Best Tent Camping near San Clemente, CA
Tent campsites near San Clemente, California offer a mix of coastal and inland camping experiences on the mainland and Catalina Island. Black Jack Campground and Little Harbor Campground on Catalina Island provide tent-only sites with varying levels of amenities and ocean proximity. Hermit Gulch Campground, located about a mile from Avalon on Catalina Island, serves as a popular starting point for the Trans-Catalina Trail and offers more developed facilities for tent campers.
Most tent campgrounds in the area require advance planning, especially for Catalina Island locations which necessitate ferry transportation from ports like San Clemente or Dana Point. Campgrounds typically provide picnic tables, fire rings, and food storage boxes to protect supplies from wildlife, particularly the island's foxes which are known to approach campsites. Potable water is available at most established sites, though availability varies by location. Bathroom facilities range from vault toilets to shower buildings, with Hermit Gulch offering coin-operated showers (quarters required). One camper noted, "The campground has potable water, lockers, vault toilets, an outdoor shower, trash cans, picnic table, fire pit, food storage box."
The tent camping experience varies significantly between mainland and island locations. Catalina Island campgrounds offer unique wildlife viewing opportunities, with foxes, bison, and diverse bird species frequently visiting campsites. Sites at Black Jack Campground sit at higher elevation with cooler temperatures and forest shade, while Little Harbor provides beachfront camping with opportunities for snorkeling and kayaking. China Camp State Park on the mainland features walk-in tent sites requiring campers to carry gear a short distance from parking areas. Based on reviews from The Dyrt, "Little Harbor is one of the most beautiful campgrounds with the view of the beach and palm trees. If you're backpacking through here, I highly recommend you stay the night." Many tent campers use these locations as stops along the Trans-Catalina Trail, making them popular with backpackers seeking multi-day hiking adventures.
