Santa Rosa Island Backcountry Beach Camping

Overview 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 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.

Backcountry Beach Camping Dates

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 Point and East Point) remain closed to camping.

Recreation Boat and Airplane Drop Off Points.

The park boat concessionaire, Island Packers, drops off and picks up kayakers and backpackers at the Bechers Bay pier. Campers should coordinate purchasing boat tickets in conjunction with making campground reservations.

There is currently no park airline concessionaire, private landings on the airstrip near Water Canyon, or anywhere else on the island, is prohibited.

Trail Conditions.

Hiking to beach camping areas requires travel along rugged exposed mountainous roads, trails, and unmaintained routes often created by island animals. Expect high winds and sunny conditions with no shade or cover. Navigating beaches and bluffs may be possible depending on ocean conditions and commonly require hiking across drainages and badlands. It is recommended to carry tide charts when navigating the beaches, coasts and bluffs. Some road/trail intersections have signs, some do not. Most trails and routes do not get you directly to a beach camping area, but instead end above a marine terrace/bluff or on top of a canyon and you must find the safest way down to the beach.

Maps.

Please refer to topographical maps for more accurate mileage and to help with the following descriptions. It is recommended that all backcountry campers have both digital and physical maps. Backpackers should carry topographic maps (USGS 7.5 minute maps or the Trails Illustrated map of all the islands) and kayakers carry nautical charts before departing on their journey.

Hiking and Kayaking Distances to Beach Camping Areas.

Backcountry campers should be prepared to hike 10+ miles (16 km+) on their first and last days in the backcountry regardless of itinerary. While some beaches are less than 10 miles away, you may arrive to find your destination beach unavailable (occupied by other campers, covered in pinnipeds, under water from high tides, etc.) and need to hike to the next available beach.

Southeast Quadrant   (August 15-December 31)

East Point from Pier: 7 mi (11 km) hiking; 8 mi (13 km) kayaking*

East Point to Ford Point: 8 mi (13 km) hiking; 5 mi (8 km) kayaking**

Ford Point via South (Wreck) Road from Pier: 9 mi (14.5 km) hiking+

Ford Point to Johnsons Lee: 4 mi (6.5 km) hiking; 3.5 (6 km) kayaking+

Johnsons Lee (via East Point) from Pier: 18 mi (29 km) hiking; 16 mi (26 km) kayaking**

Johnsons Lee via Main (Soledad) Road from Pier: 14 mi (22.5 km) hiking+

Johnsons Lee via South (Wreck) Road from Pier: 13.5 mi (22 km) hiking+

La Jolla Vieja via South (Wreck) Road from Pier: 11.2 mi (18 km) hiking+  

* Camping Just South of East Point is NOT Recommended. While no camping is allowed at East Point, there is a small pocket beach just to the south in the Southeast Quadrant. However, it is not recommended for camping as this beach is very, small and may be washed out at higher tides. In addition, pounding surf and strong winds constantly reshape this beach.

** Hiking Beyond East Point. 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 section 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 information.

+ 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 and with a considerable amount of climbing and, once again, like all hiking or kayaking on the island, is recommended only for the experienced, well-conditioned traveler.

Southwest Quadrant (September 16-December 31)

Backcountry camping in the Southwest quadrant is extremely difficult and only recommended for experienced backpackers due to long distances, frequent high winds, and lack of reliable water sources. Be aware of closures and requirements to stay on routes in this area. There is no camping or beach access between China Camp and Cluster point OR around Sandy Point.

Trancion Canyon: 14 mi (22.5 km) hiking; 20 mi (32 km) kayaking++ 

Northwest Quadrant (September 16-December 31)

Backcountry camping in the Northwest quadrant 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. Be aware of closures and requirements to stay on routes in this area. There is no camping between Carrington Point and Lobo Canyon.

Dry Canyon: 10 mi (16 km) hiking; 11 mi (17.7 km) kayaking++ 

Arlington Canyon: 12 mi (19.3 km) hiking; 12.5 mi (20 km) kayaking++

++Beginning September 16, the closest beach camping is Cow Canyon. However, this beach can wash out at high tide and/or large swell and is NOT recommended . Nearby Lobo Canyon beach is closed to beach camping and only available for day use. Therefore, Dry Canyon is the closest beach in the Northwest Quadrant that is recommended for camping.

Facilities No facilities

This is primitive, dispersed, backcountry camping in tents with no established campsites nor electricity/water/sewer site hook-ups. Visitors must backpack to all locations and carry all of their own gear, food and water (see water information below). 

Pack Out What You Pack In  

Visitors are required to pack out what they pack in, including garbage and human waste. […]

Backcountry campers must first secure transportation to Santa Rosa Island by their own private boat or through Island Packers or Channel Islands Aviation the park's authorized concessioners.