31 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Two Harbors, California, situated on Catalina Island, features several campgrounds with beach and ocean access, ranging from primitive beachfront sites to more developed facilities near town. The area includes Two Harbors Campground, Little Harbor Campground, Parsons Landing Campground, and Hermit Gulch Campground, providing options for tent camping, RV camping, and glamping experiences. Most sites require boat-in or hike-in access, creating a unique island camping situation with limited vehicle accessibility. The campgrounds offer varying levels of amenities, from primitive beach sites at Parsons Landing to more developed facilities at Two Harbors with picnic tables, fire rings, and access to showers and toilets.
Access to camping areas requires advance planning due to the need for ferry transportation to the island. Most visitors arrive via ferry services to Two Harbors, then either hike or arrange shuttle transportation to reach campgrounds. Facilities vary significantly between locations, with some sites offering drinking water, showers, and toilets while others provide more primitive accommodations. Reservations are essential, especially during peak summer months when sites fill quickly. Weather remains mild year-round, though wind can be a factor at exposed coastal sites. A camper noted, "The hike from Two Harbors is fairly flat and along a road so it's easy. The campground reservation comes with water and firewood, and there are port-a-potties in the middle of camp on the road."
Waterfront camping represents the primary draw for visitors to Two Harbors, with most developed campgrounds offering beach access or ocean views. Parsons Landing receives consistent praise for its beachfront sites, where campers can sleep near crashing waves in a secluded setting. Wildlife sightings, including deer and the Catalina fox, are common across the island. The region balances primitive beach camping with more developed facilities near town. Several visitors mentioned stargazing as exceptional due to minimal light pollution. The nearby harbor area provides access to a restaurant, bar, and small market for supplies. As one visitor shared, "Two Harbors has stunning views, a great hiking trail, and easy access to showers, bathrooms, a small grocery, and a restaurant."
"If you’re ever in a position to go camping in Catalina - DO IT!!!"
"We visited Two Harbors in late April and stayed in the campground for 1 night. The views from our site were stunning. Stargazing was prime as well since there are virtually no lights in Two Harbors."
"Between the camping at little harbor and the cabins in two harbors Catalina Island is a great getaway only a short boat ride away! There's a general store in two harbors if you forget anything!"
"Easiest way to get there is via Two Harbors then either hike into the site or hire a shuttle for a ride. No onsite store, so you'll need to pack in everything you need."
"Great campground that is very accessible to the trans Catalina trail."
"Inland campground on Trans Catalina Trail, shaded and cool temps. Located approximately 11.5 miles from Avalon on the Trans Catalina Trail (TCT)."
"The hike from Two Harbors is fairly flat and along a road so it's easy. We stayed two nights in June and it was great. The weather was warm but mostly overcast so perfect for camping & hiking."
"You have to coordinate the ferry to Two Harbors on Catalina Island and then hike about 8 miles to the far end of the island. It's not a bad hike, just long and around the perimeter. "
"Only 30 mins walk or 5 minute bus ride from downtown Avalon."
"It is right outside of Avalon and walking distance to everything. This is where the TCT begins."
"However, you do get some road noise if you stay on the road side"
"This park is close to the action in Long Beach. Easily walkable or there are always E bikes and scooters to rent right outside the gate. Also, really appreciated that this RV park was gated."
from $80 - $85 / night
Check Availability"Beachfront camping in the heart of southern California. Concrete/asphalt sites with water electric and dump station. Adjacent to PCH so road noise but steps away from great sand beaches."
"Super convenient beach front parking with good restrooms and outdoor showers as well as a beach path perfect for walking, biking, rollerblading, etc."
from $60 - $70 / night
Check Availability"The most fantastic thing about this RV spot is the location - directly facing a large, beautiful, clean beach with built in fire rings, a very long bike bath and bike rental kiosk."
"One of the only in Southern California/Los Angeles area where you can have a fire on the beach."
from $65 - $80 / night
Check Availability"The grounds are impeccably clean, beautifully maintained, and set in a truly stunning location. Everything feels well cared for and thoughtfully run."
"As we expected, the sites are stacked up next to each other like dominoes with minimal foliage/fencing to separate the sites."
from $75 - $550 / night
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RangerWhen you book a beachfront site in the flight path of LAX, you know there’s some things, and they do indeed have those things, but on the beach and close to the action. Great trail system, easier access in and out than I’d hoped, price less insane than I feared. Loud, crowded, and urban.
GuideNice and green, front row is directly in the beach. Toilets are not the best but the location makes up for it
GuideSmall and not level spots, but OK spreaded. Toilet building is fine (paid showers though).
ScoutNot very secluded, tight spaces, but very mellow campground, great staff, I really enjoyed it.
ScoutOur stay has been overall very nice. With campground is in an urban setting, so there is some traffic noise that comes with that, but it wasn't too bad. Very clean and well maintained. Nice staff. Disneyland is 12 minutes. Angles Stadium maybe 3. Can easily walk to a ball game if you wish. This isn't the kind of park that we normally stay at, but it was perfect for our needs in this case.
TravelerNot ideal for roof top camping or tent camping due to cockroaches being EVERYWHERE. Pill bugs all over the bathroom. Rooftop tents unable to pay for different areas of camp ground even though our rig has the same amenities as a "rental" van. Saw several old pop up campers that were essentially decaying.
Employees were nice, cute dog, and cute outpost. They have laundry, water, etc.
ScoutGreat camping experience. They have both electric and non-electric sites for campers and Tents. Just a walk or a bike ride to the ocean. The one really cool thing that this park has are Groves of sycamore trees all over and Coastal Oaks like I've never seen before.
TravelerThe only thing to do here is hike and the trails are not well marked. Tried to get to MASH site and almost missed it do to lack of trail markers.
