By Betsy Malloy
California Travel Expert, about.com
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Catalina Island is one of the most beautiful, unspoiled places along
the California coast, close to Los Angeles but protected by a nature
conservancy. It's a beautiful place to visit, but camping spots are
scarce. And because you have to get there by boat, there are some things
you need to know.
What You Need to Know About Catalina Island Camping
Check the Catalina Express baggage requirements
before you pack. It's especially important to know that because of U.S.
Coast Guard regulations, you can't carry camp stoves and lanterns
(except electric ones) or any kind of fuel canisters. However, you can
rent those when you reach the island.
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If you like the idea of camping but hate the hassle, try Camping Catalina. They offer a "comfort camping" service that includes site setup, catered meals and real beds to sleep in.
No
pets are allowed at any of the campgrounds. This is especially
important to ensure the health of the island's rare and endangered
species like the Catalina Island Fox.
Reservations are required at all these campgrounds. It's a good idea to make them as far ahead of time as possible.
Avalon Camping
The Hermit Gulch Campground
is located just outside of the main part of Avalon, on Avalon Canyon
Road. They have tent campsites and tent cabins. It's within walking
distance of town and the only place to camp that's close enough to do
that.
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You can rent sleeping bags, ground pads, tents, propane
lanterns and stoves at the campground in case you don't have them or
don't want to carry them over on the boat.
Tent cabins at Hermit
Gulch are a good idea if you'd rather not have to deal with tent setup
and sleeping on the ground. You'll still need to . However, if you're
trying to save money, this might not be your best option unless you have
a large group. A tent cabin and camping fee for two adults will cost
more than $100 per night.
The campground has coin operated showers. During a drought when water restrictions are in effect, they are not heated.
Primitive Camping on Catalina
Two backcountry campgrounds are also available on Catalina Island:
Parson's Landing
is a moderately difficult hike, located 7 miles from Two Harbors'
Isthmus Cove. You can also get there by kayak. It has 8 campsites
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Black Jack Campground is more inland, with 11 campsites and beautiful views. To get there, you can take the Safari Bus or Airport Shuttle from Avalon to the trailhead, then you can hike about 1.5 miles - or hike 9 miles to get there from Avalon.
Two Harbors Visitor Services rents some camping equipment, so you don't have to drag it all over on the ferry.
Two Harbors Camping
Two
Harbors is the tiny community at the northwest end of Catalina Island.
It gets its name from the fact that the island narrows and there are
harbors on both sides of a narrow isthmus. This location offers tent
camping and tent cabins in Two Harbors Campground. You can also choose a
small, Catalina Cabin. A couple of group campgrounds are also
available.
Two Harbors Visitor Services rents some camping equipment, so you don't have to drag it all over on the ferry.
Boat-In Camping
A few boat-in only campsites are available, but no moorings are available and you have to bring your own water and port-a-potty.
Descanso Beach Ocean Sports rents ocean kayaks that you can use to paddle to your camping site. They also have a good list of practical tips.
