Catalina camping

[White Knight]

I am contemplating going to Catalina this summer for a camping/scuba diving/sight seeing adventure. The more I check the islandÃÔ web sites the more confused I get. I have a Center Console Trophy retrofitted for SCUBA that I plan to get to the island on and then use it for diving while I am there. I was hoping to find a nice camp ground that would allow safe anchorage for my boat (I have no dingy) and a camp fire (IÃÍl need wood) and a place to shower. It would really be cool if I could dock my boat and/or be close enough to head into to town for some fun in the evenings or to have a nice lunch etc. Also, a Å×ery SCUBA friendly hotel wouldnÃÕ be out of the question either. Any words of wisdom from anyone will be much appreciated.

 

[dpbishop]

Have you tried this site? Camping - Visit Catalina Island

There is a camp ground at Two Harbors were you can stay. You will need to rent a mooring from the harbor master. There is a water-taxi that will pick you up at your boat and take you ashore; although it is a bit of a hike to the camp ground.

There are also a few camp sites scattered around the island that are accessible from the sea that have decent anchorages for small boats. They have limited amenities.

The best diving at the island is around two harbors. IMHO.

 

[drbill]

As for firewood, remember that we have very few real trees here on the island due to annual rainfall of 12-14" (near desert). Fires are also restricted due to the extreme fire danger during the drier portions of the year. I'm sure you heard about "the big one" two years ago.

Scuba friendly hotels in Avalon include Seaport Village and the Hermosa.

 

[Codyjp]

There are a few sites that allow boat in anchoring but without a dingy it is going to force you to beach your boat and unload it or swim it to shore... Yikes. I've been with a friend on his Ponga as we beached it at Little Harbor but I wouldn't be so excited about doing it with a boat much bigger than that. Your best and most convienient option is 2 Harbors. You can use the shore boat to get to shore and camp onshore. There is also a dive shop with a fill station at the end of the pier so fills are easy. There are also a few of my favorite sites nearby, ship rock, bird rock, Isthmus reef, lion head, blue cavern and the quarry are all a few minutes away. You probably would want a mooring just east of the pier up against the shore (I believe it is the A row but I might be backwards).

The market at Two harbors is a bit sparse so plan to bring the majority of your food.

 

[White Knight]

Thanks for the web site. I hadn't seen that one yet. I think I have enough to work with now.