Family Glamping at Two Harbors, Catalina Island: The Complete Guide

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Our Labor Day weekend at Two Harbors, Catalina Island was one of those trips that instantly earns permanent family legend status. My girls had been there before with their dad on Y adventure camps — it was one of their favorites — and somehow I’d never gone. That changed this year, and I can confidently say: it did not disappoint.

Two Harbors is the quieter, more rugged side of Catalina Island — a world away from the tourist bustle of Avalon. No cars, no crowds (by comparison), just a protected cove, a cluster of tent cabins perched on a hillside, and some of the best snorkeling and fishing in Southern California waters. Here’s everything you need to know to plan a perfect family glamping trip.

Table of contents

• What to pack for glamping at Two Harbors
• Getting there & logistics on arrival
• Where to stay: tent cabins at Two Harbors Campground
• Best activities at Two Harbors
• Where to eat
• Quick tips & things to know
• FAQ

What to pack for glamping at Two Harbors, Catalina Island

Packing for a glamping trip to Catalina Island can feel overwhelming, especially knowing you’ll be hauling everything onto a ferry. The good news: it’s more manageable than it looks, and there’s a brilliant bag hauling service on the other end (more on that below).

Since we stayed in a Tent Cabin at the Two Harbors Campground, we didn’t need a tent — the campground provides army-style cots. I do strongly recommend bringing a sheet or sleeping bag liner to cover them — they can be dusty and have occasional spider visitors.

Packing strategy: how we did it

We went with four other families and each family was responsible for one main meal. Our assignment was steaks, salmon, potatoes, and asparagus — plus snacks and bagels for breakfast. We also knew we’d eat out at least once at the Harbor Reef restaurant, so we didn’t over-pack food.

Our gear breakdown:

• Carry-on backpacks — one per person, for clothing and toiletries
• One rolling suitcase — packed with food
• Two large rolling duffels — snorkel gear, camping equipment
• One large bag — inflatable boat
• One suitcase — pillows (trust me, worth it)
• Ice chest — labeled with name and phone number (important — see tips below)

💡 Pro tip: Use rolling bags for all gear — they’re dramatically easier to navigate up and down ferry ramps than shoulder bags. And label every single bag and cooler with your name and phone number using duct tape. Someone accidentally took our cooler at the ferry, but because it was labeled we recovered it before they left the dock.

Snorkel gear: bring your own

This is the single most important gear decision you’ll make for this trip. Bring your own snorkel gear. Rentals on the island are expensive and the selection is limited. Full-face snorkel masks are great for kids who aren’t comfortable with traditional masks.

Other must-pack items

• Dramamine — If anyone in your group is prone to seasickness, take it before boarding. The ferry crossing can be choppy.
• Quarters for showers — The campground showers are coin-operated
• EpiPen or allergy meds if applicable — There are bees during the day in certain areas of the campground
• Dry bags — Essential for water activities
• Sunscreen — You’ll be outside all day with limited shade on the water

Getting there & logistics on arrival

Taking the ferry

We took the Catalina Express — the main ferry service to Catalina Island, running from San Pedro, Long Beach, and Dana Point. The ride to Two Harbors takes about 75 minutes. We had beautiful weather and, thankfully, no seasickness.

Book your ferry tickets well in advance for holiday weekends — they fill up. Round-trip fares run approximately $70–$80 per adult and $55–$65 per child (prices subject to change).

Bag hauling service: a total game-changer

The Two Harbors Campground bag hauling service is $5 per bag and is 100% worth using. You drop your bags at the ferry landing and they appear at your tent cabin. Pick-up on departure works the same way. With a group of families hauling gear, this service was a genuine lifesaver.

Checking in

After checking in, head straight to the Harbor Reef Restaurant and order a Buffalo Milk — the island’s signature frozen cocktail (milky, coffee-flavored, slightly boozy, completely delicious). Consider it mandatory.

There’s also a general store for last-minute supplies — it’s a bit overpriced but handy for forgotten items like extra ice and water.

Where to stay: tent cabins at Two Harbors Campground

The Two Harbors Campground tent cabins are the accommodation that makes this trip feel like glamping rather than camping. Each cabin sleeps up to 6 on army-style cots and includes a fire ring, picnic table, and either a shaded structure or covered patio.

We stayed in Tent Cabin #9, which we believe had the best view in the campground — spectacular sunset views over the harbor (see the photos). Our friends were in cabins 8 and 5, all a short walk to the beach.

The cabins sit on a hillside a 5-minute walk from the ferry landing — slightly uphill, but the views make it worth it.

Book early: Tent cabins fill up 4–6 months in advance for peak season (summer and holiday weekends). Book at visitcatalinaisland.com.

