Campsite #2 at Santa Rosa Island Campground, Channel Islands National Park, CA

@KevinB3052996 · Camped on Mar 26, 2025 at Campsite #2

The ranger were excellent and did a great job of answering our questions and keeping us updated as the ferry times changed given the ruff seas. the bathroom were also really clean

@AustinP158219C · Camped on Sep 15, 2024 at Campsite #2

Santa Rosa is amazing - the trek from the pier to the campsite is tough - bring a collapsible wagon - but the island is calm and beautiful. I've been 3 times and will go back

@KarenD6822172 · Camped on Nov 17, 2023 at Campsite #2

Loved the isolation and the wildlife, will definitely go back.

@SterlingH57708 · Camped on Sep 11, 2023 at Campsite #2

The shelters at Water Canyon were a godsend! Winds were constant at 10 - 15 mph, often higher. The lockboxes were also very welcome, as the Island Foxes can be a bit bold in mooching for food.Access to potable water became a real thing over the course of my stay.

@DylanL5320615 · Camped on Mar 13, 2023 at Campsite #2

Most underrated island. Lots of beautiful beaches, not crowded, and very lush during spring months. However, weather can be bipolar, mosquitos can be annoying at night (recommend a tent), and it can get windy at times. Other than Tory pines and lobo canyon, there are no trees, so shaded areas are minimal. Overall a refreshing experience and great place to leave your busy life back on the mainland for a few days.

@ChristopherB30 · Camped on Nov 20, 2022 at Campsite #2

Nicest bathrooms in all of the deserted islands

@KevinT2315580 · Camped on Oct 28, 2022 at Campsite #2

The wind is for real.

@DanielC8838163 · Camped on Jul 20, 2022 at Campsite #2

This was an amazing trip.

@KathyT2444061 · Camped on Apr 15, 2022 at Campsite #2

Clean and well maintained flush toilet, sinks, tiled bathroom at campgound. Excellent orientation information provided by park ranger upon arrival. Beautiful landscapes and coastline views.

@GenevaNCC256B2 · Camped on Mar 20, 2022 at Campsite #2

After the roughest seas imaginable on the way there and gale force winds the first day, but then oh my oh my true beauty. Perfect balance of camping and comfort (thanks to the much needed wind screen, bear box and well kept bathrooms). Last few days were absolutely beautiful with all the wildflowers in bloom and plenty of critters to see. So much to do and will be going back. Very lucky to have a pod of blue whales in the bay the last two days and got to see a pod of dolphins on our super smooth and gorgeous cruise back. Officially a part of Channel Islands hype team.

@ReneeL6939274 · Camped on Mar 14, 2022 at Campsite #2

During our 7 hour drive to Ventura where we planned to spend the night before we took the ferry to Santa Rosa, we received an email letting us know that it was highly likely that our return ferry from the island would be canceled due to ocean conditions. Since we had plans to fly home the day after our scheduled ferry we canceled the entire trip. Thus, we never made it to Santa Rosa. Very disappointing.

@CaitlinK160792 · Camped on Oct 1, 2021 at Campsite #2

Great campground. Loved having running water and clean restrooms for such a remote location. The wind shelters add a nice sense of privacy. Due to the distance from the ranger, your atmosphere is slightly based upon your neighbors who decide to follow rules or not.

@CaitlinK532 · Camped on Oct 1, 2021 at Campsite #2

Great campground. Loved having running water and clean restrooms for such a remote location. The wind shelters add a nice sense of privacy. Due to the distance from the ranger, your atmosphere is slightly based upon your neighbors who decide to follow rules or not.

@MayaraR850 · Camped on Sep 6, 2021 at Campsite #2

Amazing! I was concerned about the many reviews about the wind but got lucky and was there for 3 nearly windless days (early September).
The island is beautiful, very well maintained, and the boat ride from and to the island are extraordinary. Camping there was one of my best stargazing experiences so far, and the foxes that runs around the campground are adorable.
If you get one of the first few campsites you’ll wake up to ocean views (if the fog cooperate). Water has a bit of a taste, but it’s potable and not horrible. Some people brought trolleys to help them with their gear (look for restrictions with the boat company). I backpacked and the walk from the boat to the campsite takes about 30-45 minutes, making it good for a beginner backpacker. Pack lightly and please be respectful of this beautiful land.
The water is cold and although it can get a bit warmer inland the beaches are often overcast. If you’re looking for a tropical vacation to chill by the beach this may not be your best bet. The sky cleared a bit during the afternoons, but looks unpredictable.

Tip: the canyon hike is long (12-miles round trip from the campground), and challenging, but the final destination is worth it and the way back feels easier after you dip your feet in the water and take the views. That being said, the entire island is beautiful and the sunset overlooking the ‘village’ is breathtaking.

@MayaraRB37919B · Camped on Sep 6, 2021 at Campsite #2

Amazing! I was concerned about the many reviews about the wind but got lucky and was there for 3 nearly windless days (early September).The island is beautiful, very well maintained, and the boat ride from and to the island are extraordinary. Camping there was one of my best stargazing experiences so far, and the foxes that runs around the campground are adorable.If you get one of the first few campsites youll wake up to ocean views (if the fog cooperate). Water has a bit of a taste, but its potable and not horrible. Some people brought trolleys to help them with their gear (look for restrictions with the boat company). I backpacked and the walk from the boat to the campsite takes about 30-45 minutes, making it good for a beginner backpacker. Pack lightly and please be respectful of this beautiful land.The water is cold and although it can get a bit warmer inland the beaches are often overcast. If youre looking for a tropical vacation to chill by the beach this may not be your best bet. The sky cleared a bit during the afternoons, but looks unpredictable.Tip: the canyon hike is long (12-miles round trip from the campground), and challenging, but the final destination is worth it and the way back feels easier after you dip your feet in the water and take the views. That being said, the entire island is beautiful and the sunset overlooking the village is breathtaking.

