Camping
Explore the Outdoors on Catalina Island
Go beyond the day-to-day to immerse yourself in the island's natural beauty on a camping getaway. New experiences abound to inspire your story, creating a balance between exhilarating moments and peace and tranquility.
Avalon's only campground, Hermit Gulch Campground, is up Avalon Canyon, a mile from downtown. On the west end of the island, you can camp at the Two Harbors Campground. There are also great opportunities to explore more remote parts of Catalina Island at Black Jack Campground, Parson's Landing, a secluded beach campground seven miles west of Two Harbors; and Little Harbor on the backside of Catalina, rated "One of the Best Campgrounds in the West" by Sunset Magazine. Or for a truly unique experience, explore our Boat-in Camping sites, accessible only by boat or kayak.
If you’d like to get back to nature, but don’t care to bring all of your gear, we offer Tent Cabins in both Avalon and Two Harbors, equipped with cots (in addition to regular tent sites). Whatever campground or site you choose, we hope you enjoy the island’s never-ending beauty and warm hospitality.
We offer campground options across Catalina Island
AVALON CAMPING | TWO HARBORS CAMPING | LITTLE HARBOR CAMPGROUND | PRIMITIVE CAMPING | BOAT IN CAMPING
Hermit Gulch Campground Rules
- Children must be supervised at all times. Each camper under 18 years old must be accompanied by an adult at least 25 years of age who will assume full responsibility for them at all times.
- Wood Fires are Prohibited. (Avalon City Fire Code) Wax composite logs and charcoal ONLY.
- All plants and animals are protected. DO NOT feed the animals.
- Wood cutting, plant collecting or in any way removing or defacing any natural or manmade feature is prohibited.
- NO LITTERING. Trash cans are provided. Campsites must be kept and left clean with all refuse placed in trash cans.
- Smoking is permitted in the BBQ areas only. Please no smoking inside the Tent Cabins or Restroom Buildings.
- SORRY. Pets are not allowed.
- Quiet hours are 10PM to 8AM (Plan Accordingly)
- Loud voices, noise, amplified sound or music is not allowed. This includes radios, personal speakers and musical instruments. When returning to camp after dark please do not disturb other campers.
Camping Etiquette
- Camping etiquette is, for the most part, simple common courtesy and respect.
- Respect others' rights and space. Do not walk across or through others campsite.
- Keep voices down and do not use offensive language.
- Keep children supervised and out of the trees. Restroom buildings are not a play area.
- Keep your campsite and area clean. Remove any trash or debris from campsite before departure. This includes cigarette butts.
- Campground facilities exist for the benefit of all campers. Please help keep them clean. Report any damage or messes to camp staff.
Please Note: Hermit Gulch Campground is a private campground. We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone. Failure to follow campground rules and be a respectful courteous camper may result in removal from the campground and or fines.
Two Harbors Camping
Explore the wonders of land and sea in rustic Two Harbors.
An Unforgettable Adventure Awaits. Whether you hike in, boat in or arrive by ferry, Two Harbors Campground offers unique opportunities to explore and appreciate the unspoiled beauty of one of Southern California’s most diverse ecosystems. Explore the wonders of land and sea in rustic Two Harbors.
Unique Camping Experiences
Camping Rules
- Minors (under 18) must be accompanied by an adult who assumes full responsibility at all times.
- Check-in time is at 2 pm.
- Check-out time is 11 am.
- Quiet hours: 10 pm to 9 am.
- Loud or amplified sound and music, including radios, are not permitted at any time.
- Fires are NOT permitted at Hermit Gulch, Black Jack, or the Catalina Boat-In Sites. Fires ARE permitted at Two Harbors, Little Harbor, and Parsons Landing campground. In accordance with the LA County Fire Code, fires and smoking are permitted in the BBQ and fire ring areas only.
- Wood cutting, plant collecting or in any way removing or defacing any natural or man-made feature is prohibited.
- Firearms, archery equipment, traps or other hunting equipment are strictly prohibited.
- Please leave campsite litter free with refuse in the trash containers.
- All plants and animals are protected. Buffalo and other wildlife are unpredictable; keep your distance.
- NO Pets are allowed at Two Harbors or Hermit Gulch Campground.
- Hammocks are not allowed at Two Harbors and Hermit Gulch Campground.
- Biking Permits are required in the interior. Get information at catalinaconservancy.org.
- Hiking Permits are required in the interior. Get information at catalinaconservancy.org.
- Consecutive Night Maximum: Guests are permitted to stay a maximum of 10 nights in the campground and must check out for a minimum of 7 nights before returning
- Disposal of human waste in trash receptacle is not permitted.
- Catalina Boat-In Sites do not have trash disposal or chemical toilets on site. Campers must bring their own portable toilet and pack-in, pack-out all waste and trash. A cleaning fee of $200.00 may be charged to your reservation if trash, litter, or waste is left behind.
Cancellation Policy
In order to move or cancel your reservation please notify our office at least 14 days prior to your reservation start date to receive a 100% refund of all camping fees and supplies. The $9.25 reservation fee is non-refundable. Any reservations made less than 14 days prior are non-refundable. You can reach our office by emailing us at visitorservices@scico.com or by calling 310.510.4205.
