Aerial view of Two Harbors surrounded by green hills near Catalina Island Company

Boat-in Camping

ENJOY A TRULY SECLUDED COASTAL CAMPING EXPERIENCE

Accessible only by boat or kayak on the island's leeward shore, Catalina's boat-in campsites offer truly secluded coastal camping experiences. Unique in their location and regulations, these nine sites are all primitive, with no running water, shade structures, moorings or sanitation stations. Campers must bring their own equipment and supplies, including a portable restroom, and pack out any trash or waste. A ranger patrols each site daily. Because fires are not allowed, cooking must be done on a camp stove or in a self-contained BBQ.

Boat-In Camping Experience

For first timers we recommend staying at Willow Cove. A short 2.5-mile 45-minute paddle from Avalon. The beach is also used for day use by other kayakers and even tour groups, so it’s the least private. For more experienced kayakers, you can have a delivery of kayaks (see pricing below) to Two Harbors and make your way back down the coast to Avalon for a multi night trip. Break camp and experience a variety of views from different campsites.

Boat-in Camping is a primitive experience. There is no running water, toilet facilities, trash receptacles and NO campfires are allowed at any of the boat-in sites. Everything you bring with you must be packed out so bring extra trash bags. Portable potty bags (WAG Bags) must be used and disposed of along with your trash. There is absolutely no burying of the WAG Bags due to the very sensitive eco system of native plants and animals that exist only on Catalina Island. Be aware of rattlesnakes if hiking and pack all your perishables away if you go exploring to keep the Ravens out of your food. Please be sure to bring a First Aid Kit and if possible, a VHF radio for emergencies. Cell service can be spotty on the island so plan your trip accordingly. Keep in mind the weather and especially the winds while using kayaks for camping. Conditions can change quickly! Be PREPARED! A waiver/release of liability must be signed, and any emergency services will be at the renters’ expense.

Add snorkel gear, wetsuits or dry bags to any rental to enhance the experience. Call Descanso Beach Ocean Sports (DBOS) (310) 510-1226 at least 2 weeks in advance, if possible, to book your kayak and rental gear after you have booked your campsite. We’re happy to go over in detail what to expect and our knowledgeable staff will make sure your equipment is ready for your arrival.

Boat-in Campsites (with distances in nautical miles)

Cabrillo Beach

7 from Avalon/ 5.75 from Two Harbors

Cabrillo Beach is the largest of the Catalina Island boat-in sites and is located to the east of Gibraltar Beach, directly on the other side of the huge rocky point. It is a long sandy beach and with an abundance of fish, is perfect for snorkeling, so don’t forget your snorkeling gear. It’s also an ideal location for swimming with family! Cabrillo is protected from the northwest wind swells that can make some of the other boat-in campsites rough. Cabrillo Beach is mostly cobblestone with more sand toward the edge of the shore. The four campsites are located on a large flat area just behind the beach with plenty of room to pitch a tent. Each of the sites can hold up to several people each, making it a favorite destination for families and larger groups.

ABOUT THE SITES
Cabrillo 1 is the furthest east (closest to Avalon) and Cabrillo 2 is the second furthest east of the four sites. Directly in front of both sites is a great area for swimming. Cabrillo 3 and 4 are on the west side of the beach, closest to Two Harbors. There is a large rock directly in front of these two sites with an old shipping mooring cleat embedded in the rock. The snorkeling around this rock is excellent!

ABOUT CABRILLO BEACH
GPS Coordinates: 33 25.23 118 24.27
Miles from Avalon: 6.875
Miles From Two Harbors: 5.75

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Gibraltar Beach

7.1 from Avalon / 5.5 from Two Harbors

Gibraltar Beach is about 1 mile from Lava Wall Beach. The area to the west of the campsites makes for spectacular kayaking with many sea caves to explore. Harbor seals like to hang out at the end of the beach, and for snorkelers or divers, garibaldi can be spotted everywhere! The coastline at Gibraltar is pristine and beautiful, which makes it a very special location. Gibraltar Beach is fairly exposed to the northwest, but during the summer months, the water is generally quite calm. However, in the winter visitors can expect more wind swell at this location.

ABOUT THE SITES
The camping area is located just behind the beach, safely away from any waves. There are two campsites: Gibraltar Beach 1 (located on the east side of the beach, closest to Avalon) and Gibraltar Beach 2 (located on the west side of the beach, closest to Two Harbors). Each campsite accommodates up to six people. Campfires are not allowed at this time.

