ISLAND BREEZES AND WIDE-OPEN SPACES AWAIT YOUR ARRIVAL
AVALON, CALIF. (JUNE 12, 2020) — Catalina Island Company and Catalina Island Conservancy announced today the reopening of campgrounds on Catalina Island starting June 15, 2020. Renowned for its wide-open spaces, lush scenery, pristine beaches and unique terrain, Catalina Island is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream destination. Located just 26 miles off Southern California's coast, this island paradise – known as California’s Island Escape – is only about an hour away, making it the ideal destination for a local retreat.
“In these uncertain times, many people want a special getaway, but don’t want to venture too far from home,” said Randy Herrel, Sr., President and CEO of Catalina Island Company. “Catalina Island is almost like escaping to another world, but right in your own backyard. Beyond the seclusion that nature provides in the island’s interior, we’ve also taken steps to help protect our guests with our KeepWell* program.”
Camping on Catalina is easier than you might think. With campgrounds located throughout the island, there are different and unique destinations available for various outdoor experiences—from sites close to the conveniences of town, to rustic and remote sites accessible only by hiking or boat.
"Accessibility to our open space lands is a strategic value of the Conservancy. Camping allows for deeper exploration and appreciation of beautiful Catalina Island,” said Tony Budrovich, president and CEO, Catalina Island Conservancy.
Here are a few ways to enjoy the incredible outdoors of Catalina Island:
- Hermit Gulch in Avalon: Perfect for families and first-time campers, Hermit Gulch Campground is ideally situated in Avalon Canyon with amazing views of the surrounding hills with traditional tent sites or tent cabins. Hermit Gulch Trail and other hiking paths are easily accessible, as is the town of Avalon with a grocery store and several restaurants open for carry out and dine in.
- Two Harbors: The rustic campground at Two Harbors offers traditional tent sites and tent cabins for a camping experience on the west end of the island. Just a short distance from Two Harbors Village and a few minutes’ walk from the pristine beach, this convenient campground has easy access to scenic trails and hikes, as well as kayak, paddle board and bike rentals. Many campsites have stunning shoreline views, with sites 1, 2 and 3 being the most coveted. As a part of its KeepWell Commitment, Catalina Island Company is offering food and drink delivery from Harbor Reef Restaurant and West End Galley to the campground with no delivery fees. Campers also have the option to dine indoors or on the patio at those establishment, or to have groceries delivered from the Two Harbors General Store.
- Primitive/Remote Camping: To truly leave the world behind, Catalina Island Company offers secluded campsites at Parsons Landing, Little Harbor and Black Jack, accessible predominantly by moderate or difficult hikes.
- Parsons Landing: Wake up to the sound of the ocean at this beach campground with eight primitive sites
- Little Harbor: The only campground on the “back” side of Catalina, Little Harbor has 25 unique campsites close to a beautiful sandy beach
- Black Jack: Nestled among pine and eucalyptus trees, this campground has 11 sites with sweeping vistas of rolling terrain
There are also nine boat-in campsites with stunning views and unspoiled beaches – each offers an unrivaled experience.
In just over an hour, campers can travel to Catalina Island aboard the Catalina Express high-speed ferry from San Pedro, Long Beach or Dana Point. (Two Harbors is serviced via San Pedro ferries.) Learn more about Catalina Express’ social distancing procedures and robust cleaning protocols here. Campers already on Catalina Island can travel to Two Harbors via the Cyclone power boat from Avalon.
*For more details on the steps Catalina Island Company is taking to provide a happy and healthy camping experience, visit our KeepWell Commitment site here. To make a camping reservation, or for more information on Catalina Island camping, go to VisitCatalinaIsland.com/lodging/camping/.
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ABOUT CATALINA ISLAND COMPANY
As Catalina Island’s premier resort operator, Catalina Island Company provides exceptional guest experiences, with dining establishments, hotels, a beach club, spa, entertainment venues, and more than a dozen land and sea tours and activities. The debut of the newly renovated Hotel Atwater adds to the company’s other Avalon accommodations at Mt Ada and the Pavilion Hotel. Other notable entities include Island Spa Catalina, the island’s only complete spa destination, and Descanso Beach Club, home of Catalina’s only beachside restaurant & bar, as well as the Zip Line Eco Tour, Catalina Aerial Adventure and Catalina Falconry Experience, all part of Descanso Adventures. Catalina Island Company also has an extensive portfolio of premier meeting and event venues including oceanfront Catherine’s Terrace at Descanso Beach Club and the Avalon Boardroom in Hotel Atwater. Additionally, Catalina Island Company oversees the entire village of Two Harbors on Catalina’s west end, including Harbor Sands, Banning House Lodge & Villas, Harbor Reef Restaurant, several campgrounds, and more. For additional information, go to VisitCatalinaIsland.com.
ABOUT CATALINA ISLAND CONSERVANCY
Formed in 1972, the Catalina Island Conservancy is one of California's oldest land trusts. Its mission is to be a responsible steward of its lands through a balance of conservation, education and recreation. Through its ongoing efforts, the Conservancy protects the magnificent natural and cultural heritage of Santa Catalina Island, stewarding approximately 42,000 acres of land and more than 60 miles of rugged shoreline. It provides an airport and 50 miles of biking and 165 miles of hiking opportunities within its road and trail system. The Conservancy conducts educational outreach through two nature centers, its Wrigley Memorial & Botanic Garden and guided experiences in the Island’s rugged interior. Twenty miles from the mainland, the Island is a treasure trove of historical and archaeological sites. It also contains numerous rare and endangered animals and plants. The Island is home to more than 60 species that are found only on Catalina. For additional information, please visit www.catalinaconservancy.org.
