Santa Rosa Island Water Canyon Overview

Santa Rosa Island Water Canyon Campground has 15 tent-only campsites that offer spectacular views, access to hiking trails and a nearby white sand beach.

Santa Rosa Island is about 40 nautical miles from the Channel Islands National Park visitor center in Ventura. It is  the second largest island in California at approximately 53,000 acres in size.

The campground is open year round and campsites are reservable. You’ll also want to be sure to book your seat on the Island Packers transport (boat) well in advance. Channel Islands National Park requires that you must have both a boat reservation and a campground reservation.

Water Canyon Campground is about 1.5 miles from the pier along the flat Coastal Road trail. You’ll need to hike/pack all your gear (60 lbs. maximum per person) to and from the campground. All trash must be packed out as well.

Each campsite is site specific and can accommodate up to 5 people.  The sites also have a table, food storage box (aka fox box), and a wind break (8′ tall, 10′ deep, 14′ wide at front, 8′ wide at back).  Fresh water and restrooms (flush toilets and a large sink for washing dishes) are also available at the campground. Showers are currently closed due to drought conditions.

Santa Rosa Island Water Canyon Campground – Recreation and Activities

The island landforms support a diverse array of plant and animal species including six plant species found nowhere on earth but Santa Rosa Island.

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. You can bring your personal kayuak on Island Packers, but it requires advanced planning/reservations. Rentals are not available on the island.

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. Other activities include photography, picnicking, stargazing and wildlife viewing.

Backcountry (seasonal) Camping is also available.

Make a Reservation for Santa Rosa Island Water Canyon

Amenities

• Campsite Tables
• Cell Service Poor
• Dock
• Drinking Water
• Golden Age & Access Passports accepted
• Picnic Tables
• Showers

Activities

• Backpacking
• Bird Watching
• Boating
• Cultural Sites
• Hiking
• Historic Sites
• Kayaking
• Nature Trails
• Photography
• Picnicking
• Sailing
• Scuba Diving
• Skin Diving
• Snorkeling
• Stargazing
• Swimming
• Wildlife Viewing