Little Harbor is a sandy beachfront campground on Catalina, about seven miles east of Two Harbors. Sunset Magazine named it one of the best campgrounds in the West. You can't drive there yourself: you hike in, usually as a stop on the Trans-Catalina Trail, take the Conservancy's reservable shuttle, or anchor a boat offshore. In return you get a beach with drinking water, showers and campfires, and you can bring the dog.
Little Harbor at a glance
| Where | Beach, about 7 miles east of Two Harbors |
| Managed by | Catalina Island Conservancy; booked through the Catalina Island Company |
| Access | Hike in, Wildlands Express shuttle (reserve ahead), or anchor a boat (no moorings) |
| Booking | Reservation only; online from January 5 for the coming year |
| Price | Per person, per night, dynamic; 50% off for Conservancy members |
| Water | Drinking water |
| Showers | Cold, outdoor |
| Fires | In designated fire rings |
| Pets | Allowed |
| Gear haul | $42 round trip, $21 one way |
Booking
- Online booking opens January 5 at 8 a.m. Pacific for the coming year. The Conservancy suggests booking as early as possible, ideally in January.
- January and February dates can be booked by phone from December 1 with Two Harbors Visitor Services, 310-510-4205.
- Fees are per person, per night and change with the season. Conservancy members get 50% off, per person, for the number of people their membership covers.
- Campgrounds have a minimum stay, except for Trans-Catalina Trail hikers.
Getting there
The Catalina Island Company runs no transport to Little Harbor. It puts the campground about 7 miles east of Two Harbors and gives the hike from Two Harbors as about 5 miles; the Conservancy's itinerary also says 5. Take the Catalina Express from San Pedro to Two Harbors, or the Cyclone from Avalon (May to October), and walk from there.
Coming from Avalon on the Trans-Catalina Trail, Little Harbor comes after Black Jack and the Airport in the Sky (mile 12.75, the last listed water before the Little Harbor area at about mile 18.9).
By shuttle: the Conservancy's Wildlands Express runs from Avalon and the Airport in the Sky to Little Harbor, with advance reservations only. It takes one large backpack per passenger, carried on your lap or at your feet, and no pets.
By boat: there are no moorings, but boaters may anchor.
Gear haul
While you hike, gear haul can move your bags: $42 round trip or $21 one way. Each bag or item can be up to 50 lb, no bungee cords, and wagons must be empty and folded. Groups can book a truck for $489 one way.
At the campground
- Drinking water and cold outdoor showers. No electricity.
- Campfires in the designated fire rings. Buy wood in Avalon or Two Harbors; campfire fuel isn't allowed on the ferries.
- Live-in rangers in summer.
- Pets allowed.
- Rentals (limited): 4-person tent $40 a night ($50 deposit), sleeping pad $7, 2-burner stove $25 (propane extra).
Trail and wildlife tips
- Every Trans-Catalina hiker needs a free Conservancy hiking permit.
- Carry at least 3 liters of water, and know the water stops before you leave.
- Stay at least 125 feet from bison. Watch for ticks, rattlesnakes and poison oak.
- Cell service is limited or missing; consider a satellite messenger and hike with a companion.
- Spring and fall are the most comfortable seasons. Summer is hot, and winter nights can drop to about 40°F.
Next on the trail is Two Harbors Campground. For every campground on the island, see Catalina Island camping.
