Map showing campground location near Avalon, California

Camper submitted image from Black Jack Campground

Black Jack Campground

At Catalina Island's highest elevation campground, Black Jack sits 11.5 miles inland from Avalon along the Trans Catalina Trail. This remote site serves primarily backpackers and hikers traversing the island, offering a completely different experience from coastal camping.

The campground features well-shaded sites under larger trees, with each spot including a picnic table, fire pit, and bear box for food storage. Potable water flows from a spigot located between site 5 and the restrooms. An outdoor shower provides cold water, though multiple campers note it as the least appealing shower facility compared to other TCT campgrounds. Several sites accommodate hammocks, with sufficient trees for hanging. The Airport In The Sky sits approximately 2 miles up the trail.

Wildlife encounters define much of the Black Jack experience. Island foxes frequently visit campsites and show little fear of humans, requiring campers to secure all food and scented items in the provided lockers overnight. Bison also roam the area and require respectful distance. Thick fog often rolls through, soaking gear left outside. Leasa W. found it "very remote and quiet feeling" during her stay.

Cell service varies by carrier, with some reporting good Verizon coverage at the campground itself. For additional coastal options, see campgrounds just outside Avalon.

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Location

Private Campground

Black Jack Campground is located in California

Coordinates

33.38558255 N
118.40621275 W

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Connectivity

T-Mobile
No Coverage
VerizonLTE
Some Coverage
AT&TLTE
Some Coverage

Connectivity

T-Mobile
No Coverage
VerizonLTE
Some Coverage
AT&TLTE
Some Coverage

Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site
Walk-In
Park in a lot, walk to your site.
Hike-In
Backcountry sites.

Site Types

Tent Sites

Features

For Campers

Trash
Picnic Table
Firewood Available
Phone Service
Reservable
Showers
Drinking Water
Toilets
Alcohol
Pets
Fires

For Vehicles

Water Hookups

Contact

General Info

Add Review

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

4.0

out of 5

8 Reviews

Many campers appreciated the shaded, remote setting with cool temperatures and basic amenities like water and bear boxes. Some feedback indicated issues with cold outdoor showers, though the peaceful atmosphere was consistently praised.

Ken

Guide

Reviewed Sep. 17, 2020

Highest site on Catalina

Black Jack is the highest campground on catalina. Solid views and sites. I'd recommend it only for backpackers. A bit of a hike from Avalon and Airport in the sky, so pack what you need.

Chris M.

Guide

Reviewed Sep. 2, 2020

After 20 miles with a full pack it was just what the doctor ordered

Dry camp. They will leave water and wood for you in a locker if you plan ahead. Porta potties. Shelters will support a hammock.

Luis N.

Guide

Reviewed Jun. 19, 2020

Great site!!

Great campground that is very accessible to the trans Catalina trail. The campground has potable water, lockers, vault toilets, an outdoor shower (very cold water), trash cans, picnic table, fire pit, food storage box. Foxes are common on this campground as they look for any food, campers may leave behind so make sure you clean up after yourself

Morgan F.

Guide

Reviewed Oct. 15, 2019

1st Campground on TCT

We were only there for one night and arrived at Dusk. Its not the best campground but it had water and a bathroom, it did its job but it isnt somewhere I would use a destination

Sarah M.

Traveler

Reviewed Jun. 19, 2019

Great first campsite of the trans-Catalina trail

Each site has a picnic table and fire pit. You have to find or bring in your own wood for the fire. There’s two bathrooms and a public, open shower. Fresh water is available too. Thick fog soaks everything so use the gear box overnight to keep your stuff dry.

Month of VisitJune

Ryan N.

Traveler

Reviewed Jun. 11, 2019

Awesome and remote

Loved this place. Backpacked in and we had the place to ourselves. Pretty barebones but that’s what made it so fun.

Mandy E.

Guide

Reviewed Aug. 31, 2018

Top of Catalina Island, not by the beach

This is the highest elevation campground on Catalina Island. Don't expect to be by the beach. Bison frequent the area so give them their space. Outdoor showers only but sites all come with tables, bear boxes and potable water is available. Beautiful place to spend the night.

Month of VisitOctober

(6) View All

Leasa W.

Guide

Reviewed Aug. 9, 2018

Inland campground on Trans Catalina Trail, shaded and cool temps

Inland campground on Trans Catalina Trail, shaded and cool temps. Located approximately 11.5 miles from Avalon on the Trans Catalina Trail (TCT). The campground is inland and well shaded with larger trees. Very remote and quiet feeling. You won’t be able to see the coastline when at this campground but definitely will on your travels along the trail to get to the campground. Some nearby campers utilized hammocks and found sufficient trees to hang from. The potable water spigot is located just between site 5 and the bathrooms. We did not use the outdoor cold shower. It was the most unappealing shower sight compared to the other showers at other campgrounds along the TCT. The Airport In The Sky is approximately 2 miles up the trail in which we enjoyed a breakfast/lunch the next day as the trail led us by. The fox are no joke and aren’t afraid to get close. Keep all food and scented items locked up. To be on the safe side we put our entire packs in the critter proof lockers overnight. I did have great cell phone service at the campground (Verizon Wireless). However, areas of the TCT to the campground have limited-no service at times.

Site5 & 7

Month of VisitJuly

(11) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you get to Black Jack Campground from Avalon on Catalina Island?

Black Jack Campground is located approximately 11.5 miles from Avalon and can be reached by hiking the Trans Catalina Trail (TCT). The campground sits at the highest elevation on Catalina Island, making it a significant trek from town. Most visitors access it as part of a multi-day backpacking trip along the TCT. The hike from Avalon is challenging due to elevation gain, so plan accordingly with adequate water and supplies. The remote location offers a quiet, peaceful experience away from coastal areas.

What hiking trails or activities are accessible from Black Jack Campground?

Black Jack Campground is strategically located on the Trans Catalina Trail (TCT), making it an ideal stop for backpackers traversing the island. From the campground, you can continue along the TCT in either direction toward other points of interest on the island. The inland location offers different perspectives compared to coastal campsites. Wildlife viewing is a popular activity, with bison frequently seen in the area (maintain a safe distance). The campground's high elevation provides good vantage points for exploring the island's interior trails.

What amenities and facilities are available at Black Jack Campground?

Black Jack Campground offers basic but essential amenities. Each site includes a picnic table, fire pit, and food storage box to protect supplies from wildlife. The campground provides potable water, vault toilets, an outdoor cold-water shower, and trash receptacles. Some sites have shelters that can support hammocks. Firewood may be delivered to lockers if arranged in advance. There are no indoor facilities or hot water, so come prepared for a more primitive camping experience.

Is Black Jack Campground open year-round and what are the best seasons to visit?

Black Jack Campground is open year-round, but weather conditions vary significantly by season. The campground experiences thick fog that can soak equipment, especially overnight, so proper gear is essential. Being at the highest elevation on the island, temperatures tend to be cooler than at coastal sites, which provides welcome relief during summer but can be chilly in winter. Spring offers pleasant temperatures and possible wildflowers, while fall provides stable weather. Prepare for changing conditions regardless of when you visit.

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