Overview

Tucked away in a canyon to protect visitors from strong northwest winds, Water Canyon Campground offers exceptional island views, access to spectacular hiking opportunities and a nearby white sand beach.

Located 40 nautical miles from the Channel Islands National Park visitor center in Ventura, Santa Rosa is the second largest island in California at approximately 53,000 acres in size. The island landforms support a diverse array of plant and animal species including six plant species found nowhere on earth but Santa Rosa Island. The island also hosts over 100 bird and three land mammal species, including the endemic island fox.

Facilities

Primitive camping is available at Water Canyon Campground (15 sites; 5 persons per site). Picnic table, food storage box, windbreak (8' tall, 10' deep, 14' wide at front, 8' wide at back), restroom and water are provided. The campground is a flat 1.5-mile hike from the pier and a 0.25-mile from the airstrip and Water Canyon Beach. Due to the boat schedule, minimum stay is generally three days.

Natural Features

Recreation

Several trails and roads traverse the island, providing visitors with spectacular hiking opportunities, including the relatively flat route to Water Canyon Beach to the rugged, mountainous path to Black Mountain.

Due to the strong, persistent wind, swimming, snorkeling, diving and kayaking are limited and recommended for the experienced visitor only. Despite the wind, Santa Rosa Island offers exceptional beach walking on white sand beaches. Access to one of the best beaches, Water Canyon Beach, is just over a mile from the pier in Bechers Bay and just down canyon from the campground. Beach access is also available near the pier.

No fishing is allowed within the marine reserves located around the island. Fishing is allowed outside of these areas.

For more information about recreational activities in the park, visit https://www.nps.gov/chis/planyourvisit/index.htm.

Nearby Attractions

Good tidepooling spots are located within Bechers Bay, including just east of the pier, the east end of Southeast Anchorage, and near East Point.

A short hike from the campground is the Santa Rosa Island Torrey pine grove. This pine is considered one of the rarest pines in the world-the last enduring members of a once widespread Pleistocene forest. Near the pier, visitors can see buildings and equipment of the historic Vail and Vickers ranch.

Access to a highly recommended beach, Water Canyon Beach, is just over a mile from the Bechers Bay pier. The sandy beach lies on the northeastern shore of the island. Bechers Bay is a destination in itself, with buildings and equipment at the historic Vail and Vickers ranch.

Important Notices

• Santa Rosa Island may only be reached by boat. Visitors are required to arrange transportation to the island before reserving a campsite. Contact Island Packers the park's authorized concessioner or bring your own private boat.

• Camping reservations are required prior to arriving on the island. There are NO walk-ups at this facility.

• One party or group may reserve a maximum of 2 individual sites per visit. There are 15 individual campsites. Max 5 people per site.

• A party or group of 46 or more may not reserve any sites through recreation.gov and must contact the park to obtain a special use permit: https://www.nps.gov/chis/learn/management/special-use-permit.htm.

• Upon arrival, meet ranger at beach, landing dock or campground. However, park staff is not always immediately available on the island. Please have confirmation letter, receipt, or campsite number with you.

• 1.5 mile from the pier to campground. Visitors must carry all their own gear.

• Primitive camping. Tent camping only, no electricity/water/sewer site hook-ups at this campground. Bring low profile tents and extra food for weather delays. Partial shade from wind shelter (8' tall, 10' deep, 14' wide at front, 8' wide at back). Picnic table, food storage box, and drinking water provided. No stores or services.

• Quiet time is enforced at 10:00 p.m. Check-in and check-out times are at 11:00 a.m.

• Proper food and trash storage is required. Food/trash storage lockers are provided at each site. Recommend hard-sided container (i.e., action packer) to further protect food/garbage from animals.
• Visitors are required to pack out what they pack in, including garbage.
• No campfires or charcoal fires. Only enclosed gas camp stoves are allowed.
• Smoking is only allowed on beach area at Bechers Bay.
• Avoid contact with deer mice. Hantavirus has been found in island deer mice. For more information visit: https://www.nps.gov/chis/planyourvisit/hantavirus.htm.

• To help prevent the introduction of nonnative species the following items may not be brought to the park: pets; live or potted plants; soil; cut flowers; firewood or any untreated, unfinished wood (including hiking sticks); corrugated boxes; tools or equipment with attached soil; motorized vehicles; bicycles; and single-use plastic grocery bags. Prior to departure, visitors are required to use pest-proof packing materials, inspect and clean their gear and shoes of all soil, seeds, and insects. Learn more about biosecurity and watch the required video at Protect Your Park Through Biosecurity.  

• No fishing in marine reserves. California fishing license and ocean enhancement required to fish within Channel Islands National Park.

• Watersports: Due to the strong, persistent wind, swimming, snorkeling, diving, and kayaking are limited and recommended for the experienced visitor only. Ocean conditions can rapidly change, requiring expert abilities. Ocean kayaking is an inherently dangerous activity. Always check weather and do not kayak beyond your experience level.

Available Activities

• Water Sports - Water Sports
• Picnicking - Picnicking
• Hiking - Hiking
• Interpretive Programs - Interpretive Programs
• Camping - Camping
• Boating - Boating
• Birding - Birding
• Fishing - Fishing
• Guided Interpretive Walks - Guided Interpretive Walks
• Historic & Cultural Site - Historic & Cultural Site
• Information Site - Information Site
• Photography - Photography
• Ranger Station - Ranger Station
• Sea Kayaking - Sea Kayaking
• Snorkeling - Snorkeling
• Swimming - Swimming
• Water Access - Water Access
• Wildlife Viewing - Wildlife Viewing
• Sailing - Sailing
• Wilderness - Wilderness

Directions

<p>Boat transportation can be arranged with Island Packers from Ventura Harbor. </p><p>Air transportation can be arranged with Channel Islands Aviation from Camarillo airport. </p><p>To park headquarters in Ventura, California: Highway 101, exit Victoria or Seaward to Ventura Harbor.</p>

Contact Information

Phone: 805-658-5730

Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip