Campsite #5 at Santa Rosa Island Campground, Channel Islands National Park, CA

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Tent Site #5

14 reviews
Walk-In 5 people
0 weak
5
3/5
4/12
Campsite #5 Features: Walk-In access, Back-In parking, Food Storage Locker, Picnic Table, Tent Site

Campsite Reviews (14)

5.0 out of 5

5 star
71%
4 star
29%
3 star
0%
2 star
0%
1 star
0%

@JeffreyH206902 · Camped on Nov 10, 2025 at Campsite #5
This is such a remote and beautiful gem of a park and campground. Very quiet at night and sheltered from wind.
T-Mobile
No Service
@michaelg734741 · Camped on Sep 28, 2025 at Campsite #5
Ranger and crew were fantastic.
T-Mobile
Some Coverage
@DavidD5028320 · Camped on Sep 12, 2025 at Campsite #5
The island is undeniably amazing, but it can be uncomfortable: a rough channel crossing, relentless wind for days, minimal shade, rough surf, etc. Please consider the conditions carefully before bringing young children. One group brought infants and toddlers. They were miserable the entire time -- crying almost nonstop until the boat arrived days later.
Verizon
Major Issues
@DanielC8838163 · Camped on Aug 24, 2025 at Campsite #5
Prepare for very little shade and lots of wind! The view of the stars is phenomenal.
@JeanetteM15771 · Camped on May 5, 2025 at Campsite #5
5 stars for the island hikes, views, history. 3 stars for campsite fox boxes, overgrown weeds near bathroom, trail maintenance poor. 5 stars for bathrooms. 2 stars for the rangers whom you are greeted very poorly,lectured on rules, basically told you may or may not see (we didn't except as they passed us in their atv or truck kicking up dust) and don't call them if emergency- go to beach and dial 911. They never posted boat updates on board. Finally, the experience will help you forget the rangers. The island views, flowers, trails, camping were awesome!!!
Verizon
Some Coverage
@Samantha444495 · Camped on Apr 14, 2025 at Campsite #5
Beautiful all around, loved the hikes and wildlife viewing.
Verizon
Some Coverage
@LeoS8439359366 · Camped on Apr 7, 2024 at Campsite #5
A great trip. Facilities were excellent. Day hikes were interesting. My buddy and I did a three night stay.
T-Mobile
Some Coverage
@AndreaA2413770 · Camped on Apr 28, 2023 at Campsite #5
Water Canyon campground is lovely. It has running water in the restrooms and faucets near the campsites. The wind shelters have been expertly placed so one can sit at the picnic table in comfort even during high winds. Be aware that your tent needs to be placed aerodynamically to the downdraft in the canyon and well staked. A hammer is helpful. We packed for car camping which made the walk of only 1.5 miles hard. If you use a wagon or pack for a backpack, it is easier. Being there in late April during a good rain year, the flowers were spectacular. We hiked to near Skunk Point, through the Torrey pines and down Wreck Road, the Cherry Canyon loop, and a bit of the Carrington Point trail. Watch out for ticks if you are leading a group and foxes in the campground who will steal anything that smells of food, even vegetables.
T-Mobile
Major Issues
@MargaretN45036 · Camped on Feb 17, 2023 at Campsite #5
Wild flowers in mid Feb: amazing! Beautiful hikes, in all directions. And enthusiastic, helpful rangers, particularly Kim.
@WendyVC3FC0E24 · Camped on Nov 22, 2020 at Campsite #5
The island is beautiful. The wind breaks are really needed in the campground. It is a great place for hiking. Unlike Santa Cruz, it is not a great place for kayaking. Just getting there by Island Packers is a wonderful part of the trip.
T-Mobile
No Service
@nicholasl16533 · Camped on Oct 18, 2020 at Campsite #5
Epic! Very windy and dusty (at least in the Fall). Foxes will come right up to your campsite!
Verizon
Major Issues
@IanC5026112328 · Camped on Sep 29, 2020 at Campsite #5
SUPPER CLEAN restrooms as far as national parks go, and fresh drinkable running water. Only complaint is the actual location of the camp ground, supper windy at night and warmer than most other areas we hiked to. Otherwise AMAZING.
Verizon
No Service
@IanC5026112328 · Camped on Sep 28, 2020 at Campsite #5
SUPPER CLEAN restrooms as far as national parks go, and fresh drinkable running water. Only complaint is the actual location of the camp ground, supper windy at night and warmer than most other areas we hiked to. Otherwise AMAZING.
Verizon
No Service
@CrystalE914612 · Camped on Aug 14, 2019 at Campsite #5
Awesome place to just "get away". I would recommend better trail signs and maybe some mile markers. Ether way I would definitely go again.

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