SLEEP UNDER THE STARS What better place to camp and explore the wildlands of Catalina than on the numerous campgrounds along the shoreline. Campgrounds span from Avalon to Two Harbors, and allow you to explore remote parts of Catalina Island. If you’re visiting for only a few days, you can stay at a couple campsites nestled in the interior of the Island like Black Jack campground located below the 2,097-foot Mt. Orizaba that is nestled between pine and eucalyptus trees. For a more beach bound camping experience, spend a night at Parsons Landing campground at a secluded beach. Two Harbors Located on a bluff above the isthmus with its own beach. Regular tent camping and tent cabins; 42 individual sites and three group areas. The nearby General Store and Visitors Center rent equipment and sell firewood, charcoal and propane. • Access: Short hike from the Two Harbors pier. Black Jack Campground Near the Island’s highest peak, 2,097-foot Mt. Orizaba. Eleven campsites with views of rolling terrain. • Access: Hiking, taxi or airport shuttle. Parsons Landing Secluded beach-camping seven miles west of Two Harbors. Eight primitive campsites accommodate up to six people each. • Access: Moderately difficult hike or kayak trip. Little Harbor Sandy, beachfront campground with 23 sites nestled around an idyllic harbor.
STEP FOOT IN THE WILD Explore Catalina’s wonders by foot with more than 165 miles of trails at your disposal. From light day strolls to intense multi-day hikes, Catalina Island offers a variety of trails perfect for all endurance levels. For moderate hikes, opt for one of the many popular trails like the Country Club Loop/ Descanso that takes you uphill to see views of Avalon for a 1.43-mile trip. For trekkers looking for a serious adventure, look no further than the popular Trans-Catalina Trail . This challenging 38.5-mile trail offers five campgrounds along the way through hilly terrains and nearly 10,000 feet of total elevation. The hike is usually broken into five segments, and is customary for hikers to do a segment a day. You can expect to see the 2,000-year-old soapstone quarry with bowls excavated by the Island’s first residents, the Tongva. Join the exclusive list of accomplished hikers who complete the Trans-Catalina Trail.
• Access: Shuttle, taxi or hiking. Hermit Gulch Campground
Tree-shaded setting in Avalon with fresh water, rentals and other services. Each of Hermit Gulch’s 43 sites has a picnic table and fire ring. Tent-camping and tent cabins options. Located on Avalon Canyon Road a mile from downtown. • Access: Walking, taxi or bus.
For information about camping on Catalina Island, please visit Catalina Island Company’s website at VisitCatalinaIsland.com/ Lodging/Camping.
PHOTO: CATALINA ISLAND COMPANY
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