Where to Stay in Catalina Island: Avalon and Camping

Waterfront or hillside?

A waterfront base makes it straightforward to combine walks around Avalon with time near the harbour. Think about your itinerary as well as the accommodation itself: an early departure or a late return may make the route with luggage especially relevant. Check the precise address, check-in arrangements and whether the property can hold bags if your room is not ready.

Hillside accommodation calls for a closer look at gradients and steps. Ask about vehicle access to the entrance and any internal stairs rather than assuming that every address has the same access. The city’s COAST service operates within Avalon, and Hamilton Cove is also named as a destination. An accessible vehicle can be requested through the service; discuss your particular requirements in advance.

If you want a taxi pickup, arrange or check it before arrival rather than relying on a vehicle waiting at the ferry. A luggage service in Avalon offers storage and delivery to accommodation. Check its current charges and operating arrangements directly. Our arrival guide helps you put the mainland journey and island connection together.

Camping in Avalon and beyond

Hermit Gulch is in Avalon Canyon and is the camping facility within the city limits. It offers a different base from a room near the waterfront. Before booking, check the site details and work out how you will carry your equipment between the ferry and the campground. Your ferry operator’s baggage rules apply to your particular crossing, so check bulky equipment separately.

Remote campgrounds require more planning. A campsite reservation, a way to reach it and the return journey are separate pieces of the itinerary. For Little Harbor, arrange a specific connection before you commit to a schedule. Consider how much equipment and water you can carry, and whether your planned transport can take it. The Two Harbors guide covers the island’s western settlement and its seasonal connections.

Water is available at regular campgrounds except Parsons Landing, according to the camping operator. Do not assume a regular water supply at Parsons Landing. Boat-in sites have neither running water nor sanitation stations, so visitors must bring everything needed, including water and a portable toilet. Check the requirements for your chosen site before departure and leave enough capacity to carry supplies out again.

Reservations and a practical checklist

The published annual online camping booking opening is January 5 at 8:00 a.m. Pacific time; January and February reservations open by phone from December 1. Minimum stays have an exception for Trans-Catalina Trail hikers, so check the conditions that apply to your dates and route. Rates vary, and the final price and cancellation terms should be reviewed when booking.

For a hotel or other room, compare the full terms, not just the location: check the total cost, arrival instructions, access and luggage arrangements. Confirm any transport offered by the property directly. If your plans include the interior, read the hiking guide for permits and trail planning. A place to sleep and permission to enter Conservancy land are different arrangements.