Camp ObserverSanta Rosa Island
$15.00/night
Camp site features
Across 15 camp sites:
- Largest party: 5 people
- Equipment: Tent
Directions
Boat transportation can be arranged with Island Packers from Ventura Harbor.
Air transportation can be arranged with Channel Islands Aviation from Camarillo airport.
To park headquarters in Ventura, California: Highway 101, exit Victoria or Seaward to Ventura Harbor.
Stay Limit
Check in from 12 PM, check out by 12 PM.
Reviews
Pamela S
Loop:Sites 001-015
Site:
Reviewed 15 days ago
Having potable water available was fantastic. Site #1 was extremely windy, seemed more than the other sites, but we didn't care, but site #3 seems like the magic site? I wish wagons could be used, it would make trekking everything to the campsite easier. We hiked out in the rain, you might think about offering literature on hiking out in the rain. I think if we'd taken the trail closer to the airstrip vs. the main path it would have been better traction. In any case, the bathrooms at the campsite are excellent, once we were set up the camping and hiking were excellent--SRI is such a special island, so different from Santa Cruz. A bald eagle swooped through the camp our last night. Very special.
Samuel J
Loop:Sites 001-015
Site:
Reviewed 5 months ago
The restrooms were well maintained, and the view of the sunrise from the campsite was pretty.
Ashley B
Loop:Sites 001-015
Site:
Reviewed 6 months ago
Remote. Beautiful.
Sue M
Loop:Sites 001-015
Site:
Reviewed 6 months ago
So great to get away from it all ( no cell phone reception here folks!). Fantastic hikes and amazing dark skies.
Be ready for VERY windy nights and come prepared with a decent tent. Pitch it inside the wind break as much as you can. The wind breaks are great (thank you NPS) - bring a hammock to string inside too.
Firefighters were arriving as we left the island - let's all support recovery of our precious Island and many thanks to the Hotshots (wildland fire hand crews) for fighting the fire.
Donelle B
Loop:Sites 001-015
Site:
Reviewed 6 months ago
So glad we got there right before it burned. We got to see the Torrey pines-now burned, thanks to an inept sailor who can neither sail nor read a map. We appreciated the flush toilets after Santa Cruz's pits. The wind shelters were very nice and kept the dew off our kitchen set-up.
Great hikes and beautiful beaches-at least they were a week ago.
Robert L
Loop:Sites 001-015
Site:
Reviewed 6 months ago
I really enjoyed our 3 day, 2 night visit. After setting up camp at the Water Canyon campground we hiked the 5 mile Torrey Pines loop, which included a steep climb and strong, chilly winds rewarded by amazing views. That night we endured howling winds most of the night that whipped at our tents violently. The next day we did the 12 mile out and back Lobo Canyon hike enjoying beautiful scenery, warm weather, unique plants, and the lovely little beach at the end as a perfect lunch spot and views from the top of the Canyon of the wild north coast. More howling winds at camp that night. Day three I hiked the length of the beach near the campsite exploring a small cave with undulating striated walls, and had lunch at the east end enjoying the beauty and serenity. On the boat ride back we went into the Painted Cave and saw Blue and Humpback whales. In summary, it was amazing, well worth the discomfort of the winds at night.
Popularity: Very quiet
Busiest in November, when about 10% of guest capacity is reserved. Based on 4 years of reservations.
Season dates
Peak season
Jan 1, 2026 – Dec 31, 2026
Reservable online
Peak season
Jan 1, 2027 – Dec 31, 2027
Reservable online
Peak season
Jan 1, 2028 – Dec 31, 2028
Reservable online
Camp Sites
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