Camping, Camps & Gear Haul

Catalina Island camping is a rugged, fun adventure for the experienced traveler.

Did you know that camping is one of the best ways enjoy a natural, outdoor experience on the island? Catalina Island offers family camps, five campgrounds as well as seventeen primitive boat–in only campsites at locations between Two Harbors and Avalon.  The island offers camping accommodations for individuals and families with a variety of amenities.

You can even rent camping equipment on the island and have a company set it up at your site for you. All you have to do is show up.  Camping on Catalina Island can be one of the most memorable outdoor experiences you’ve ever had!  

Download Camping & Hiking Map

CAMPGROUNDS & CAMPSITES
Hermit Gulch Campground - Avalon
Located on Avalon Canyon Road approximately 1.5 miles from the Avalon boat landing. BBQ pits (no wood fires), picnic tables, coin operated showers/lockers. Tent cabins, rental tents and equipment available. Some camping supplies for sale at campground office. Visitors can ride COAST by Ride Circuit, Avalon's public on demand transportation system.

Black Jack Campground - Remote Catalina Interior
Nestled among pine and eucalyptus trees near Mt. Orizaba within Catalina’s inland. At 1,600 feet above sea level, the campground provides eleven campsites. The trailhead (1.5 mile moderate hike) for the campground is 9 miles from Avalon and 11.8 miles from Two Harbors.

Little Harbor Campground - Remote Catalina Interior - Windward side - Beachfront
Located about 7 miles east of Two Harbors and 16 miles from Avalon. Little Harbor is a sandy, beachfront campground located on the “backside” of Catalina with lots of opportunities for recreation. 23 campsites are available. Accessible from either Two Harbors (25 min) or Avalon (1.5 hrs) by car/taxi or by biking or hiking.

Parson’s Landing - Remote West End - Beachfront
Located seven miles from Two Harbors Isthmus Cove. It’s a moderately difficult hike or kayak to the remote campground, but there you will find long stretches of pristine beach with eight primitive sites. Shade structures and running water are not provided. You must pack in your supplies. BBQ, fire ring, chemical toilets.   

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

Primitive Boat-In Campsites 
Enjoy true seclusion along the Pacific coast. 17 sites at 9 locations between Two Harbors and Avalon available by reservation for primitive camping. No moorings are available, these are anchor-in coves only. Must provide own water and port-a-potty and pack out all trash. Campfires are not allowed at the Boat-in campsites.

• Rippers Cove - 8.6 nautical miles from Avalon / 4nautical miles from Two Harbors
• Paradise Cove - 8.4 nautical miles from Avalon / 4.25 nautical miles from Two Harbors
• Lava Wall - 8.1 from Avalon / 4.5 from Two Harbors
• Gibraltar - 7.1 from Avalon / 5.5 from Two Harbors
• Cabrillo - 7 from Avalon/ 5.75 from Two Harbors
• Goat Harbor - 6.2 from Avalon / 6.4 from Two Harbors
• Italian Gardens - 5.25 from Avalon / 7.4 from Two Harbors
• Long Point Beach - 4.875 from Avalon / 7.75 from Two Harbors
• Willow Cove - 2.75 from Avalon / 9.9 from Two Harbors

CAMPING RESERVATIONS & PERMIT INFO (for all above campsites):
Book online with Catalina Island Company. (Please note: There is a service fee for reservations)  All camping reservations can be made by calling 310.510.4205 or email camping@scico.com. Camping reservations are required.  Your camping reservation serves as your camping/hiking permit.  For reservations, please call 310.510.4205 or book online. The maximum consecutive stay is 10 days. Camping rates are per person, per night.

TRAIL MAPS, HIKING & BIKING PERMITS:
Available at The Trailhead in Avalon.  The new headquarters for the Catalina Island Conservancy, the Trailhead, is the perfect starting point for discovering the island’s vast interior. Stop by 708 Crescent Avenue, call 310-510-1445 or visit CatalinaConservancy.org. Visit our Hiking Page for more information about hiking the Trans-Catalina Trail along with general hiking information.

CAMPING SUPPORT SERVICES

• Catalina Backcountry - 310-913-9036
  Your adventure concierge! Naturalist led hikes, comfort camping, trail support, gear haul, adventure expeditions. 

EQUIPMENT & KAYAK RENTAL

• Catalina Backcountry - 310-913-9036
• Descanso Beach Ocean Sports - 310-510-1226
• Joe’s Rent-A-Boat - 310-510-0455
• Wet Spot Rentals -310-510-2229
• Two Harbors Dive Shop - 310-510-4272 

SUMMER & FAMILY/GROUP CAMPS:

• Catalina Sea Camp (CIMI) -  866-211-1983
  Camp at Toyon Bay for kids ages 8-17. 
• Catalina Island Camps - 626-296-4040
  Camp at Howland’s Landing for kids grades 2-11.
• Mountain & Sea Adventures - 310-519-3172
  Camp at White’s Landing for kids, families, groups.  Also the 112’ Enhydra.
• Campus by the Sea - 310-510-0015
  Gallagher's Cove. The only oceanfront Christian camp in California offring family, youth and retreat camps.