4 Days Camping on Santa Rosa Island, Channel Islands National Park, California

4 Days Camping on Santa Rosa Island, Channel Islands National Park, California

McKenzie Koch
Camping on Santa Rosa Island is an unforgettable experience in one of America's least visited National Parks. A perfect combination of solitude and community, this island is ideal for photographers, hikers, divers, surfers and naturalists alike. Use this 4-day itinerary for advice on the best hikes, packing essentials, and where to see the rare Channel Islands Fox. In this guide you'll find: 🌊how to get there ⛺️tips for your campsite 📜detailed day by day itinerary 🥾four of the best hikes 🌱wildlife to see 🧳ultimate packing list ✨tips to make your trip smooth From the moment you step onshore, you are unplugged from society and reconnected with beautiful scenery, human curiosity, and the incredible flora and fauna endemic to Santa Rosa. Get ready to get rugged and recharged.
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Welcome to Santa Rosa Island! This trip turned the Channel Islands my favorite California national park. The perfect balance of amenities and isolation, Santa Rosa Island is ideal. The boat drops off people every few days, so the folks on your boat are the only ones on the island for your entire stay (plus a park ranger).

📵NOTE: Plan for no service from Verizon and AT&T on Santa Rosa. Download this itinerary, hiking routes and update your loved ones before getting on the boat. 

Itinerary:

Day 1 - Arrive at Santa Rosa

Getting There: 

Island Packers is the sole transport company to the Channel Islands.  I recommend planning at least 3 months in advance to reserve your preferred summer weekend. Arrive at the dock 1 hour before departure to load your gear on board, and set sail stress free.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
McKenzie Koch
Hey traveler! I'm so glad you're here. Whatever your dream outdoor adventure is - from surfing Baja to hiking the Sierra - I am here to help you plan it. I'm never in one place long - whenever I get the opportunity to explore somewhere new, I'm an immediate yes. I work seasonal jobs, and between deckhanding whale watching tours and instructing ski lessons, I travel all over the US and outside the country. I've been to 11 countries and 43 U.S. states so far, and that's just the beginning. As spontaneous and go-with-the-flow that sounds, I NEED a plan. I started making itineraries using GoogleDocs in 2013, including links, weather, travel time, alternate options, pricing and more. Now, I am so excited to share them with you! What makes me unique: 💵Budget travel - As a seasonal worker living on tips, I can share my tricks for stretching your dollar without compromising your experience. ⛺️Adventurous activities - I love to keep my body moving, so each guide will have plenty of options to keep you on your feet and see the views from the best spot. 🥖Gluten free restaurant recommendations - My friends say I invented Celiac's disease, as I was diagnosed in 2003. I know how exhausting and isolating it can be to find GF restaurants in new places, so come to my guides for honest reviews of places I tried. 🗺Personalized itineraries - Not sure where to start for your trip? Want someone to take the burden of combing through guides and booking experiences in a timely fashion? Those things bring me JOY, and you can book me to create a personalized plan just for you and your travel companions - including families, kids, girl groups and couples.
What's included
Digital Map
Fully interactive, digital map for finding places nearby
10 places
10 hand-picked places with notes from the creator
1 photo
Beautiful, hi-res photos from the creator
DESTINATION(S) COVERED
Santa Rosa Island, California, USA
Channel Islands National Park, California, USA
FOCUSES AND THEMES
Backpacker
Couples
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Adventure
Budget
Camping
Outdoors
Photography
Sustainable/Eco
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Itinerary
Itineraries typically include day-by-day plans, with food, lodging and activity recommendations for each day.
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