Tent camping near Sunset Beach, California offers experiences ranging from isolated island beaches to Angeles National Forest mountain sites. Most locations are accessible only by boat, hike, or ferry requiring advance planning. Water availability varies substantially between sites, with some campgrounds offering no potable water while others provide spigots at each campsite.
What to do
Explore marine life: At Two Harbors Campground on Catalina Island, the clear water creates ideal conditions for underwater exploration. "The water is clean and great for snorkeling and the campsites all have amazing views of the cove," notes a visitor to Little Harbor Campground.
Climb to elevated viewpoints: Black Jack Campground sits at the highest point on Catalina Island, providing distinctive terrain compared to beachside options. "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," explains a camper who stayed at Black Jack Campground.
Day hiking: The Angeles Forest offers multiple interconnected trails between campgrounds. "If the short hike to Sturtavant falls leaves you yearning for more, get more by continuing up Santa Anita Canyon to Spruce Grove Camp. Beyond the falls, the trail takes on a greater feeling of wilderness immersion," recommends a hiker familiar with Spruce Grove Trail Campground.
What campers like
Historic features: The Mount Lowe trail area contains remnants of past developments. "Great hike in campground with toilets, fire pits & many info plaques with photos from the old tavern on site. There's a stream nearby the Mount Lowe Summit Trail, also," writes a camper at Mount Lowe Trail Campground.
Urban escape: Despite proximity to Los Angeles, many sites feel remote. "Amazingly, this campground is just minutes from Marin or San Rafael but you feel far away from civilization," reports a visitor to China Camp State Park.
Wildlife viewing: The island environment supports unique animal populations. "In one day we saw deer, quail, woodpeckers and the famous Catalina fox," notes a camper about their experience at Hermit Gulch Campground on Catalina Island.
What you should know
Wind protection: Beachside sites often require windbreaks. "Sites have rocks stacked up as a wind shield, it really helps!" advises a camper at Parsons Landing Campground.
Water limitations: Several backcountry sites require filtering or carrying water. "No water on site, you must bring your own. Water, firewood, and fire starter are available for purchase. You can buy them at two harbors, which is where they will give you a key for a locker that is at parsons landing which will have all those items."
Site security: Some mainland trailhead parking areas have reported break-ins. "Make sure to leave your car doors unlocked, and nothing of value inside. You'd rather have someone root through your car and walk away empty handed than have a window broken and items stolen."
Tips for camping with families
Easy beach access: Some sites offer gentle water entry points suitable for children. "It's shallow and the water is pretty nice... BUT there are tons of sharp rocks and oyster shells bits & pieces," cautions a visitor about China Camp State Park beach.
Wildlife protection: Storage options help manage food around curious animals. "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," suggests a visitor to Hermit Gulch Campground.
Alternative accommodations: For families not prepared to backpack, some sites offer cabin options. "We are camping with my husband and 3 kids and our puppy. The hosts are friendly, cheap firewood, china beach village is just down the road and perfect to explore and swim."
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions: Most tent-only sites cannot accommodate larger vehicles. "This is more of your traditional campground where you must carry all your food and gear to the campsite. It is a short hike from the parking lot to the camping area and the camp hosts can provide containers to carry your items," shares a camper from China Camp State Park Campground.
Limited hook-ups: RVers should prepare for primitive camping conditions. "You can only access this campground by backpacking in. There's about 12 campsites with picnic benches and fire rings. There's a creek that runs through. It's beautiful and feels completely isolated."
Ferry considerations: For island tent camping trips, ferry schedules impact timing. "The boat to and from Catalina only operates on certain days so make sure they fit your camping schedule."
