Tent camping near San Juan Capistrano provides both mainland and island options within southern California's Mediterranean climate zone. Average summer temperatures range from 75-85°F on the mainland while Catalina Island sites typically run 10-15 degrees cooler due to marine influence. The region features coastal sage scrub vegetation on the mainland and chaparral ecosystems on Catalina Island, with camping opportunities available year-round despite seasonal differences in accessibility.
What to do
Hiking the Trans-Catalina Trail: Access multiple tent camping sites while experiencing diverse island terrain. "This is where the TCT begins," notes a camper about Hermit Gulch Campground, which serves as a starting point for the trail that connects many of the island's campsites.
Kayaking in protected coves: Rent equipment for exploring coastal waters. "Rock cliffs wrap both north and south of the beach for miles and there are kayaks for rent on the beach, but need to pre-order," advises a visitor to Little Harbor Campground, highlighting the importance of advance planning.
Wildlife observation: Watch for native and introduced species throughout your stay. A camper at China Camp State Park Campground noted "Lots of wildlife! A coyote walked right by us. Brave raccoons. Yellow jackets are pesky," showcasing the diverse animal encounters possible while tent camping.
What campers like
Remote beach access: Secluded shorelines offer private coastal experiences. "Such a beautiful campground, and if you're lucky enough (like we were) you may get the whole place to yourself. The beach is beautiful, and there's nothing like the sunsets here," reports a visitor to Little Harbor Campground.
Wildlife encounters: Regular animal sightings enhance the camping experience. "The water is clean and great for snorkeling and the campsites all have amazing views of the cove," shares a tent camper at Two Harbors Campground, where visitors often observe marine life during water activities.
Higher elevation options: Cooler temperatures and unique fog conditions at elevated sites. "Thick fog soaks everything overnight," warns a camper about Black Jack Campground, noting the need for careful gear storage at this high-elevation site.
What you should know
Transportation logistics: Plan ferry schedules in advance, especially during peak seasons. "You have to reserve on Reserve America. The sites are pretty expensive and charge by the person. $27-$29 (Winter-Summer pricing) for each person with a $10 reservation fee. You can only stay a total of 10 days and will need a camping permit to do so," explains a Two Harbors camper.
Limited services: Many sites have minimal facilities and require self-sufficiency. "No onsite store, so you'll need to pack in everything you need," advises a Little Harbor Campground visitor about the remote location.
Cell service variability: Coverage differs significantly between locations. "There is almost no cell coverage here except on top of a large rock on the shore," notes a camper at Little Harbor, contrasting with Black Jack where "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."
Tips for camping with families
Choose accessible sites: Some locations better suit children than others. "This is a traditional, clean, accessible and beautiful. Just an easy option while staying on the island and enjoying all the city of Avalon has to offer," recommends a visitor to Falcon Group Campground about family-friendly options.
Plan for weather variations: Temperature swings require appropriate gear. "It was very hot during this time so we ended up going down to the Lake to cool off," shares a group leader who took 14 first-time campers to Falcon Group Campground in July.
Watch for insects: Some locations have notable arthropod activity. "One thing I wasn't prepared to deal with were the Taracnchulas at night. They didn't bother anybody but they did freak a bunch of first time campers out," warns the same Falcon Group Campground visitor.
Tips from RVers
Limited RV accessibility: Most tent camping sites near San Juan Capistrano don't accommodate larger vehicles. "If you're backpacking the Trans-Catalina trail, this is one of the best spots," notes a visitor to Little Harbor Campground, indicating its primary suitability for tent campers rather than RVs.
Consider group sites: Some locations offer amenities for larger gatherings. "The campground was very well priced and it had bolted toilets and a water spout. No showers or sinks," reports a group leader about Falcon Group Campground, describing basic facilities adequate for tent camping groups.
