Santa Rosa Island Current Conditions and Public Closures Certain areas throughout Santa Rosa Island are closed to protect island wildlife. Visitors to the island need to be aware of these closures prior to planning their trips. Please visit Regulations and Guidelines below andConditions for more information.
Backcountry beach camping is available mid August through December along Santa Rosa Island's extensive, beautiful, and undeveloped 55-mile coastline. This coastline is reminiscent of a California in days gone by. The rocky coast and sandy beaches are much the same as the ones the Chumash Indians, Spanish explorers, and early ranchers may have known. This remote, fragile environment is critical for sea and shorebirds, marine mammals, and plant communities.
In 1992, the National Park Service opened the island to backcountry beach camping in recognition of its rare wilderness values. As you explore these wild areas by kayak or on foot, please take responsibility to help us protect and preserve these delicate natural resources for future generations. The following information will help you enjoy your visit while leaving the smallest impact on the island.
WARNING: While backcountry camping is an incredible experience, it is not for the inexperienced backpacker or kayaker. Due to difficult weather, rugged terrain, and off-trail hiking, backcountry camping is an arduous endeavor and should be undertaken only by experienced, well-conditioned backpackers and kayakers. Less experienced visitors to the island should consider frontcountry camping at Santa Rosa Island Campground in Water Canyon, which also offers advance reservations with some amenities (e.g., pit toilet, picnic table, water).
WAG Bags Required: Visitors are required to pack out human waste and toilet paper in the backcountry using "WAG" (human waste collection) bags. Visitors must bring there own bags which are available from outdoor suppliers. See regulations section below for more information.
The Official Channel Islands National Park Mobile App: Enrich your visit to Channel Islands National Park with the official, free app from the National Park Service. Digitally explore the park—by map or by topic of interest. Discover the natural and cultural stories in context with their locations. Find the information you need about visitor centers, events, services, and self-guided tours and trails throughout the park. All data must be downloaded before departing the mainland. There is no reliable cell service or wifi on the islands.
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
All beaches are open to backcountry camping except those around Sandy Point, at Lobo Canyon, and those between Carrington Point and East Point.
Destinations and Distances The park boat concessionaire, Island Packers, usually drops off and picks up kayakers and backpackers at the pier near the ranch area in Bechers Bay. Channel Islands Aviation drops hikers at the end of the airstrip near Water Canyon, approximately one mile from the pier and a 1/2 mile from the frontcountry campground in Water Canyon.
Hiking is along the beach, dirt roads, or unmaintained paths created by island animals. These roads and paths are rugged and mountainous with limited signage. All distances that follow are approximate and measured from the pier, unless stated. Please refer to topographical maps for more accurate mileage and to help with the following descriptions. in addition to the map referenced above, it's recommended that all backpackers purchase topographic maps (USGS 7.5 minute maps or the Trails Illustrated map of all the islands) and kayakers purchase nautical charts before departing on their journey.
Although the closest beach that is open to camping between August 15 and September 15 is just south of East Point (approximately seven hiking miles and eight kayaking miles from the pier), it is not recommended for camping. This beach is a small pocket beach and may be washed out at higher tides. In addition, pounding surf and strong winds constantly reshape this beach.
If hiking beyond East Point to Ford Point, it is recommended that you follow the ridge line or road until you reach the northeast ridge of San Augustine Canyon. Follow this ridge down to the mouth of the canyon. Hiking along the beach from East Point to Ford Point is impossible due to sections of vertical cliffs that drop directly into the ocean. However, kayakers can access beaches throughout this area. Once hikers reach Ford Point, they may follow the low terrace or higher ridge (both eventually run into a coastal road) down to the Johnsons Lee area. Refer to topographical maps for more details.
Direct access to beaches between Johnsons Lee and Ford Point (including La Jolla Vieja) is also possible via the Main (Soledad) or South (Wreck) roads. Both of these routes are long hikes (see mileage chart to the right) with a considerable amount of elevation gain and, once again, like all hiking or kayaking on the island, is recommended only for the experienced, well-conditioned traveler.
Beginning September 16, all beaches are open to backcountry camping except those around Sandy Point and those between Carrington Point and East Point. In addition, Lobo Canyon beach in the northwest quadrant is closed to beach camping and only available for day use. Backcountry camping in the Northwest and Southwest quadrants is extremely difficult and only recommended for experienced backpackers due to long distances, frequent high winds, washed-out beaches at high tides, and lack of reliable water sources.
Hiking Distances (from pier unless noted; in miles)
Ford Point via South (Wreck) Road: 9 hiking
East Point: 7 hiking; 8 kayaking
East Point to Ford Point: 8 hiking; 5 kayaking
Ford Point to Johnsons Lee: 4 hiking; 3.5 kayaking
Johnsons Lee (via East Point): 18 hiking; 16 kayaking
Johnsons Lee via Main (Soledad) Road: 14 hiking
Johnsons Lee via South (Wreck) Road: 13.5 hiking
La Jolla Vieja via South (Wreck) Road: 11.2 hiking
Water
One gallon of water per person per day is recommended. Water weighs approximately 8 pounds per gallon. Potable water is available in the Water Canyon campground.
