Best Campgrounds near Two Harbors, CA
Two Harbors, California, situated on Catalina Island, features several established campgrounds with beach and ocean access. 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 experience 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, enhance the camping experience 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."
