Partial reopening follows May–June wildfire that charred more than 18,000 acres
Channel Islands National Park announced Wednesday that overnight camping will resume on parts of Santa Rosa Island beginning Oct. 14, restoring access to Water Canyon Campground and select backcountry beach camping zones in the island’s northwest and southwest quadrants.
The decision comes after the Santa Rosa Island Fire burned 18,379 acres between May 15 and June 4, leaving significant areas of the island damaged and requiring an extended recovery response by park staff and conservation partners. The park said the southeast quadrant will remain closed to backcountry camping and no permits will be issued there for the rest of the 2026 recreation season; the burn area itself remains closed to visitors.
“Restoring overnight access is a meaningful step forward, but Santa Rosa Island still has substantial recovery work ahead,” said Channel Islands National Park Superintendent Ethan McKinley.
What will reopen — and what stays closed
Water Canyon Campground, located about 1½ miles from the Bechers Bay pier, will reopen with primitive services. The campground offers toilets, picnic tables, food-storage boxes, drinking water and wind shelters, but visitors must carry all equipment and supplies to campsites and pack out trash. Backcountry beach camping will be allowed in designated areas of the northwest and southwest quadrants only.
- Water Canyon Campground reopens: Oct. 14
- Southeast quadrant: remains closed for the season
- Burn area: closed to all visitors until further notice
- Other resource-protection closures: remain in effect — check park conditions before travel
Why restrictions remain in place
Park officials said crews are focused on stabilizing hillsides, protecting cultural and natural resources, clearing culverts and evaluating hazards ahead of the likely upcoming El Niño. The park described the reopening as a measured step to restore visitor access while ensuring safety and supporting ongoing restoration work.
Channel Islands staff cautioned that backcountry camping on Santa Rosa Island is a remote, rigorous experience intended for experienced, well-conditioned backpackers and kayakers. Routes on the island involve long distances, rugged terrain, strong winds, changing tides and limited reliable water sources.
Visitor guidance and reservations
Visitors planning overnight trips should verify current conditions and closure information before traveling. The park emphasized that existing resource-protection closures will remain in effect and that advance reservations are required for backcountry camping. The reopened campground is primitive; parties must be self-sufficient and observe Leave No Trace practices.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Fire size | 18,379 acres |
| Fire dates | May 15–June 4, 2026 |
| Campground reopening | Water Canyon — Oct. 14, 2026 |
Photos released by the Department of the Interior show early signs of recovery, including California poppies and regenerating vegetation near Water Canyon Campground, but the park reiterated that substantial restoration work remains. The park and partnering organizations continue hazard mitigation and resource protection efforts to stabilize slopes and support habitat recovery ahead of potentially wetter conditions this winter.
For residents and visitors interested in visiting Santa Rosa Island, the announcement restores some recreational opportunities but underlines the need for preparation and flexibility. With sections of the island still closed, prospective campers and boaters should check the park’s website or contact park staff for the latest closure maps, reservation instructions and safety guidance before planning travel.