During the backcountry camping season (mid-August through December), the only location outside the Water Canyon campground with an accessible, guaranteed water source is the Clapp Spring trough, approximately 7 miles from the pier [.6 miles south-southeast on Sierra Pablo Road from the intersection with South (Wreck) Road; 33°56’50” North, 120°03’19” West]. The water at Clapp Spring is safe to drink when boiled, filtered, or treated with iodine.
Although ten canyons may carry some degree of water intermittently throughout the year (except during dry years), water is not always available at the mouth of the canyons near the beach and can be dirty. These ten canyons include: Water, Trancion, Bee, San Augustine, Wreck, Jolla Vieja, Arlington, Soledad, Cow, and Lobo. Since the water in the streams can be contaminated with coliform bacteria and giardia, it is recommended that you boil, filter, and/or add iodine to the water.
Weather 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. Occasionally, the south side of the island (South Point to East Point) offers protection from these strong winds.
Dense fog is common during the summer months, but may occur at any time, making chart and compass navigation mandatory. Weather conditions are generally best from August through October, with relatively calm wind and sea conditions and virtually no rain. Ocean water temperatures range from the lower 50s (°F) in the winter to the upper 60s (°F) in the fall.
Kayakers may encounter strong ocean currents around the islands. Intense wave and surf conditions exist around the Carrington Point area. Sheer cliffs rise out of the ocean, reflecting incoming waves back out to sea, creating a washing machine effect. In this turbulent area there are no places to land, even in an emergency. The first landable beach is Lobo Canyon, five miles west of the ranch area pier. Rounding Skunk Point may be tricky as well because of merging currents. The wind often increases in the afternoon, and the prevailing northwesterlies can make paddling back to Water Canyon difficult. During the summer months, large swells often pound the south side of the island, making landing and launching from the beaches extremely challenging, requiring advanced skills.
Visitors are advised to bring supplies for an extra day in case boats are unable to pick up campers due to sea conditions.
For the most current weather forecast, please visit Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary's Internet Weather Kiosk.
Regulations and Guidelines
The protection and preservation of your park's biological and cultural resources is the mission of the National Park Service. By following the regulations and guidelines listed below, you can help protect these rare and unique treasures for future generations to enjoy. For a more complete description please visit Laws and Policies and Leave No Trace.
Regulations:
Check-in with a ranger on arrival for an on-site orientation.
Camping is prohibited year round at Lobo Canyon and between Carrington and East Point (except in the Water Canyon campground).
From January 1 - August 14, backcountry beachcamping is closed to protect pupping seals/sealions and nesting seabirds.
From March 1 to September 15, the back beaches and sand dunes between and including Skunk Point to just north of East Point are closed to hiking to protect the nesting area for the snowy plover, a federally listed, threatened shorebird. Please remain on the wet sand (below mean high tide) or the road throughout this area.
To protect sensitive resources, the Sandy Point Area is closed. This includes all beaches and land areas 300 ft. inland from 0.75 miles north from the Sandy Point benchmark to 0.85 miles south from the Sandy Point benchmark.
Travel between China Camp and Cluster Point is restricted to on-trail travel only, as indicated by signs on both sides. Travel off trail in this area is prohibited, except for the China Camp Corral area, located on the west side of the trail. Beach access to Cluster Point from the northwest is prohibited. Dispersed camping on the beaches to the northwest of Cluster Point and the southeast of China Camp is allowed with a valid camping permit for the Southwest Quadrant.
Travel is restricted to on-trail only from the mouth of Lobo Canyon to Cow Canyon. This is further delineated in several locations with post and rope stanchions and signs. Travel off trail, beyond signs, or post and rope stanchions is prohibited.
It is prohibited by law and regulation to leave human solid waste in the backcountry or in the wet intertidal sand. Human waste and toilet paper must be packed out for proper disposal. A variety of commercial "WAG" (human waste collection) bags are available from vendors. WAG bag collection containers are located at the public bathroom in the ranch at Becher's Bay and at the Wreck Corral along South (Wreck) Road near Ford Point along the southeast coast.
Camping is only allowed on beaches. Camping is prohibited in any other areas, including coastal bluffs.
No fires are allowed.
Since the mice do carry hantavirus, some basic precautions should be taken: do not feed any wild animals; keep food and drink in rodent-proof containers; and prevent entry of mice into your tent by keeping it zipped up at all times. Click here for more information on hantavirus.
Pack out all trash.
Guidelines:
Utilize sandy areas that are free of dune vegetation when hiking, landing water craft, and camping. Keep tents, kitchen areas, and traffic in "hardened" areas that are already bare from previous use.
Strain or separate food particles from cooking water and pack them out. Scatter the gray water 200 ft. from water sources and camps.
Minimize soap use to keep the backcountry free of chemicals. If washing with soap, rinse 200 ft. from water sources.
Do not damage live trees, plants, and other living things. It is not permitted to chop or nail trees, harvest or trample plants.
Reservations
Backcountry campers must first secure boat transportation to Santa Rosa Island through the park's boat concessionaires or by their own private vessel. Camping reservations are required in advance for beach camping and can be made by calling (877) 444-6777 or by visiting Recreation.gov. Please specify "Santa Rosa Isalnd Backcountry Beach Camping" when reserving sites. Reservations are per site-per night and cover up to four people.
Separate camping reservations are needed for the established campground at Water Canyon and must be obtained in advance by calling (877) 444-6777 or through Recreation.gov
