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Hermit Gulch Campground is Avalon’s only camping facility located within city limits. The campground is situated in Avalon Canyon near the Nature Center and the Wrigley Memorial and Botanical Garden.
The campground offers a nice view of the surrounding hills that are home to a wide variety of endemic plant and animal species. Hermit Gulch Trail is accessible from the campground, and there's access to other hiking trails nearby.
Hermit Gulch is great for first-timers and experienced campers alike. Being so close to town allows easy access to groceries, shopping, restaurants, tours, sight seeing and nightlife.
Every camp site had a grill and bench/table. The bathrooms were clean and very easy to change in. There were also showers available for a small fee. It is conveniently located near hiking trails, the botanical garden, and a short walk into town. Overall, it was very comfortable and peaceful. People were respectful of quiet time. Adequate trash cans available as well as food storage containers. On one of the nights I was there, we had deer and fox visitors!
Close proximity to hikes and the civilization makes HGC location perfect. All amenities included, even free Wi-Fi and shower, for fans of glamping. Also, plenty of wild life roaming camp through the day. When reserving, make sure that your site has a shade, it becomes really hot, especially in summer. Fires with wood not allowed, however, compressed logs are ok, also can do propane cooking as well as grill.
I had the best time ever visiting the Hermit Gulch campground on Catalina Island. I’d never been to any of the islands there and did not know what to expect. I called ahead and spoke to Regina, the head ranger at Hermit Gulch and she was so kind and took the time to give me a lot of detailed information that made the camping trip work really well. Once I got up to the camp, Regina was really helpful with so many things and even helped me when my stove broke. I felt safe and well looked after up there. I think camping on Catalina is perfect because the town has so many fun and lively things to do and just 1.5 miles up the hill, it is serene and peaceful. I did a nearly 3 month car camping trip from WA state through much of California and was heading home. I probably would not have turned back around from San Luis Obispo if I had not spoken to Regina and gotten my questions answered about how camping on the island worked. I also loved the proximity of the campground to the botanical gardens. I’m definitely coming back and bringing my family. Just a wonderful trip!
We had an amazing time at Hermit Gulch campground. The facilities are fantastic- flushing clean toilets, washing sink and tables, grills, picnic tables. Our tent cabins were very clean and roomy with front porch, propane stove and lantern. Outlets to charge phone or e-bike. Regina was so helpful with a little camp store right there for last minute things. She even gave our kids a printed scavenger hunt and honorary ranger pins. This was camping made super easy which is great since you can only take so much on the boat over. And site is so pretty and short walk into town. Just great.
