Santa Rosa Island Backcountry Beach Camping
Santa Rosa Island Backcountry Beach Camping is a national park campground in California. Hookups: no hookups.
- Type
- National park campground
- Location
- California
- Coordinates
- 33.97735, -120.08963
- Hookups
- No hookups
- Activities
- Beach Camping, Beachcombing, Birding, Boating, Camping, Fishing, Hiking, Photography, Sailing, Snorkeling, Swimming, Water Access
- Map
- Open in OpenStreetMap
- Phone
- 805-658-5730
Amenities
- Reservable sites
Only amenities a source confirms are listed; an amenity missing here is unknown, not absent.
About 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 pap
Cell coverage
No coverage data for this location yet.
Nearby RV services
- Dump station
- Marborg Industries · 38 mi
- Water fill
- None mapped within 50 mi
- Propane
- None mapped within 50 mi
- Low clearances
- None mapped within 10 mi
Other places to stay nearby
| Name | Type | Distance | Fee | Hookups |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Rosa Campground | Private campground | 2.6 mi | — | — |
| Santa Rosa Island | National park campground | 2.6 mi | — | No hookups |
| Santa Rosa Island Campground | National park campground | 2.6 mi | $15 | — |
| Santa Rosa Island Backcountry Beach Camping | National park campground | 6.5 mi | $10 | — |
| San Miguel Island | National park campground | 16 mi | — | No hookups |
| San Miguel Island Campground | National park campground | 16 mi | $15 | — |
Open Santa Rosa Island Backcountry Beach Camping in DryRig
Save it offline, check your rig's clearance on the drive in, and see what's nearby on the map.
Sources. Recreation.gov (RIDB). Updated June 2026. Facility facts only; DryRig does not publish ratings or reviews on this page.