Camping on Catalina Island

Prepare for a camping trip Catalina Island requires some careful planning and packaging, if you have your car or camper van with you won't have.

Since the Santa Catalina Island Conservancy owns most of Catalina, is the natural beauty well preserved, so that you are in for a real treat.

There are five campsites on the island, apart from the boat-in campsites. Most people come up with ferry or private boat, so you want to pack enough, but not too much.

All campers, which can be obtained from the two ports visitor services or of Avalon Island Plaza is a licence required. Upon arrival on the island, you should check with them before going to the campsite.

For Catalina Island camping booking, call 310-510-d.8368. You may also rent camping equipment such as tents, sleeping bags and pads. All campsites are charging $ 12 per $ 6 per child per adult per night. They also all have a limit of 10-day maximum stay. Unfortunately for campers who like their dogs, no pets allowed.

HERMIT GULCH CAMPGROUND

Located 1 1/2 mile from the boat landing on Avalon Canyon Road, you can walk or take a taxi from Avalon. It is located on a grass field with trees, inland near Wrigley Memorial and the Botanical Garden.

This campsite has 54 tent sites. Here are flush toilets, showers, picnic tables, barbecues and a small shop. Propane, charcoal, firewood and ice is available for sale of the rangers.

TWO PORTS CAMPING

This campsite is situated in two ports on a bluff above the beach. You can walk up 1/4 mile of two ports or take the Bus Safari. There are 43 tent sites and 3 group. Several of the sites are protected, that is a blessing during the hot summer days. There are chemical toilets, cold showers, a snack bar and a coin Laundry. Activities include snorkeling and biking.

LITTLE HARBOR CAMPING

A third campsite is the small camping Harbor. Located 7 km east of two ports and 16 miles west of Avalon, you can get there by walking (for the studly), or take the Bus Safari from two ports of Avalon.

This campsite has 17 tent sites, of which 8 Group sites. They have chemical toilets, cold showers, picnic tables, a barbecue and a fire ring. You can snorkel and swim at two sandy beaches.

If you want, you can pre-arrange with visitor services for your gear carried two ports for a fee.

BLACKJACK CAMPING

Another of the campsites on Catalina Island is the Blackjack camping. It is located near Mt. Orizaba, the highest peak of the island. It is inland, between the trees. 9 Km West of Avalon and 11 1/2 miles east of two ports of old stage road, you can by a 1 1/2 mile walk to the campsite. To get to the trailhead, walk the Safari Bus or airport shuttle or Avalon. You can check in at Avalon Island Plaza or the two ports Guest Services.

This campsite has 11 primitive tent sites, together with chemical toilets, BBQ, fire ring and picnic tables.

PARSON'S LANDING CAMPGROUND

This campsite is found between land's End and arrowhead. Is located 7 km west of two ports and should you walk in, or come by kayak to get there.

It has 8 primitive tent sites, chemical toilets, BBQ, fire ring and picnic tables. There is no water so that you must bring your own. They may either include water and firewood in the price, so check this when you make your reservation. It is located opposite the beach, which is nice, but it is advisable to have your own shadow

BOAT-IN CAMPING

A unique way to experience Catalina Island camping is by boat or kayak. There are nine named boat-in camping areas in all, for a total of 17 campsites.

All are situated around the northeast coast of Avalon. They are primitive sites with no water, toilets or moorings. You have to pack out your trash and bring your own portable toilets and water. No fires are allowed. A ranger will check you in and then checks on each site every day. Kayak rentals are available in Avalon. For more information, call 310-510-7265.

If you love to camp on the beach, try getting away from the hustle and bustle of the mainland territory of the campsite on Catalina Island.

Laura Eggers works http://www.southern-california-beaches-vacation-guide.com the website, that site visitors a wealth of information about the different beach areas to help with planning their beach vacation in sunny southern California.