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National Park

Channel Islands National Park

Park ClosureOct 14, 2026

Parts of Santa Rosa Island Closed During Wildfire Recovery

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Steep, rugged ocean cliffs extending in an island chain.

Inspiration Point, Anacapa Island: One of the most spectacular views in the park can be found from Inspiration Point. Looking to the west, one may see Middle and West Anacapa, with Santa Cruz Island in the distance.

Photo: Tim Hauf, timhaufphotography.com

About

Channel Islands National Park encompasses five remarkable islands and their ocean environment, preserving and protecting a wealth of natural and cultural resources. Isolation over thousands of years has created unique animals, plants, and archeological resources found nowhere else on Earth and helped preserve a place where visitors can experience coastal southern California as it once was.

Activities

AstronomyStargazingBoatingMotorized BoatingSailingBoat TourCampingBackcountry CampingCanoe or Kayak CampingGroup CampingCompass and GPSOrienteeringFishing
Saltwater Fishing
Food
Picnicking
Guided Tours
Self-Guided Tours - Walking
Boat Tour
Hiking
Backcountry Hiking
Front-Country Hiking
Off-Trail Permitted Hiking
Paddling
Canoe or Kayak Camping
Kayaking
Stand Up Paddleboarding
Junior Ranger Program
SCUBA Diving
Snorkeling
Surfing
Swimming
Saltwater Swimming
Wildlife Watching
Birdwatching
Park Film
Museum Exhibits
Shopping
Bookstore and Park Store

Directions

While the mainland visitor center in Ventura is readily accessible by car or public transportation, the islands are only accessible by park concessionaire boats and planes or private boat. Advanced planning is highly recommended.

Get directions →

Weather

In general, the islands have a Mediterranean climate year-round. Temperatures are relatively stable, with highs averaging in the mid-60s (°F) and lows in the low-50s. However, there are seasonal differences that visitors should take into consideration when visiting the park. In addition, visitors also should be aware that ocean and weather conditions vary considerably from day-to-day and island-to-island. For more information visit: http://www.nps.gov/chis/planyourvisit/weather.htm

News

Overnight Camping to Resume on Portions of Santa Rosa Island on October 14
Sep 22, 2026

Overnight Camping to Resume on Portions of Santa Rosa Island on October 14

Channel Islands National Park will reopen Water Canyon Campground and designated backcountry beach camping areas in the northwest and southwest quadrants of Santa Rosa Island beginning October 14. The southeast quadrant will remain closed to backcountry camping and no permits will be issued for the remainder of the 2026 recreation season. The burn area will remain closed to visitors.

 Initial Assessment Indicates Potential for 80% Mortality Among Rare Torrey Pines Following Santa Rosa Island Fire
Sep 1, 2026

 Initial Assessment Indicates Potential for 80% Mortality Among Rare Torrey Pines Following Santa Rosa Island Fire

Initial assessments indicate that 60% to 80% of Santa Rosa Island's iconic Torrey pines may perish as a result of the largest wildfire in Channel Islands National Park history.

Channel Islands National Park Opens New Campground at Prisoners Harbor on Santa Cruz Island
Aug 17, 2026

Channel Islands National Park Opens New Campground at Prisoners Harbor on Santa Cruz Island

Beginning Aug. 27, Channel Islands National Park will open the new Prisoners Harbor Campground on Santa Cruz Island, introducing overnight visitors to a new way to experience the park's largest island.