Santa Catalina Island
An adventurous journey with 10+ mile hikes
Driving to and sleeping at a campground
Places we've visited and fallen in love with
Trip · 3-day camping trip
For · Friends and experienced campers
Vibe · Challenging and hard
Reservations · Yes, book a campsite at Two Harbors Campground and ferry tickets from Catalina Express
Drive · 30 minute drive from LA and a 1.5 hour ferry ride
Ideal dates · October to March (for the off-season and cooler weather)
Pets · Not allowed on the island
Santa Catalina Island's white sand beaches and sparkling ocean views are only a 90-minute ferry ride from Southern CA. Once you arrive at Avalon, the island's main hub, or Two Harbors, the more remote option, you can go kayaking, surfing, and snorkeling, and sign up for adventures like a zip line eco tour, a 32-foot climbing wall, or a seasonal falconry experience. Two Harbors Campground even has a fee-based firewood, grocery, and camping gear rental and delivery service so you can swank it up or DIY.
Official Visit Catalina Island Website
Map of Catalina Island Hiking Trails
Directions to San Pedro Ferry Terminal
Main image credit: N/A
Each campsite comes with a:
There are five campgrounds on Catalina Island: Hermit Gulch (near Avalon), Two Harbors, Little Harbor, Black Jack, and Parson's Landing, and eight boat-in campsites accessible only via boat or kayak. Unlike most parks, Catalina Island charges a nightly camping fee per adult or child so it's important to know exactly how many people are camping in your group. Two Harbors Campground is about a steepish, half-mile walk from the ferry landing. The majority of its campsites have stunning ocean views. There are restrooms, coin-operated showers, a restaurant, and a general store where you can rent camping gear, buy hot pizza, and get ice delivered to your campsite.
Check-in: After 2 PM · Check-out: Before 11 AM
Nightly Rate: $27 to $30
Since 1975, the Catalina Island Conservancy, a nonprofit, has been managing Santa Catalina Island
Thousands of years ago, the Tongva tribe called the island Pimu, and referred to themselves as the Pimugnans
Spanish explorer, Sebastián Vizcaíno, arrived on the island on the eve of Saint Catherine's day (Nov. 24) in 1602, and renamed the island in the saint's honor
A spacious sleeping bag that will help you stay warm for spring, summer, and fall camping.
Essential Items
Whether it's coffee or cocoa, bring a silicone mug like this one into the wild. Your tummy will thank you.
Kitchen
Leave your backpacking pack at camp, and use this sleek, compressible pack for day hikes.
Shared Gear
An affordable day pack for bringing snacks, sunglasses, and water on your next day hike.
Shared Gear
Handmade in Seattle, Washington, this sleeping bag is pricey, but you can count on it lasting for years.
Essential Items
A fun, affordable tent for beginner car campers that can be used in the spring, summer, and fall.
Shared Gear
An absorbent, antimicrobial fabric that will keep you clean and dry down under.
Personal Stuff
This cook station has plenty of storage and counter space, and is easy to set up and carry out.
Kitchen
If you like to toss and turn at night, this sleeping pad is known for being a quiet, quality option for car campers.
Essential Items
A solid, lightweight, and relatively affordable tent for people are new to backpacking.
Shared Gear
Camp underneath the stars and watch glorious sunrises in Joshua Tree National Park, the second largest national park in California.
