Santa Rosa Island Backcountry Beach Camping

About

Santa Rosa Island Backcountry Beach Camping provides a rare opportunity to experience California's coastline as it existed centuries ago. The 55-mile shoreline of rocky coasts and sandy beaches remains largely unchanged from the days of the Chumash Indians and Spanish explorers. This primitive, dispersed camping experience is located within Channel Islands National Park and requires advance reservations. Access is exclusively by boat via Island Packers or by plane via Channel Islands Aviation, landing at Bechers Bay. From there, campers must hike a minimum of 7-10 miles along beaches, dirt roads, and unmarked animal trails to reach legal camping areas. The terrain is rugged and mountainous with no signs. Different beach quadrants open at different times: the Southeast Quadrant (East Point to South Point) opens August 15, while the Southwest and Northwest Quadrants open September 16. This is not for inexperienced backpackers or kayakers. Strong northwest winds averaging 15 knots (with gusts to 50 knots), dense fog, challenging surf conditions, and the possibility of weather delays requiring extra supplies make this a serious undertaking. Campers must pack out all trash and human waste using WAG bags, carry at least one gallon of water per person per day, and use only enclosed gas camp stoves since fires are prohibited.

Directions

Santa Rosa Island is accessible only by boat or plane. Island Packers provides boat service to the pier at Bechers Bay. Channel Islands Aviation lands at the airstrip near Water Canyon, approximately one mile from the pier. From the drop-off, campers must hike 7-10+ miles to reach legal camping beaches.