Love Catalina Island Tourism Authority

Catalina Island Camping, Campsites & Gear Haul — Where to Stay Outdoors

Catalina Island camping delivers a rugged, enjoyable adventure for experienced travelers.

Camping is among the best ways to experience the island’s natural outdoors. Catalina Island has family camps, five campgrounds, and seventeen primitive boat–in only campsites positioned between Two Harbors and Avalon. Individuals and families can choose from camping accommodations with a range of amenities.

Camping equipment can also be rented on the island, with a company available to set everything up at your campsite before you arrive. Camping on Catalina Island can become one of your most memorable outdoor experiences.

Campgrounds & Campsites

Hermit Gulch Campground — Avalon

Hermit Gulch sits on Avalon Canyon Road, approximately 1.5 miles from the Avalon boat landing. Facilities include BBQ pits (no wood fires), picnic tables, and coin operated showers/lockers. Tent cabins, rental tents, and camping equipment are available, while the campground office sells some camping supplies. Visitors can ride COAST by Ride Circuit, Avalon's public on demand transportation system.

Black Jack Campground — Remote Catalina Interior

Located inland near Mt. Orizaba, this campground is surrounded by pine and eucalyptus trees. At 1,600 feet above sea level, it has eleven campsites. The trailhead is 9 miles from Avalon and 11.8 miles from Two Harbors, followed by a 1.5 mile moderate hike to the campground.

Little Harbor Campground — Remote Catalina Interior, Windward Side, Beachfront

Little Harbor is approximately 7 miles east of Two Harbors and 16 miles from Avalon. This sandy, beachfront campground on the “backside” of Catalina offers numerous recreational opportunities and has 23 campsites. Travelers can reach it from Two Harbors in 25 min or from Avalon in 1.5 hrs by car or taxi, as well as by bicycle or on foot.

Parson’s Landing — Remote West End, Beachfront

Parson’s Landing lies seven miles from Two Harbors Isthmus. Reaching this remote campground requires a moderately difficult hike or kayak trip. Once there, visitors find long stretches of pristine beach and eight primitive sites. Shade structures and running water are not provided, so all supplies must be packed in. Amenities include a BBQ, fire ring, and chemical toilets.

Two Harbors Campground — Two Harbors, Beachfront

This west-end trailhead campground is 1/4 mile from the village of Two Harbors. It offers 48 individual sites, two group camping areas, tent cabins that sleep up to 6, firepits, and picnic tables. Bahia Azul and Brisa del Mar, the group camping sites, can each accommodate up to 30 adults. Camping equipment is available to rent, and firewood, propane, and charcoal are available for purchase.

Primitive Boat-In Campsites

For genuine Pacific coast seclusion, 17 sites at 9 locations between Two Harbors and Avalon are available by reservation for primitive camping. These are anchor-in coves only; no moorings are available. Campers must bring their own water and port-a-potty and pack out all trash. Campfires are not allowed at the Boat-in campsites.

Camping Reservations & Permit Information

Reservations apply to all of the campsites above. Camping reservations are required and can be made by calling 310.510.4205 or emailing visitorservices@scico.com. Online reservations are available through Catalina Island Company, with a service fee for reservations. The camping reservation also functions as the camping/hiking permit. The maximum consecutive stay is 10 days, and camping rates are charged per person, per night.

Trail Maps, Hiking & Biking Permits

The Trailhead in Avalon provides trail maps, hiking permits, and biking permits. As the new headquarters for the Catalina Island Conservancy, The Trailhead is an ideal place to begin exploring the island’s expansive interior. It is located at 708 Crescent Avenue; the phone number is 310-510-1445. Additional hiking information covers the Trans-Catalina Trail and general hiking on the island.

Camping Support Services

Catalina Backcountry — 310-913-9036

Catalina Backcountry is an adventure concierge offering naturalist led hikes, comfort camping, trail support, gear haul, and adventure expeditions.

