Island is only accessible via boat or plane.

rv Max Length

0

trailer Max Length

0

ada Info

Due to the rugged hike, Santa Rosa Island Backcountry Camping is not accessible for individuals in wheelchairs or those with limited mobility.

trailer Allowed

0

access Roads

No Roads

classifications

Primitive Camping Areas