As a camping destination, Long Beach has high chances for sunny days and comfortable nights from April through November. RV camping families can choose from dozens of sites convenient to beaches and boating within a half hour's drive of the Disneyland Resort. Some campers travel light to Long Beach before catching the ferry to Catalina Island. Other campers head south to the surfing capital in Huntington Beach. The golden rule in camping gear and outdoor-sports rental is to call ahead to be certain about availability.
Sport Chalet
- A popular one-stop rental shop for camping gear and supplies as well as climbing, snow, water and racquet sports is Sport Chalet, located in Long Beach. If you're new to the area and need advice on driving up into the mountains or the best diving spots, just ask. If you want to rent bicycles, need a fishing license or climbing ropes, you've come to the right place. Scuba equipment rental and essentials such as air fills are handled here as well. Located 4 miles from Long Beach Airport and 13 miles from Disneyland in Anaheim, Sport Chalet is open seven days a week.
REI
- Of the handful of REI locations in California that offer rentals as well as sales, the nearest to Long Beach is located in Tustin, 24 miles west of Long Beach and 9 miles from Disneyland. Backpacks, tents, ground pads and sleeping bags are available for hiking and overnight camping trips. If you are headed for higher elevations inland, winter-sport enthusiasts can rent snowshoes, snowboards and mountaineering gear. For those traveling during shoulder season, the selection varies by time of year, so ask in advance regarding availability.
Adventure 16 Outdoor and Travel Outfitters
- The "try before you buy" policy may be well worth the drive to Adventure 16 Outdoor and Travel Outfitters. Outfitters since 1962, a good rental gear selection on tents, synthetic and down sleeping bags, backpacks, snowshoes, trekking poles and other equipment from well-known brands are available from this location. This company comes close to carrying everything under the sun. Most importantly, it rents. If you're driving up the coast, estimate 30 minutes from Long Beach on Interstate 405 to the store in West Los Angeles near Santa Monica.
Hermit Gulch
- Each of the seven daily departures on a high-speed catamaran takes passengers 22 miles from Long Beach to Catalina Island in one hour. Arrive at Avalon, where Hermit Gulch is the nearest place to camp, a perfect fit for a car-free adventure. Amenities include restrooms, showers, lockers, outdoor sinks with potable water, picnic tables and barbecue stands. Reserve a two- or four-person tent rental in advance and choose from other rental equipment including sleeping bags, ground pads, propane lanterns and camp stoves. It is recommended to reserve ahead as rentals are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
