Sign: Water Canyon Campground

Sign: Water Canyon Campground

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Camping is available on all five islands in Channel Islands National Park. Here on Santa Rosa Island, camping is allowed year round in this designated campground at Water Canyon.

Campground Facilities
Water Canyon campground consists of 15 individual sites located a ¼ of a mile up the canyon.

Camping conditions are primitive. Bathrooms, picnic tables, food/trash storage boxes, and potable water are provided. Water resources are limited so please conserve. There are no services on the island-campers must bring all provisions.

Also, during certain times of year, backcountry camping is allowed on a limited number of beaches. Please refer to the Santa Rosa Island Backcountry Camping Guide located in the box below for more information.

Emergency Procedures
In an emergency, contact a ranger or concession employee. If a phone is available, contact the National Park Dispatch Center at 559-565-4221. This dispatch center handles all emergencies, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, for Channel Islands National Park. On the water, use a marine radio to contact the US Coast Guard on VHF Channel 16.

Campground Regulations
Reservations are required.
Camping reservations are required for all of the park campgrounds. If you have not reserved a site prior to arriving on the island, you must call or visit the website of the federal campground reservation system to reserve a site. Please see the park newspaper for the current phone number and website address. If a cell phone is not available, contact the ranger. Campground fees are charged on a per night/per site basis.

Everything is protected.
As in all national parks, it is illegal to feed, collect, disturb, or harm park wildlife, plant life, or other natural, historical, and archeological features.

Proper food storage is required.
Store all food, trash, and scented items in a secure, animal-proof container at all times. Do not store in tents. Failure to store these items properly may result in a fine. Protect island wildlife, especially the island fox, by keeping your camp clean.

Remove your garbage.
Visitors are required to pack out what they pack in, including garbage.

No campfires or charcoal fires.
Due to extreme fire danger, no campfires or charcoal fires are permitted on the island. Use only enclosed gas campstoves for cooking.

Smoking allowed only on beaches.
Visitors are required to take cigarette butts off the islands with their trash.

Avoid contact with deer mice.
Hantavirus has been found in island deer mice. Contact your physician if you experience flu-like symptoms after contact with deer mice or infected materials. This is a life-threatening illness.

Observe quiet time in the campground after 10:00 pm.
To ensure a pleasurable camping experience for all, please respect your fellow campers and observe quiet time after 10:00 pm.

Be aware of boat departure times.
When departing the island, visitors are responsible for meeting the boat on time. Ask the ranger or concessioner for departure times.