Hi!
My wife really wants to go camping on Catalina. I wasn't even aware that you can actually camp-out there.

Anyone ever camped on Catalina? What campsite would you recommend???

Gracie,
Lucca Brazzi

Hi! There's a couple public campsites that you can book, one in Avalon, and one in Two Harbors. For both, you can either bring your own tent or, for a small fee, you can book a tepee. We tried the tepee tents in Two Harbors, which would have been nice except for the ants! The view from the campsite in Two Harbors is gorgeous, a great view of the bay. The disadvantage is the hike (not high, but slightly uphill) to the sites, which is about 1/2 mile from the boat. They do offer to drag your equipment to the site by truck. You can rent kayaks there, and there's also a small sandy cove at the base of the campsite. There are barbeques and outhouse toilet facilities. Down by the landing, there are also bathroom facilities (flush toilets!) and showers.

The situation is pretty similar in Avalon, but because it's set back about a mile inland, you have no ocean view. But then, you have much more to do using Avalon as a base -- more places to eat and drink as well. At Two Harbors, there's really just Doug's to eat, but the "buffalo milk" is the big draw! (This is an alcoholic concoction -- actually, you can also get it at Descanso Beach in Avalon).

Both towns have a grocery store where you can by your food. You will need to book early at both places, since the sites are limited and go quickly in summer.

Thanks for the info! Any suggestions where I can find more info and reservations? Thanks again!

Prego!
You can go to the website, www.scico.com/camping or www.scico.com, then just follow the words camping either at the top or bottom of the site. Both have different information, as well as forms to fill out online. SCICO stands for Santa Catalina Island Company. The site in Avalon is Hermit Gulch. The site in Two Harbors is of the same name. Parsons Landing and Blackjack are other campsites, but they are WAY out of the way, and you have to get extra transport other than boat, although the boat to Two Harbors continues on to Parson's Landing.

Remember, when you make reservations for the Catalina Express to go over, let them know you're going camping, because they need to let you know what you may NOT bring on the boat (i.e. flameables, etc), and you do not want to leave it at the dock, or worse, in your car (considering the heat).

You will have a great time, as will your wife. Don't forget the Buffalo Milk!

We considered this and decided not to because of the hassle of getting things over on the boat. Another alternative is to rent some of the gear on the island. The Catalina Chamber site has rental contacts, I believe. Just an option..Love those Buffalo Milks!