The bathrooms are clean but no soap or way to dry hands.
Visitors center is a hike and only open on weekends if volunteers are available.
RV dump station usage is not included in site fee. Extra $10 per dump
Most of sites are not even close level!
TravelerA hikers dream . This campground has several trails and there are many others within minutes away. Showers are token however machines are right there. Fire pits on every site as well as concrete picnic tables. Malibu Beach is 15 to 20 minutes away right on Pacific Coast Highway.
Rangers were all amazing. They actually came by last night around 9 PM and told me quiet time was at 8 PM so I guess I had them backwards. I thought it was 8 AM to 10 PM but it’s actually 10 AM to 8 p.m. Firewood is available from the Camp Host who incidentally was amazing in helping and answering a lot of my questions
If I was to critique anything, it would be how short the sites are my rig is 31 feet and I have a I don’t know maybe seven or 8 foot overhang from the last wheel if I didn’t have that there’s no way I would’ve fit and then the distance from here to the side across from me is pretty short so you have to Jimmy in and out if there’s somebody there, but that was the only thing that I could say that was negative and it really isn’t negative it just fact.
Catalina Island camping around Two Harbors centers primarily on beach and wilderness experiences at elevations from sea level to approximately 1,600 feet at higher inland sites. Located 22 miles offshore from Southern California, the island maintains mild temperatures year-round, typically ranging from 60-75°F, though campers should prepare for strong coastal winds, especially at exposed waterfront sites. Water conservation measures affect many campgrounds due to the island's limited freshwater resources.
Snorkeling and water activities: Little Harbor Campground offers exceptional opportunities for exploring underwater landscapes. "The water is clean and great for snorkeling and the campsites all have amazing views of the cove," shares one visitor to Little Harbor Campground. The protected cove creates ideal conditions for beginners and experienced snorkelers alike.
Island exploration: Black Jack Campground serves as an excellent base for island exploration. "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," notes a visitor to Black Jack Campground. The inland location provides a different perspective of the island's diverse ecosystem.
Beach camping: For authentic beach camping, Parsons Landing offers a unique experience. "A ferry ride and 7 mile hike are worth it to get to this gorgeous beach. Don't forget your snorkel! The water is so clear and full of things to see," recommends a camper who stayed at Parsons Landing Campground. Sites are set directly on the sand with waves crashing nearby.
Diverse camping terrain: Two Harbors offers varied landscapes from beach to mountain settings. "We visited Two Harbors in late April and stayed in the campground for 1 night. The views from our site were stunning. Stargazing was prime as well since there are virtually no lights in Two Harbors," reports a visitor to Two Harbors Campground.
Wildlife encounters: Island wildlife adds to the camping experience. "At night we had deer walking directly through our site as we were eating dinner (seriously on a few feet away). They didn't both anyone and were really cool to watch," shares a Hermit Gulch camper. Foxes, birds, and marine life are commonly spotted across the island's camping areas.
Secluded beach access: Little Harbor provides semi-private beach access away from crowds. "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," explains a visitor to Little Harbor. The western side of the island often sees fewer visitors than areas near Avalon.
Limited resources: Advance planning is essential when camping near Two Harbors. "This is the final campground on the Trans Catalina Trail and one of my favorites. Reservations are required and you'll need to purchase water and firewood in a locker since it is walk in only and trust me you won't want to try and carry it," advises a visitor about Parsons Landing.
Wildlife precautions: Secure food storage is necessary due to persistent wildlife. "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," explains a Hermit Gulch Campground visitor.
Transportation planning: Boat schedules impact arrival and departure flexibility. "We 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 depending the stop at the airport)... Once you leave Avalon, you are at the mercy of the bus schedules in order to get back to a store," notes a camper from Little Harbor.
Accessible options: Hermit Gulch provides family-friendly amenities close to town. "A really nice campground. Only 30 mins walk or 5 minute bus ride from downtown Avalon. I highly recommend using the bus for the first and last trip when arriving as trying to walk there with all your gear can be quite challenging," suggests a visitor.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Children often enjoy the abundant wildlife. "In one day we saw deer, quail, woodpeckers and the famous Catalina fox. This campsite is positively a must camp if you are on Catalina Island," shares a family who stayed at Hermit Gulch Campground.
Water activities for kids: Beaches with protected swimming areas work best for families. "The beach in narrowish and rocky - a lot of the sites have rock walls built up to protect the fire pit from wind," explains a visitor to Newport Dunes RV Resort, noting the importance of selecting sites with natural wind protection for comfort when camping with children.
Limited RV options: RV camping on Catalina is extremely limited due to transportation constraints. "The spots are groomed and clean when you come in. Great Long Beach location, a nice bike ride along the beach to Naples and the Queen Mary," notes a visitor to Golden Shore RV Resort on the mainland, which serves as a staging area for island visits.
Ferry logistics: RVers typically need to leave vehicles on the mainland. "Depending on the season, the lot can be packed. It is accommodating for some different size vehicles and has direct beach access and some amenities such as fire pits on the beach," explains a visitor to Dockweiler Beach RV Park, another mainland option for those planning day trips to Catalina.
Island transportation: Golf carts and shuttles provide transportation once on the island. "We got a foldable wagon to lug all our stuff to our site. Make sure you have a strong man. Lol walking the hills was enough for me I couldn't imagine pulling a wagon full of gear as well," advises a Two Harbors camper about moving equipment from ferry landings to campsites.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Two Harbors, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Two Harbors, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 31 campgrounds and RV parks near Two Harbors, CA and 1 free dispersed camping spot.
Which is the most popular campground near Two Harbors, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Two Harbors, CA is Two Harbors Campground with a 4.1-star rating from 10 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Two Harbors, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Two Harbors, CA.
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