@MayfairY7DA98E · Camped on Jun 30, 2021 at Campsite #2

One IMPORTANT SUGGESTION to Park Officials: since your funding from National Parks Service is not high, you could make some money by using your trucks on the island to help passengers debarking Island Packers' Ferry, carry just one piece of luggage/cooler per party, from the pier to the campsite at Water Canyon. Many passengers arrive with too heavy a load, bec. they have no conception of how long 1.5 miles is with heavy packs and coolers. They would easily pay money to get some help, and you have the staff and the trucks right there, and it's not everyday that ferries arrive. You do not need to help with people moving from campsite to ferry, as by then, all the heavy food has been eaten.

@MayfairY293 · Camped on Jun 30, 2021 at Campsite #2

One IMPORTANT SUGGESTION to Park Officials: since your funding from National Parks Service is not high, you could make some money by using your trucks on the island to help passengers debarking Island Packers' Ferry, carry just one piece of luggage/cooler per party, from the pier to the campsite at Water Canyon. Many passengers arrive with too heavy a load, bec. they have no conception of how long 1.5 miles is with heavy packs and coolers. They would easily pay money to get some help, and you have the staff and the trucks right there, and it's not everyday that ferries arrive. You do not need to help with people moving from campsite to ferry, as by then, all the heavy food has been eaten.

@PeterH956 · Camped on Jun 4, 2021 at Campsite #2

The entire experience was excellent. We were there in early June after the grasses had turned brown but there were still many wildflowers in the canyons and along the trails. The limited diversity of plants and animals made the experience more intense and special, especially for the island endemics. That's not to say there was not a broad range of each to see. The many environments- cloud forest, tide pools, riparian, Torrey Pine grove, sandy beaches, marshes, and grasslands- offered a wide spectrum of life zones. The minimal presence of modern human development gave the island a pristine sensibility. The campground and its amenities were more than expected but much appreciated. The NPS staff were great. The weather was wonderful- fog, breezy but not howling winds, and some sunny afternoons. We were very fortunate to have this opportunity. The CINP website, especially the GPS active trail map was very useful. The interpretive guide was quite good though a bit much on the brief ranch period. Consideration of the Chumash history and culture was appreciated and could be strengthened. Thank you NPS very much. Peter

@PeterH7075759 · Camped on Jun 4, 2021 at Campsite #2

The entire experience was excellent. We were there in early June after the grasses had turned brown but there were still many wildflowers in the canyons and along the trails. The limited diversity of plants and animals made the experience more intense and special, especially for the island endemics. That's not to say there was not a broad range of each to see. The many environments- cloud forest, tide pools, riparian, Torrey Pine grove, sandy beaches, marshes, and grasslands- offered a wide spectrum of life zones. The minimal presence of modern human development gave the island a pristine sensibility. The campground and its amenities were more than expected but much appreciated. The NPS staff were great. The weather was wonderful- fog, breezy but not howling winds, and some sunny afternoons. We were very fortunate to have this opportunity. The CINP website, especially the GPS active trail map was very useful. The interpretive guide was quite good though a bit much on the brief ranch period. Consideration of the Chumash history and culture was appreciated and could be strengthened. Thank you NPS very much. Peter

@ThomasS5574085 · Camped on Mar 31, 2021 at Campsite #2

The weather was warmer and less windy in April than it had been when we tried over the summer, perhaps because we enjoyed the less typical Easterly winds which are warmer than the Westerly ocean winds. This was unexpected, but shows that the weather is more variable day-to-day than month-to-month. Also unexpected was the dryness and hotness. The creek by the camp site was quite low, and there were few fish. Wildflowers bloomed everywhere we went in the spring and the hiking was glorious. The sand dunes and the cliffs along the beach remain impressive, even if the water is too cold to enjoy swimming. In whatever season, the island remains stunningly beautiful, but a difficult place to be comfortable. It is either too hot or too cold, and most of the time too windy. This is not a casual hang-out place to party. It is a tough and rugged landscape for adventurers and scientists to explore.

@ThomasS434 · Camped on Mar 31, 2021 at Campsite #2

The weather was warmer and less windy in April than it had been when we tried over the summer, perhaps because we enjoyed the less typical Easterly winds which are warmer than the Westerly ocean winds. This was unexpected, but shows that the weather is more variable day-to-day than month-to-month. Also unexpected was the dryness and hotness. The creek by the camp site was quite low, and there were few fish. Wildflowers bloomed everywhere we went in the spring and the hiking was glorious. The sand dunes and the cliffs along the beach remain impressive, even if the water is too cold to enjoy swimming. In whatever season, the island remains stunningly beautiful, but a difficult place to be comfortable. It is either too hot or too cold, and most of the time too windy. This is not a casual hang-out place to party. It is a tough and rugged landscape for adventurers and scientists to explore.

@AnahiQA6CDF203 · Camped on Sep 7, 2020 at Campsite #2

The wild life on Carrington Point has me so hooked on them, I haven't gone to Lobo ... Look out for the bright pink sky and you will see a pink ocean!!!

@RobertH1222975 · Camped on Jun 21, 2020 at Campsite #2

These campsites are amazing! The "bear" boxes are really helpful. Potable water is readily available both by spigot and at the bathroom. The bathrooms are incredibly well-maintained. The windbreak at each campsite is really nice and essential on such a windy island. Would highly recommend this to anyone