Best Campgrounds near Avalon, CA
Catalina Island, home to Avalon, California, features several distinct campgrounds accessible primarily by ferry and island transportation. Hermit Gulch Campground sits closest to Avalon, approximately one mile from town, offering convenient access to amenities while serving as the starting point for the Trans Catalina Trail (TCT). Further inland, Black Jack Campground provides a more remote experience with shaded sites at higher elevation, while coastal options include Two Harbors Campground and Little Harbor Campground, both offering beach proximity and ocean views. Parsons Landing represents the most secluded option, requiring an 8-mile hike from Two Harbors to reach its beachfront sites. These established campgrounds primarily accommodate tent camping, though some sites at Two Harbors can handle small RVs.
Transportation logistics significantly shape the camping experience on Catalina Island. Most campers arrive via ferry from mainland ports like San Pedro, Long Beach, or San Clemente, then utilize island shuttle buses or hike to their destinations. As one camper noted, "Took the ferry from San Clemente to Avalon (45 mins to 1 hour). Then a bus from Avalon to the campsite (1 to 1.5 hours)." All camping gear must be carried or transported by shuttle, with limited shopping options available outside Avalon. Reservations are essential, particularly during summer months when sites fill quickly. Weather remains mild year-round, though coastal areas can experience significant wind. Cell service varies across the island, with better coverage at Hermit Gulch and Two Harbors than remote locations.
Wildlife encounters rank among the most frequently mentioned aspects of camping on Catalina. The endemic Catalina Island fox regularly visits campgrounds, requiring careful food storage. As one visitor to Hermit Gulch observed, "There is sooooo much wildlife that frequently visits the campground. In one day we saw deer, quail, woodpeckers and the famous Catalina fox." Campground amenities vary, with most offering potable water, restrooms, and picnic tables. Hermit Gulch provides the most developed facilities, including coin-operated showers and a nearby market. Two Harbors offers a more social atmosphere with its restaurant and bar, while Black Jack and Parsons Landing deliver quieter, more primitive experiences. Many sites permit campfires with purchased firewood, though fire restrictions may apply during dry periods.