Catalina Island Co. / Two Harbors — 310-510-4205

For group camping reservation questions and information about camping, gear haul, and grocery delivery services to Two Harbor Campground and Little Harbor Campground, contact Catalina Island Co. / Two Harbors.

Equipment & Kayak Rental

Summer & Family/Group Camps

*Denotes non-member.

Catalina Island Camping Organizations & Facilities

Black Jack Campground

Phone: (310) 510-4205

Black Jack Campground is located among pine and eucalyptus trees near 2,097-foot Mt. Orizaba, Catalina Island’s highest peak. Several miles from both Avalon and Two Harbors, it provides a quiet camping setting in the island’s interior.

Camp Catalina White's Landing

Address: 1 White's Landing Road
Phone: (657) 204-5526

Camp Catalia at White's Landing includes 1,500 ft of private beach, comfortable accommodations, full board dining availble, family camp activities, and pet friendly options. Its offerings include glamping, family camp, and facilities rentals.

Campus by the Sea

Address: 1 Gallagher's Cove
Phone: +1 (310) 510-0015

The Only Oceanfront Christian Camp in California! Located beachfront on Catalina Island, Campus by the Sea is a popular Christ-centered camp and retreat center that has transformed lives for Christ for more than 70 years. Camps and retreats include meals, lodging, and a broad range of activities.

Catalina Backcountry

Address: P.O. Box 2373
Phone: (310) 913-9036

Catalina Backcountry serves as an adventure concierge for naturalist led hikes, comfort camping, the Trans Catalina Trail, gear haul, and adventure expeditions. The company provides a personalized concierge experience and customized services for guests.

Catalina Island Kayak Camping

Address: 5 St Catherine Way
Phone: (310) 510-1226

Accessible only by boat or kayak on the island’s leeward shore, Catalina's boat-in campsites provide secluded coastal camping. These nine sites are primitive and have no running water, shade structures, moorings, or other listed conveniences.

Catalina Sea Camp (CIMI)

Address: 1 Toyon Bay Road
Phone: (909) 625-6194

Catalina Sea Camp describes itself as celebrating over 40 years of Excellence in Ocean Adventure. Its summer camp on Catalina Island includes 60+ ocean adventure and traditional summer camp activities, including scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking, and sailing.

Hermit Gulch Campground

Address: Avalon Canyon Road
Phone: (310) 510-4205

Hermit Gulch Campground is Avalon’s only camping facility within city limits. It is situated in Avalon Canyon near the Wrigley Memorial and Botanical Garden. The campground’s rear trailhead connects with the 38.5 mile Trans-Catalina Trail.

Little Harbor Campground

Address: Little Harbor
Phone: (310) 510-4205

Rated "One of the Best Campgrounds in the West" by Sunset Magazine, Little Harbor Campground and neighboring Shark Harbor suit campers who enjoy beach and water recreation. Little Harbor is about five miles east of Two Harbors and 16 miles from Avalon.

Parsons Landing Campground

Address: Catalina Isthmus
Phone: (310) 510-4205

Parsons Landing is a secluded beach campground seven miles west of the village of Two Harbors. Its eight primitive sites can accommodate up to eight people each. Access is available by a moderately difficult seven-mile hike from Two Harbors or a two-and-a-half-mile hike from another approach.

Two Harbors Campground

Address: Catalina Isthmus
Phone: (310) 510-4205

Positioned 1/4 mile outside the village of Two Harbors on a bluff above the Pacific Ocean, Two Harbors Campground provides traditional tent camping and distinctive tent cabins. Camping guests have access to showers, chemical toilets, fresh water, picnic tables, and additional campground facilities.

Two Harbors General Store

Address: Catalina Isthmus
Phone: (310) 510-4217

Two Harbors General Store sits in the center of the village and has served the Two Harbors community and its visitors for more than 50 years. The store carries groceries, specialty cheeses, breads, domestic beers, microbrews, wine & spirits, and more.

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