Group Camping Cancellation Policy: Bahia Azul; Brisa Del Mar; and Groups consisting of 20 people or more
If the entire group cancels 60 days or more prior to arrival the group will receive a 100% refund of all camping fees and supplies. The $9.25 reservation fees are non-refundable. Any cancellations made less than 60 days prior to the arrival are non-refundable. You can reach groups sales by emailing camping@scico.com or by calling 310.510.4242.
Additional Policies
Firearms Policy
The Catalina Island Company (“Company”) prohibits persons from carrying or otherwise possessing a firearm in any and all campgrounds, hotels, and other venues managed or operated by the Company. This includes, but is not limited to, Hermit Gulch Campground, Two Harbors Campground, Black Jack, Little Harbor, and Parson’s Landing campgrounds. This prohibition includes carrying firearms in an open or concealed manner.
Guests who fail to abide by this policy may be asked to leave the premises. Failure to leave at the request of the Company may result in the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department being contacted and may subject you to further legal action for failure to abide by this policy, including trespassing.
A blanket exception to the restrictions described in this policy statement applies only to law enforcement officers and designated military personnel, who are on-duty and required to carry firearms in the performance of their duties. No exemption to this policy is allowed for private persons, even those licensed and permitted to carry a firearm, and/or where applicable, to conceal-carry a firearm.
Primitive Camping
LEAVE THE WORLD BEHIND
Catalina Island offers two primitive campgrounds: Parsons Landing and Black Jack. It’s a moderately difficult hike or kayak to remote Parson’s Landing, which is located seven miles from Two Harbors’ Isthmus Cove. There you will find beautiful vistas, and long stretches of pristine beach. Black Jack is nestled among pine and eucalyptus trees near Mt. Orizaba, Catalina's tallest peak. Also fairly remote is Little Harbor Campground, which is ideal for campers who enjoy playing on the beach or in the water. Little Harbor is the only campground on the “backside" of Catalina Island. There are nine other boat-in only primitive campsites between Two Harbors and Avalon. These are anchor-in coves only. No moorings are available. Each boat-in campsite has its own unique configuration, with some appropriate for larger groups. Campers must provide their own water and port-a-potty. You may encounter rattlesnakes or free-roaming bison. Never approach wildlife and retreat if in close proximity.
Group reservations can be made by calling 310.510.4242.
For more information, call Two Harbors Visitor Services at 310.510.4205.
Camping Guidelines
Camping is one of the best ways to enjoy Santa Catalina Island’s rugged beauty. However, to protect the island’s unique environment, the following rules and regulations apply to all Santa Catalina Island campgrounds. Please observe these guidelines as fully as possible
TENT CABINS
Tent Cabins are only available at Two Harbors and Hermit Gulch campgrounds.
PERMIT REQUIRED
Hiking Permits are required in the interior. Get information at catalinaconservancy.org. Campers can check in at the Two Harbors Visitor Center. (There are no longer check-in points in Avalon.)
HIKING
No hiking is allowed from sundown to dawn. It's very easy to get lost and disorientated while in the interior.
ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES
Under-age drinking is unlawful (BPC 25662). The law will be strictly enforced and violators will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
CURFEW FOR MINORS
It is unlawful for any minor under the age of 18 years to be present in a ‘public place’ between the hours of 10 PM on any given day and sunrise of the immediately following day, as defined in Los Angeles County Ordinance 13.56.010 B. Additionally, no unsupervised minor is allowed in the interior of the island from sunset to sunrise. A supervised minor is defined as a person under the age of 18 who is accompanied by a parent, legal guardian, or an adult at least 25 years of age or older, authorized by said parent or guardian to have care and custody of the minor and who will assume full responsibility for said minor at all times.
SWIMMING
Swim at your own risk. No lifeguards on duty.
HOOK-UPS
There are no electrical hook-ups available at any of the campsites.
FIRE PRECAUTIONS
In accordance with the L.A. County Fire Code, fires and smoking are permitted in the BBQ and fire ring areas only. No wood fires of any kind are allowed at the Hermit Gulch Campground.
GATHERING WOOD
Gathering wood or plants, or in any way removing or defacing any natural or man-made feature is prohibited.
HUNTING
Firearms, archery equipment, traps or other hunting equipment are strictly prohibited.
PLANT AND ANIMAL LIFE
All plants and animals on the island are protected. Bison and other wildlife are unpredictable; keep your distance.
QUIET HOURS
Campground and beach quiet hours are between 10 PM and 8 AM . Radios and loud or amplified sound or music are not allowed at any time.
PETS
Pets are NOT allowed at Two Harbors and Hermit Gulch Campground. Pets are allowed at Conservancy Campgrounds (Black Jack, Little Harbor, Parsons Landing, and the Catalina Boat-In Sites).
NO LITTERING
Trash cans are provided in every camp. Each camp area must be left clean, with all refuse in trash cans. Use separate containers for recyclable materials when provided. The Catalina Boat-in Sites do not have trash disposal. Guests must pack in
CAMPING RESERVATIONS
Please call 310.510.4205 for camping reservations or book online. *Weather Condition Notice: If rain or wind is in the weather forecast, please be aware the Catalina Express boats may be canceled. Hiking trails and road closures on the island may occur due to rain or inclement weather conditions. Please contact the Two Harbors Visitor Service Center at 310.510.4205 for road closure updates and current status of hiking trails.
Camping FAQs & Rental Information
