Are you looking to camp or backpack at Santa Catalina Island? This is the home of the infamous buffalo & buffalo burgers, the Transcatalina Trail, a beautiful casino, and many scenic activities! Below, you will find tips and tidbits of information that you need to know about camping here.
Links and resources/extracurricular activities are found at the end⤵️⤵️⤵️
Transportation
- Santa Catalina Island is only accessible by boat or plane. Catalina Flyer and Catalina Express are the two companies that transport you to the island by boat.
- Transport from the mainland lasts about 1.5-2 hr trip boat depending on your route and where you are staying. There are minimal refreshments on board.
- Two Harbors is also accessible by boat or vehicle from Avalon. I added a link below to the cyclone boat. Catalina Island Company also provides more information on transport and other options.
Booking Campsites
- The 6 campsite locations are as follows: Hermit Gulch, Blackjack, Little Harbor, Shark Harbor, Two Harbors (the Isthmus), and Parson’s Landing.
- There are two additional family camping sites that can also be booked: Bahia Azul, and Brisa Del Mar Campgrounds.
- Santa Catalina Island’s campsite reservation system opens January 1st online for the year. But, January bookings open in December.
- It is EASIER to book over the phone—the staff is ALWAYS so nice and accommodating.
- The Transcatalina Trail is very popular and campsites book quickly. Therefore, I recommend using their online system as soon as campsites are available to book.
Information about Campgrounds
- All campgrounds along the Trancatalina Trail will have a metal storage locker to store your food and gear. Each site will have a picnic table and chemical toilets nearby.
- Hermit Gulch lies about one mile away from Avalon, so plan accordingly if you plan to walk after dinner. Additionally, taxi transportation is available to book from the dock, if you brought a lot of items with you.
- Two Harbors campground lies about 0.5 miles from town in Two Harbors. There are only chemical toilets at the campground. In town, you will find a restaurant, a convenient store, bathrooms, and coin laundry & showers in town.
- Additional lodging is also available to book in Two Harbors.
- Parson’s Landing and Blackjack Campgrounds are considered primitive campgrounds. Therefore, they are completely dry (meaning no running water). Also, there are only chemical toilets available. No showers.
- You may request to purchase a locker for Parson’s Landing. Each locker holds a cache of water, firewood, and fire starter can be found.
- You can also request firewood to be dropped off at your campsites. Either in Little Harbor and Two Harbors as well.
Links & More
- Transport to the Island: Catalina Flyer & Catalina Express
- Camping booking site: Here
- Phone number to call: 310.510.4205
- Transport from Avalon to Two Harbors: Here
- Extracurricular activities and tours to book: Here
- Catalina Island Company Homepage & Info: Here
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