ABOUT GIBRALTAR BEACH
GPS coordinates: 33 25.33 118 24.43
Miles from Avalon: 7.125
Miles from Two Harbors: 5.5

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Goat Harbor

6.2 from Avalon / 6.4 from Two Harbors

Goat Harbor is located halfway between Avalon and Two Harbors. The beach at Goat Harbor consists entirely of semi-flat golf ball-sized cobblestones, with a nice flat area above the high tide mark for camping. Conditions for swimming, snorkeling and especially diving are ideal at Goat Harbor. The ocean bottom just offshore offers a gently sloping reef that supports all kinds of marine life, making it a popular dive spot on Catalina.

ABOUT THE SITES Goat Harbor features three campsites: Goat Harbor 1, 2 and 3. Goat Harbor 1 is closest to the east side of the beach (closest to Avalon), Goat Harbor 2 is in the middle, and Goat Harbor 3 is on the west side of the beach (closest to Two Harbors). All three sites are fairly similar and hold a maximum of four people each.

ABOUT GOAT HARBOR
GPS coordinates: 33 24.99 118 23.68
Miles from Avalon: 6.25
Miles from Two Harbors: 6.375

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Italian Gardens

5.25 from Avalon / 7.4 from Two Harbors

Italian Gardens is a very wide bay with rock outcroppings and three separate cobblestone beaches, each with its own unique vibe. The area was named after an Italian fisherman who used to dry their nets on the beaches here. Nowadays fisherman still love the area, and it is avery popular site for kayaking, camping, swimming, snorkeling, and especially diving. During the summer months the seas are generally calm at all three beaches. As you kayak from Avalon, you will pass Long Point, Long Point Beach, and follow the gentle curve of the shoreline west. The shoreline after Long Point Beach is rocky, and a favorite spot for harbor seals to haul up out of the water and sun themselves. Then, you will see a large cobblestone beach – campsite 1 – where the old time Italian fisherman used to dry their nets.

ABOUT THE SITES
Italian Gardens Campsite 1 and 2 Italian Gardens campsite 1 and 2 are the first campsites that you will encounter as you paddle west from Avalon entering the cove. It is fairly large cobblestone beach, with two campsites, (Italian Gardens 1 being on the east side of the beach, closest to Avalon). There is no sand, but lots of sun, and exposure to the NW. Each campsite can accommodate five people. Italian Gardens Campsite 3 Campsite 3 is located right at the bight of the bay, where a small creek empties into the ocean. The beach area here is entirely cobblestone and accommodates up to six people. It is shielded on the east, by a rocky outcropping, from campsite 1. Italian Gardens Campsite 4 Campsite 4 is the most intimate of the three sites with room for only one tent. The site itself faces a bit more east, protecting it from the NW wind swells. Holds a max of 2 people.

ABOUT ITALIAN GARDENS
GPS coordinates: 33 24.65 118 22.67
Miles from Avalon: 5.25
Miles from Two Harbors: 7.375

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Lava Wall

8.1 from Avalon / 4.5 from Two Harbors

Lava Wall is truly a beautiful location for camping and beach activities. The beach is about ¼ mile long and is made up of smooth cobblestone with more sand near the waters’ edge. The backdrop is a huge lava wall cliff that brings shade to the area in the afternoon. The ocean is generally calm in the summer months. In the spring, fall, and winter, a northwest wind swell can produce waves on the beach. Snorkeling and diving are possible at either end of the beach with a decent variety of fish and marine life.

ABOUT THE SITES
There are two campsites at Lava Wall: Lava Wall 1 and Lava Wall 2. Due to the length of the beach, visitors will have a decent amount of separation from other campers. There is no sunshade except for the cliff blocking the sun in the afternoon. Each campsite holds a max of six people.

ABOUT CABRILLO BEACH
GPS Coordinates: 33 25.36 118 25.51
Miles from Avalon: 8.125
Miles to Two Harbors: 4.5

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Long Point Beach

4.875 from Avalon / 7.75 from Two Harbors

Long Point Beach is straight west of Long Point, just past the Long Point Light (Coast Guard Light). The beach at Long Point is often referred to as "Little Italian Gardens.” From Avalon, it is approximately a five mile paddle, or, from Two Harbors it is approximately eight miles. At the Avalon end of the beach, visitors will find Pirates Cove, a protected and favorite dive site. The large beach is mostly small cobblestones with some sand. The clear water is ideal for both swimming and diving.

