Water Canyon Campground — Hotel in Santa Rosa Island

Santa Rosa Island Campground is located in Water Canyon 1.5 miles from the pier, 45-1h walk. 15 campsites are available of which the ones located east of the road are most preferable because of flat ground and privacy given by large bushes. I would consider 6 to be the worst given that it has a slope and is closest to the most sites. Site 15 has the most privacy and space (All shelters are the same size). The bathroom is immaculate with running water, mirror & toilet paper. Showers were not available. The potable water was acceptable and tasted round. In these conditions provided potable water is a luxury. 10-15 minute walk from the campgrounds to the beach. If you are carrying a lot of equipment I would recommend you take the coastal road instead of the coastal trail. Make sure you move the table to the side with the fox box to make your life easier. I had to use a tripod to support my tent during heavy winds. Dust will find its way onto everything in your tent. If your a car camper and not a seasoned backpacker your equipment will be heavier and won’t pack into a smaller size. I would recommend a cart to haul equipment. Carrying 60 pounds to the campsite is possible but….. I found eggs to be a luxury item I craved. If you value luxury items bring a cart. Ranger might bring the truck to load campers items and will transport them to and around the bear boxes at the pier. Thank you Ranger you didn’t...

In order to camp here, you have to coordinate your ferry ride (Island Packers) with your camping reservation. I believe there are trips on Wednesdays and Saturdays. So be prepared for a four day trip. The boat ride is roughly 3 hours. No Stores or Restaurants on the island. You can also do a day hike and return back to the mainland. The campgrounds offer three-walled huts with a roof cover. You also have a table and a shared water spigot. Bathrooms are very clean and have running water. They run on solar panel, so be respectful and turn off the light after you’re done. Beach access is a 10-12min walk from the campground. 5G service is scattered but mostly no coverage. Don’t be surprised if it gets WINDY you’re on an island and that’s to be expected. Also from the pier to this campground is a 1.5 mile walk. So be prepared to be walking in windy conditions. On a clear sunny, calm day you have spectacular views of the coast and the hills. spring time is the best time to...

I’ve stayed at every campground in the park except San Miguel’s, and so far, Water Canyon takes the cake. Potable water, flush toilets, and wind shelters might not sound like luxuries but on these remote islands, they make a huge difference in terms of convenience, sanitation, and weather protection for backpackers.

Each site offers enough privacy, and after watching fellow campers lose their breakfasts on the ferry ride over, there’s a shared sense of camaraderie. People tend to be respectful of each other’s space. With plenty of great hikes nearby, I’ve never found myself bored here.

And honestly, half the beauty of this campground is the journey it takes to get there. Maybe I should stop writing now, before I give away too much of...