Immortalized in the song “26 Miles Across the Sea,” Santa Catalina is considered one of the most romantic locales along the west coast of California. The fact that it is an island and can only be reached by air or sea makes it even more exotic. Avalon, the main town, gets most of the attention because of its Mediterranean charm and stunning views. Step away from this enclave of civilization and you’ll find campgrounds on the shores of sandy beaches or in the island’s hilly interior.
Close to Avalon
- Only 1.5 miles from the boat landing in Avalon, Hermit Gulch Campground gives you a taste of the great outdoors but is within easy reach of civilization. Hike up Avalon Canyon Road or catch a ride with Avalon Transportation Services from the ferry landing. Bring your own tent or rent a tent cabin, which can accommodate up to six people. All campsites have picnic tables, barbecues and some shade. The campground office has camping equipment for rent as well as propane, charcoal, ice and wax logs for campfires. Burning natural wood is not allowed.
Camping Comfort
- The Catalina Cabins are located in Two Harbors, a seaside village on Catalina Island’s west end. An isthmus barely a half-mile wide separates the town, creating a harbor on each end with a sheltered bay in between. The Safari Bus provides land transportation to the area, roughly 20 miles from Avalon. The cabins, available from November through April, sleep two people and have a small refrigerator, heater and storage closet. Campers share a common kitchen, restrooms and laundry. Bring your own towels, pillow and sleeping bag or rent a linen package. The cabins are quaint, simple and surrounded by greenery and palm trees. Two Harbors is often visited by Catalina’s buffalo. They wander freely about the island, descendants of a small herd left behind after a film shoot in 1924.
Primitive Inland Camping
- Mount Orizaba is the highest point on Santa Catalina Island. The peak tops out at 2,097 feet above sea level and is a world of scrub brush, fragrant pines and eucalyptus trees. The Blackjack Campground is at the 1,600-foot level and has 11 campsites that overlook the sea. Blackjack is open year-round but this semi-arid area gets hot in the summer. It is also remote. Once you get to the trailhead, located 9 miles from Avalon, it’s a 1.5 mile hike into the backcountry, much of it uphill. The Safari Bus or airport shuttle will take you to the trailhead, then you’re on your own. The campground has showers, chemical toilets. picnic tables and barbecues. Drinking water and firewood are kept in storage lockers and must be purchased. When you check in at the Island Plaza in Avalon or at Two Harbors Visitor Services, you’ll get a key to a locker. All food and supplies must be carried in and trash brought out.
Seclusion and Ocean Views
- Some campsites on Santa Catalina Island can only be reached by boat or kayak. On the leeward side of the island are nine campgrounds with a total of 17 sites available. No moorings or sanitation stations are available, nor is there running water. All food and equipment must be packed in, including a required portable restroom. Fires are prohibited so bring along a camp stove or self-contained barbecue for cooking. The campsites are regularly patrolled by a coastal ranger to not only enforce the rules but to check on your welfare. Check-in is at Two Harbors Visitor Services, where you may also rent camping equipment. Kayaks are available at select companies in the village of Two Harbors, but you should have some experience before attempting ocean paddling.
