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Black Jack Campground

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Black Jack Campground, near Avalon, California, is a unique spot perched at the highest elevation on Catalina Island. It’s a favorite for backpackers looking for solid views and a bit of solitude, but be ready for a hike to get there—pack wisely!

This campground is pretty basic but has what you need: picnic tables, fire pits, and potable water. Reviewers have mentioned the outdoor cold shower and vault toilets, which do the job but aren’t exactly luxurious. Keep an eye out for the local wildlife; foxes and bison are known to roam the area, so make sure to secure your food and gear.

If you’re into hiking, you’re in luck! Black Jack is conveniently located along the Trans Catalina Trail, making it a great first stop for those tackling the entire route. The shaded sites provide a cool retreat after a long day on the trail, and the surrounding trees offer a nice break from the sun.

While it might not be the beachside paradise some campers expect, the remote feel and stunning views make it a memorable spot. Just remember, it’s all about the experience out here—embrace the simplicity and enjoy the natural beauty that surrounds you.

Location

Black Jack Campground is located in California

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

33.38558255 N
118.40621275 W

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Connectivity

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    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

Detours Nearby

LOCAL FAVORITES PRESENTED BYToyota Trucks
Parsons Landing Campground

Parsons Landing Campground

1 hr 59 min away

Connectivity

Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    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


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Reviews

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4.0

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8 Reviews

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.

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

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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

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
  • Review photo of Black Jack Campground by Sarah M., June 19, 2019
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.

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
  • Review photo of Black Jack Campground by Mandy E., August 31, 2018
  • Review photo of Black Jack Campground by Mandy E., August 31, 2018
  • Review photo of Black Jack Campground by Mandy E., August 31, 2018
  • (6) View All
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
  • Review photo of Black Jack Campground by Leasa W., August 9, 2018
  • Review photo of Black Jack Campground by Leasa W., August 9, 2018
  • Review photo of Black Jack Campground by Leasa W., August 9, 2018
  • (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.