[Photo: View from Tent Cabin #9 at Two Harbors Campground, Catalina Island]

Best activities at Two Harbors, Catalina Island

The activity lineup at Two Harbors is one of the biggest reasons to choose it over Avalon for a family trip. Here’s what we loved most:

Beach, cove swimming & cliff jumping

The Two Harbors cove is protected, calm, and gorgeous. The water temperature hits around 73°F in peak summer — refreshing but not cold. On one side of the cove, a dirt trail leads to small cliffs that are perfect for jumping (a huge hit with the kids). On the other side, the tide pools are some of the best we’ve seen anywhere in California.

Tide pools & marine life

The tide pools on the left side of the cove are exceptional. The kids spent hours crab hunting, catching minnows, and rock climbing. One of their group even spotted an octopus. The marine life at Catalina Island is genuinely remarkable — protected waters mean everything thrives.

Snorkeling & kayaking

The waters around Two Harbors are some of the best snorkeling in Southern California. We saw Garibaldi fish (California’s state marine fish, bright orange and unmistakable), Calico bass, lobsters, and reef life throughout. We rented a kayak from the campground and borrowed a stand-up paddleboard — both worth the rental cost.

Skiff rental & fishing

Renting a skiff from the harbor to explore further around the island was one of the highlights of the whole trip. My husband caught a barracuda (released) and we cooked up Calico bass over the campfire that evening. Fair warning: skiffs are first come, first served and often sold out by 8:30 AM during peak season. Show up early.

Wildlife watching

We ventured out to a spot we nicknamed “Bird Poop Island” — and spotted a huge seal. Other boaters on the water that day reported dolphin sightings. The wildlife at Two Harbors never disappoints.

Where to eat at Two Harbors

Harbor Reef Restaurant

The main (and really only) restaurant at Two Harbors, and honestly it’s better than you’d expect from a remote island outpost. Highlights: excellent fish and chips, gluten-free bun options, and Buffalo Milk — a frozen, creamy, coffee-flavored cocktail that’s become something of a local legend. Order one immediately upon arrival.

Campfire cooking

We grilled steaks, salmon, potatoes, and asparagus over the fire ring on our first night — one of the best meals of the whole trip. Each family in our group cooked one main meal, which made food logistics simple and kept the experience communal. Pack a quality cooler and a few simple ingredients for at least one campfire dinner.

General store & ice cream stand

The general store is a bit overpriced but useful for forgotten items. The ice cream stand next door is a must for the kids — a perfect afternoon treat after a day at the beach.

Quick tips for glamping at Two Harbors, Catalina Island

• 📅 Book tent cabins 4–6 months in advance for summer and holiday weekends — they sell out fast
• 🤿 Bring your own snorkel gear — much cheaper than island rentals, and better selection
• 💊 Take Dramamine before the ferry if anyone is prone to motion sickness
• 🧳 Use rolling bags for all gear — they’re easier on ferry ramps than shoulder bags
• 🏷️ Label every bag and cooler with name and phone number — mix-ups happen at the ferry
• ⏰ Rent skiffs early — they’re first come, first served and gone by 8:30 AM
• 🚿 Bring quarters for coin-operated showers
• 🐝 Note: bees are present during the day in certain areas — relevant if anyone in your group has allergies
• 🍦 Don’t skip the ice cream stand by the general store
• 🥤 Try a Buffalo Milk — it’s the island specialty and a genuinely great drink

Frequently asked questions

How do you get to Two Harbors, Catalina Island?

Take the Catalina Express ferry from San Pedro, Long Beach, or Dana Point. The ride to Two Harbors takes approximately 75 minutes. Book tickets in advance for holiday weekends.

What is the difference between Two Harbors and Avalon?

Avalon is Catalina Island’s main town — more developed, with shops, restaurants, and higher foot traffic. Two Harbors is smaller, quieter, and more rugged. It’s the better choice for families who want a camping-style experience with water activities, less crowd, and a more local feel.

When is the best time to visit Two Harbors?

June through October is ideal. Water temperatures peak at around 73°F in summer, perfect for snorkeling and swimming. Labor Day weekend is popular (book very early). Fall weekdays can be wonderfully quiet.

Are there restaurants at Two Harbors?

Yes — the Harbor Reef Restaurant is the main dining spot and it’s good! Fish and chips, bar food, and the famous Buffalo Milk cocktail. There’s also a general store and ice cream stand.

Do you need to bring your own camping gear?

For tent cabins: no tent needed. The campground provides cots. Bring a sheet or sleeping bag liner, your own bedding/pillows, and all food and cooking supplies. See the full packing list above.

Is Two Harbors good for kids?

It’s one of the best family outdoor destinations in Southern California. The protected cove is safe for young swimmers, the tide pools are endlessly entertaining, and the cliff jumping and snorkeling provide adventure at every age level. Our girls (who’d been before) say it’s one of their all-time favorite trips.

Pin this for later: Save this guide to your California or family camping Pinterest board so you can find it when you’re ready to book!

Questions about planning your Two Harbors trip? Drop them in the comments — I answer everything.