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Parsons Landing Campground

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Parsons Landing Campground, near Avalon, California, is a unique spot that offers a true beach camping experience. With only a handful of sites, it’s perfect for those looking to escape the crowds and enjoy the sound of waves crashing on the shore.

The campground is accessible by a hike from Two Harbors, making it feel remote and special. Visitors rave about the sandy beach and the cozy setup of each site, which includes picnic tables and fire pits. One camper described it as “one of the most amazing campgrounds” they've ever stayed at, highlighting the rock walls that provide a bit of shelter from the wind.

Amenities are limited, so be sure to bring your own water, as there’s no drinking water on site. You can purchase essentials like firewood and water at Two Harbors before heading to your site. Campers have noted that the sunsets here are breathtaking, and the exploring around the area is well worth it. Just keep an eye on your food—those local birds can be quite the thieves!

If you’re up for a bit of adventure, the hike to Parsons Landing is manageable and offers stunning views along the way. Just be prepared for some rocky terrain and the occasional wildlife encounter. This campground is a special place for those who appreciate nature and a bit of solitude.

Location

Parsons Landing Campground is located in California

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

33.47278002 N
118.54916797 W

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Access

  • Hike-In
    Backcountry sites.
  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

Connectivity

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    Verizon
    No Coverage
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    AT&T
    No Coverage

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Firewood Available
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Fires

Contact

General Info


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5 Reviews

Reviewed Oct. 25, 2020

Waterfront accommodations

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. The campground reservation comes with water and firewood, and there are port a potties in the middle of camp on the road.

  • Review photo of Parsons Landing Campground by Jonathan G., October 25, 2020
  • Review photo of Parsons Landing Campground by Jonathan G., October 25, 2020
  • Review photo of Parsons Landing Campground by Jonathan G., October 25, 2020
  • (5) View All
Reviewed Jun. 19, 2020

Beach side campground

One of the most amazing campgrounds I’ve ever stayed at. You’re on a sandy beach with waves crashing on the shore. There’s only a handful of sites, so try to book this early. Sites have rocks stacked up as a wind shield, it really helps! You’ll also have a picnic table, food storage box, and a fire pit. Vault toilets are available. 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. I believe it’s 2 gallons of water.

  • Review photo of Parsons Landing Campground by Luis N., June 19, 2020
  • Review photo of Parsons Landing Campground by Luis N., June 19, 2020
  • Review photo of Parsons Landing Campground by Luis N., June 19, 2020
Reviewed Aug. 9, 2019

If you can go, go!

Parson's Landing is a super unique campground.  I would say it's the only TRUE beach camping I've ever been able to find.  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.  You can plan ahead to have a bundle of wood and a gallon of water waiting for you in a locker.  The campground is a secluded beach with a rock wall on one end.  Site 1 is tucked around next to the wall - very cool!  Site 2 is great too but a little more exposed.  After that the other sites are basically spots spread out on the beach and designated by a picnic table.  The beach in narrowish and rock - a lot of the sites have rock walls built up to protect the fire pit from wind.  Unfortunately a dead seal had washed up on shore near site 1 and when some people tried to push it back into the ocean it released the most horrid smell ever.  There's hiking around that end of the island but beware that it is extremely steep in some areas!  We only did a couple miles and going down the trial/roads were scarier than going up.  Also, almost stepped on a rattlesnake.  I promise you though that this is a special place and a trip you will never forget!  Just be prepared to rough it.

Site2
  • Review photo of Parsons Landing Campground by Kate W., August 9, 2019
  • Review photo of Parsons Landing Campground by Kate W., August 9, 2019
  • Review photo of Parsons Landing Campground by Kate W., August 9, 2019
  • (13) View All
Reviewed Aug. 31, 2018

Very Remote and SO worth it

This is the final campgound 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. Also be sure to utilize the bear boxes even though there aren't any bears. The birds there are relentless and will poke holes in everything including water jugs if you turn your back for even a second. They even know how to get into unlocked lockers. But the exploring and sunsets are hard to beat. Just be prepared for lots of wind and rocky ground.

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Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Parsons Landing Campground by Mandy E., August 31, 2018
  • Review photo of Parsons Landing Campground by Mandy E., August 31, 2018
  • Review photo of Parsons Landing Campground by Mandy E., August 31, 2018
  • (14) View All
Reviewed Aug. 20, 2016

Takes some work to get here but definitely worth it

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. The campground is nice and small with just 8 sites. Site #1 is the most private. There are chemical toilets, trash cans and lockers. You pay for lockers before you arrive. Each locker has 2.5 gallons of water, a bundle of wood and a fire starter. Make sure you secure your food. The squirrels and birds are ridiculous. They'll chew right through your pack to get your stuff. If you have a bear canister I'd make sure to bring it.

  • Review photo of Parsons Landing Campground by Lacie G., August 20, 2016
  • Review photo of Parsons Landing Campground by Lacie G., August 20, 2016
  • Review photo of Parsons Landing Campground by Lacie G., August 20, 2016
  • (5) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

Are fires allowed at Parsons Landing Campground?

Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Parsons Landing Campground, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

Is there cell phone reception at Parsons Landing Campground?

According to campers on TheDyrt.com, there is no coverage for AT&T, no coverage for T-Mobile, and no coverage for Verizon.