Black Jack Campground

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.

Inland campground on Trans Catalina Trail, shaded and cool temps

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.

Top of Catalina Island, not by the beach

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.

Great first campsite of the trans-Catalina trail 

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 