Campsite #10 at Santa Rosa Island Campground, Channel Islands National Park, CA

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$15

Tent Site #10

11 reviews
Walk-In 5 people
0 weak
10
5/20
6/6
Campsite #10 Features: Walk-In access, Back-In parking, Food Storage Locker, Picnic Table, Tent Site

Campsite Reviews (11)

5.0 out of 5

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@JordanBo39F98D · Camped on Apr 18, 2025 at Campsite #10
Beautiful campsite full of wildflowers! The windbreak was much needed as the winds picked up on the latter half of the day. One of my favorite campsites out there.
@CelinaW2922163 · Camped on Apr 7, 2024 at Campsite #10
Santa Rosa Island was an incredible experience. Wild flowers were in full bloom, we got to see foxes and even a couple whales on the ferry. Beaches were pristine. Prepare for wind this time of year. We had a day and a half of no wind and got to enjoy the sun on the beach. Campsite is clean and has running water and flushable toilets. Be prepared for a remote experience. Park Rangers housing is a bit away from campsite so you are likely to not see them.
@DustinH7713849 · Camped on Nov 5, 2023 at Campsite #10
Facilities were top notch and well maintained, especially for a remote island! Easy access to water at several spots in the campground and the bathrooms were well cared for. Wind shelters provided a nice break when the gusts came through. Food storage "fox boxes" are a little small for more than 2 people in a site, so work to consolidate food and minimize trash.
@KathleenW46740 · Camped on May 15, 2023 at Campsite #10
The campground in Water Canyon is really nice. There are wind shelters for your tent. The campground has restrooms with running water and flush toilets. There are water spigots in the campground that supply potable water, but it was a bit gritty and I didn't like the taste; so, I filtered the water I used for drinking. I stayed two nights but I wish had stayed three nights because Santa Rosa Island is a special place.
@DanaS551 · Camped on Nov 21, 2021 at Campsite #10
My partner and I booked this trip last minute for Thanksgiving week. Be sure to take your Dramamine because it is a 2-3hr ride over. When we got off the boat we were welcomed by a ranger who informed us of information about our campsite and the island. There was as a volunteer ranger that did an orientation for those doing backcountry camping.

The walk to the campsite was 1.3miles all flat except the minor hill to get up and into the canyon. The wind structures were extremely helpful and the grounds are very well kept. There are only 15 campsite so all have great sunrise/sunset views, just depends on how close you want to be to the bathrooms. One note, you are staying in a canyon and your voices do echo and carry. Please be mindful of others. We were pleasantly surprised to find (2) nice bathrooms with sinks and flush toilets.

The crows and foxes are no joke. My partner and I turned our backs for a minute and a fox grabbed our trash bag. Always have someone watching your food & trash.

Key tips:
- The maps on the island are not good, purchase the National Geographic map of the islands at REI or the gift shop before you get on the boat. It'll run you about $15.
- Lobo Canyon is a must do if you have the time.
- Torrey Pines & Cherry Canyon Trails are also both worth it if you're going for a day.
- East Point Hike is flat but far and there is no shade. Bring lots of water, hat & sunscreen.
- There isn't a lot of shade on this island, be prepared with water, a hat & sunscreen.
@SummerR475 · Camped on Nov 16, 2021 at Campsite #10
Park was absolutley beautiful and unique. Employees were so knowledgeable and helpful!
@JohnR852 · Camped on Oct 17, 2021 at Campsite #10
Beautiful island and beaches. Campsites very close together. No ranger led hikes to forbidden areas as advertised. East Point was wonderful hike. Carrington a pleasant surprise to see the more abundant vegetation beyond the fence. Nice to have running water in the restroom at campground. Stayed three nights, could have stayed longer to see the backcountry. Interesting history.
@ArielW817 · Camped on May 2, 2021 at Campsite #10
The boat getting there was really rough due to weather and the first night was very windy, but as it calmed down we got perfect spring days for hiking and camping. The hiking trails are incredible and the beaches are divine. Ao much wildlife and plantlife!! The campsite has everything you need including partial shelter, lockbox for food, picnic table, bathroom, and drinking water. Amazing place and would love to go again.
@OwenS562 · Camped on Mar 31, 2021 at Campsite #10
Rangers are awesome. The experience is challenging. An excellent space to teach self reliance and environmental stewardship to your children; and have fun too!
@AnneliseS366 · Camped on Mar 14, 2021 at Campsite #10
This is a beautiful location, surrounded by wildflowers in March. The small shelters are very efficient in protecting against the wind, the toilet is very clean and people were mindful keeping it this way. Everything is made so you are comfortable and have everything you need.
@GuyV690 · Camped on Mar 3, 2021 at Campsite #10
Nice campground. Clean restrooms and nice to have running water in camp. Nice to have the shelters to protect from the wind. I recommend that you stick your entire tent inside the shelter and move your picnic table in front. Winds are pretty common. Day hikes were all fantastic. Amazing views and most in the range of 10-16 miles roundtrip. Note that there is not a lot of shade(if any) on most trails so be aware of too much sun. Helpful Park Rangers throughout my 3 night visit.

Also be aware that on departure day you may be asked to pack up earlier if the afternoon winds kick up. Originally our pickup time was 3:00pm, but rangers came into camp around 7:45am and told us we needed to be at the pier by 10:30am due to rough weather we may encounter in the afternoon trip back to Ventura. Highly recommend this trip.

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