Catalina Island
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There are five campgrounds to choose from, plus some boat-in campsites. Most campers get to the island by ferry or private boat, so consider this when packing.
You must get a permit for Catalina Island camping. These are available either at the Two Harbors Visitor Services or at Avalon's Island Plaza. When you arrive, you should check in with one of these before heading for camp. To reserve a campground, call 310-510-8368. They also have some gear to rent, including tents, sleeping bags and pads.
The camping fee is $12 per night for adults and $6 for children. There is also a ten day maximum stay. No pets are allowed.
Click here for Catalina Island transportation information and how to get to Two Harbors.
Below you'll find a list of the Catalina Island camping spots:
Hermit Gulch Campground
location: Avalon, 1 1/2 miles from the boat landing on Avalon Canyon Road.
campsites: 54 tent
amenities: flush toilets, showers, picnic tables, BBQ, a small store
You can either hike in or take a taxi to this campground inland near Wrigley Memorial and Botanical Garden. It is on a grassy field with trees. No wood fires are allowed. Propane, charcoal, firewood and ice is available for sale from the rangers.
Two Harbors Campground
location: Two Harbors
campsites: 43 tent, 3 group
amenities: chemical toilets, cold showers, snack bar, coin laundry
You can hike 1/4 mile uphill from Two Harbors or take the Safari Bus. The campground is on a bluff above the beach. Several of the sites are sheltered. There is snorkelling and biking.
Little Harbor Campground
location: 7 miles east of Two Harbors, 16 miles west of Avalon
campsites: 17 tent, 8 are group
amenities: chemical toilets, cold showers, picnic tables, BBQ, fire ring
You can either hike in (difficult) or ride the Safari Bus in from Avalon or Two Harbors. You can also opt to have your gear transported in from Two Harbors if you arrange it in advance with Visitor Services.
Blackjack Campground
location: 9 miles west of Avalon near Mt. Orizaba (the highest peak on Catalina)
campsites: 11 tent (primitive)
amenities: chemical toilets, BBQ, fire ring, picnic tables
This inland campground can be reached by hiking in or by riding the Safari Bus or Airport Shuttle from Avalon to the trail head. Once you get to the trail head, it is another 1 1/2 mile hike to the campground set amongst trees.
Parson's Landing Campground
location: Between Land's End and Arrow Point, 7 miles west of Two Harbors
campsites: 8 tent (primitive)
amenities: chemical toilets, BBQ, fire ring, picnic tables
You must hike in or arrive by kayak to access this campground, which faces the beach. There is no water or shade, so bring your own.
Boat-In Campsites
The Catalina Island camping experience can be especially unique by boat or kayak. There are nine boat-in areas which contain a total of 17 campsites. These are found along the northeast shore of Avalon.
These sites are fairly primitive, with no water, toilets or moorings. You must pack out all your own trash. Also, no fires are allowed.
More about visiting Catalina
Click here to find out about camping at other Southern California beaches.
To leave the Catalina Island Camping page and return to the Southern California Beaches Vacation Guide home page, click here.
