Trip Overview
Dates: September 22 – 23, 2016
Miles: 8.1 miles from Avalon, 4.5 miles from Two Harbors
Permit: Reservations must be made for your campsite https://app.fireflyreservations.com/reserve/property/CatalinaIslandCompany
“Trailhead”: Can start from Avalon or Two Harbors
Dogs: 2 pets allowed per campsite
Getting There
The main way to get to Catalina Island is by two main ferry companies. The Catalina Express leaves from San Pedro, Long Beach, or Dana Point and travels to Avalon and Two Harbors. The Catalina Flyer leaves from Newport Beach and travels to Avalon.
Trip Details
This trip was a nice refreshing new outdoor activity that was different from our usual backpacking in the mountains and camping in the deserts! Instead of backpacking by walking to our backcountry site, this time we “boatpacked” by kayaking to our backcountry site. There is a row of boat-in only campsites along the north coast of Catalina Island, between Avalon and Two Harbors. We had a reservation for Lava Wall Campsite, located 8.1 miles from Avalon.
The whole trip was two days: we left Long Beach in the morning on Day 1 and were home in LA by the next night. Once we got to Avalon, we grabbed lunch and headed over to the grocery store to grab some supplies, water, and more snacks. Our next stop was Descanso Beach where we rented our kayaks and packed everything up and were off!
The trip took us about 2 hours from Avalon (Descanso Beach) to Laval Wall. We made a stop at Italian Gardens to try to take a break and get out and swim, but the beach was swarming with bees. The good thing about kayak camping is you can take your breaks on your kayak, get out and swim, and just relax along the way.
This camping/boating trip was very different from all the backpacking trips we’ve experienced. When we arrived at Lava Wall the beach is about a quarter mile long, and there isn’t a whole lot to explore, so we gladly relaxed, hung out at the beach, and took the afternoon slow. Camping to the sound of the waves was so nice and relaxing, we will definitely be back!
Need to Know
- Rent kayaks from Descanso Beach Ocean Sports in Avalon
- Campsites are primitive and have no running water, toilets, trash receptacles
- No campfires allowed
- Must use portable human waste bags (WAG bags) and pack out all your waste
- Cell service is spotty
Catalina Island Boat-In Sites
Long Point
- 2 sites
- 4.875 miles from Avalon
- 7.75 miles from Two Harbors
Italian Gardens
- 4 sites
- 5.25 miles from Avalon
- 7.4 miles from Two Harbors
Goat Harbor
- 3 sites
- 6.2 miles from Avalon
- 6.4 miles from Two Harbors
Cabrillo Beach
- 4 sites
- 7 miles from Avalon
- 5.75 miles from Two Harbors
Gibralter Beach
- 2 sites
- 7.1 miles from Avalon
- 5.5 miles from Two Harbors
Lava Wall
- 2 sites
- 8.1 miles from Avalon
- 4.5 miles from Two Harbors
Paradise
- 1 site
- 8.4 miles from Avalon
- 4.25 miles from Two Harbors
Ripper’s
- 3 sites
- 8.6 miles from Avalon
- 4 miles from Two Harbors
When to Go Kayak Camping
All year round, but the water is usually calmest in the summer months.
What to Pack for a Kayak Backpacking Trip
1. Kayaking Gear
- Kayak & Paddle
- Life jacket: the kayak rental company provided us with life jackets
- Dry Bags: We had one large dry bag for clothes, and put the rest of our smaller items in Ziplock bags.
2. Navigation & Safety
- GPS Device: We like to use Gaia GPS, an app on our phones.
- Whistle or Signal Device
- First Aid Kit
- Multi-Tool or Knife
3. Camping Gear & Clothes
- Tent or Hammock: Lightweight and packable.
- Sleeping Bag & Pad: Compact and suitable for the expected temperature.
- Headlamp
- Cooking Equipment: Small stove, fuel, pot, and utensils.
- Food: Lightweight, high-calorie meals and snacks.
- Water: Pump, tablets, or a gravity filter. For this particular trip, bring your own bottled fresh water.
- Human Waste Bags: Poop must be packed out!
- Quick-Dry Layers: Avoid cotton; bring synthetic or wool.
- Warm Layer: Fleece or insulated jacket for cooler evenings.
- Hat: a must for me for many hours spent kayaking in the sun!
4. Extras
- Sunscreen & Sunglasses
- Bug Spray: There weren’t mosquitos, but there were a lot of flies and bees.
- Snorkel gear: we brought ours and used it in some of the cave areas!
Leave No Trace
Always remember to practice the principles of Leave No Trace! These 7 principles include:
- Plan Ahead & Prepare
- Travel & Camp on Durable Surfaces
- Dispose of Waste Properly
- Leave What You Find
- Minimize Campfire Impacts
- Respect Wildlife
- Be Considerate of Others
Check out the Leave No Trace program for more information.