ABOUT THE SITES
Each un-shaded campsite holds up to five people. There is ample space between the two campsites.

ABOUT LONG POINT
GPS coordinates: 33 24.44 118 22.13
Miles from Avalon: 4.875
Miles from Two Harbors: 7.75

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Paradise Cove

8.4 from Avalon / 4.25 from Two Harbors

Facing more east than north, Paradise Cove is tucked under a protective bluff. Once ashore, there is space for two tents on flat ground. The rocky beach is compromised of various colored tumbled lava rocks with sand at the water’s edge. It’s a perfect location for families or a small group. Along all of the rocky shoreline you will find good snorkeling and diving. A maximum of six people can occupy the one campsite.

ABOUT PARADISE COVE
GPS coordinates: 33 25.69 118 25.66
Miles from Avalon: 8.375
Miles from Two Harbors: 4.25

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Ripper's Cove

8.6 from Avalon / 4 from Two Harbors

Ripper's Cove is the closest primitive boat in site from Two Harbors. It boasts a protective anchorage and a great reef for snorkeling. It is divided into three separate sites.

ABOUT THE SITES
Rippers 1 is the furthest east, or closest to Avalon. It has the best sandy beach of the three sites but be sure to check your tide tables – at a 5.8 ft high tide, it’s basically underwater! There is no shade from the sun at this campsite. Max capacity: 10 Rippers 2 is the middle campsite at Ripper’s Cove. There are some large pine trees here that offer the only shade at its location. Max capacity: 4 Rippers 3 is situated at the far west side of the beach, closest to Two Harbors. It is the closest site to the reef for snorkeling. There is no shade from the sun at this campsite. Max capacity: 8 No campfires are allowed at Ripper’s Cove.

ABOUT RIPPER'S COVE
GPS Coordinates: 33 25.62 118 26.05
Miles from Avalon: 8.625
Miles from Two Harbors: 4

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Willow Cove

2.75 from Avalon / 9.9 from Two Harbors

Willow Cove is the closest of the boat in sites to Avalon Harbor. It is about an hour paddle from Avalon and because of its close proximity, it serves as a popular picnic spot for Avalon residents and visitors. It is extremely popular, so do not plan to have the beach to yourself during the day.

ABOUT THE SITE
There is only one campsite at Willow Cove that accommodates eight people, so the area will belong to you at night. The beach is primarily cobblestones with some sand in the summer. It is an ideal location for swimming.

ABOUT WILLOW COVE
GPS coordinates: 33 22.71 118 21.30
Miles from Avalon: 2.75
Miles from Two Harbors: 9.875

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Kayak Rentals

Kayak rentals are available from Descanso Beach Ocean Sports in Avalon.
*To book a kayak rental for boat-in camping, please call 310-510-1226.

Camping Kayaks
Single 1 night/2 days $110
Single 2 nights/3 days $146
Single 3 nights/4 days $180
Single 4 nights/5 days $212
Single 5 nights/6 days $242
Single 6 nights/7 days $280

Double 1 night/2 days $160
Double 2 night/3 days $235
Double 3 night/4 days $310
Double 4 night/5 days $346
Double 5 night/6 days $390
Double 6 night/7 days $428

Equipment Rentals

Snorkel Gear
Complete Set $25 1-2 nights
Complete Set $35 3-6 nights
Winter Wetsuit $39 1-2 nights
Winter Wetsuit $49 3-6 nights

Camping Dry Bags
$10/duration

Delivery Charge
$125 for the first 2 kayaks
$10 each additional kayak for a max of 12 per trip
$15 fuel

For Purchase
$4 WAG bag
$7.99 Franko Map

Campground Check In

Each of the nine boat-in sites is on the leeward side of Catalina (same side as Avalon). Your camping reservation serves as your camping/hiking permit. For site verification or for any questions, please call Two Harbors Visitor Services at 800.626.1496.

WARNING: In the event of adverse weather conditions, trails, roads, and campground may be closed. High winds could also result in ferry boat cancellations. Please check the weather before heading out on your adventure. You can call Two Harbors Visitor Services at 310.510.4205 for updates on closures.