Avalon Camping

Get close to nature. Stay close to all the action.

Camping is a great way to experience Catalina Island, and camping in Avalon is ideal. Close to beaches, restaurants and nightlife, campers also have easy access to hiking, biking and other outdoor recreational adventures.

Avalon offers just one campground within the city limits. Picturesque Hermit Gulch Campground is located 1.5 miles up Avalon Canyon from the ferry terminal. Hermit Gulch sits just below the Wrigley Memorial and Botanical Garden and features tent camping, tent cabins and camping equipment rental. The campground can be reached either on foot along the paved road or by Avalon Transportation Services (310) 510-0025, which provides both taxi and city trolley service accessible directly from the boat landing.

Other camping options on Catalina include boat-in camping and primitive camping. There are 17 boat-in only sites at nine locations on the lee side of the island.

There are two more primitive camping sites: Parson’s Landing is located seven miles from Two Harbors and twenty seven miles from Avalon. Black Jack campground is nine miles from Avalon and located near 2,097-foot Mt. Orizaba, Catalina’s highest peak. Black Jack Campground trail head is accessible either entirely by foot or by the Airport Shuttle from Avalon, where you can embark on a shorter, 1.5 mile hike from the drop-off point.

The Catalina Island Conservancy Wildlands Express Shuttle runs between Avalon, the Airport-in-the-Sky and Little Harbor. 

Check our Camping Guidelines and Frequently Asked Questions for more information on camping in Avalon. Wherever you decide to set up your tent, you’ll create an unforgettable experience on Catalina Island.

***During winter months, Hermit Gulch will be closed Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.