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Two Harbors Catalina Island Perfect Camping Trip

Labor Day this year was darn near perfect. We decided to make the trip out to Catalina Island and camp at the Two Harbors Campground. This is a trip my girls have made with their Dad many times with the Y adventure camps. It is one of their favorites, and I had never been. It did not disappoint!

Highlights in this blog post about our Family Glamping Trip to Two Harbors, Catalina Island:

Packing for Our Long Weekend of Glamping at Two Harbors

Packing for a glamping trip to Catalina Island can feel overwhelming at first, especially when you have to travel by ferry. But it turned out to be simpler than expected. Since we stayed in a Tent Cabin at the Two Harbors Campground, we didn’t need a traditional tent. The campground provides army-style cots, but I highly recommend bringing a sheet to cover them, as they can be dusty and have a few “spider friends.”

For food, we teamed up with three other families and planned one main meal each. This simplified packing, and we only needed to bring our meal of steaks, salmon, potatoes, and asparagus, plus snacks and bagels for breakfast. There are several fun restaurants in Two Harbors, so we knew we could also dine out for a meal or drinks (which we did).

Here’s how we packed:

  • Carry-on backpacks for clothing and toiletries.
  • One suitcase of food.
  • Two large duffels filled with snorkel gear and camping equipment.
  • One huge bag with a blow-up boat.
  • One suitcase with pillows and an ice chest full of food.

Pro tip: Use rolling bags for gear, and each camper should carry a small pack with their clothes. It’s much easier to take rolling bags up and down the ferry boat ramps! And, super important—label your bags with duct tape (including name and phone number). Someone mistakenly took our cooler, but we were able to recover it before they left.

Logistics After Arriving at Two Harbors, Catalina Island

We had beautiful weather and, thankfully, no seasickness. After a quick 75-minute ferry ride, we arrived at Two Harbors, Catalina Island. The Two Harbors Campground offers a fantastic bag hauling service for just $5 per bag. This service dropped our bags off near our Tent Cabin and picked them up when we left—total game-changer!

After checking in, we walked to the local restaurant to try the island’s specialty drink, Buffalo Milk—a frozen, milky, coffee-flavored alcoholic treat. The food was surprisingly good, with options like fish and chips and gluten-free buns.

We then popped by the general store (which is a bit overpriced) to grab some extra ice and water before hiking up the 5-minute trail to our Tent Cabin. The walk is a bit uphill, but the view is worth it!

We stayed in Tent Cabin #9, which likely had the best view in the campground. The sunset views from our cabin were spectacular (see the cover photo). Our friends stayed in cabins 8 and 5, all just a short walk to the beach. The Tent Cabins were spacious, each with 6 cots, fire rings, picnic tables, and either a shaded structure or covered patio.

Activities We Loved in Two Harbors, Catalina Island:

One of the highlights of our glamping experience was all the fun activities available right at Two Harbors:

  • Beach Fun and Cliff Jumps: The kids were eager to hit the beach right away. The beach is in a protected cove, with a dirt trail leading to some small cliffs perfect for jumping into the refreshing 73°F water.
  • Tide Pools and Marine Life: On the other side of the cove, the tide pools were teeming with marine life. The kids spent hours crab hunting, catching minnows, and even rock climbing. One lucky kid even spotted an octopus!
  • Fishing and Snorkeling: We rented a kayak and borrowed a stand-up paddleboard, and our family enjoyed fishing, kayaking, and snorkeling. The area around the cliffs has protected waters with tons of underwater life, including Garibaldis, Calico bass, lobsters, and more. We even spotted leopard sharks (though not during our trip).
  • Fishing from the Skiff: We also rented a skiff from the harbor to explore further around the island. One of the best parts of our trip was fishing around Catalina Island. My husband caught a barracuda (which we released), and we cooked up Calico bass over the campfire one evening.
  • Exploring Bird Poop Island: We ventured to a spot we nicknamed Bird Poop Island after spotting a huge seal! Other boaters reported sightings of dolphins.

Quick Tips for Glamping at Two Harbors, Catalina Island

  • Book Early: Tent cabins fill up quickly, especially during peak season. We booked ours 5 months in advance.
  • Bring Your Own Snorkel Gear: It’s much cheaper to bring your own snorkel masks and fins than to rent them on the island.
  • Bring Dramamine: If you’re prone to seasickness, take some Dramamine for the ferry ride over.
  • Use Rolling Bags for Gear: Makes ferry boarding much easier.
  • Label Your Bags: Avoid luggage mix-ups by labeling all bags and coolers with name and phone number.
  • Don’t Miss the Ice Cream Stand: Located near the general store, it’s a great treat for the kids.
  • Rent a Kayak: Definitely worth the money for exploring the waters around Two Harbors.
  • Skiffs Are First Come, First Serve: They sell out quickly, often by 8:30 AM.
  • Bring Quarters for Showers: The public showers are coin-operated.
  • Expect Bees: During the day, we saw bees swarming in certain areas. If you’re allergic, this might be worth considering before booking.
  • Try a Buffalo Milk: It’s a must-try local specialty!

Conclusion: Why Two Harbors, Catalina Island is the Perfect Family Glamping Destination

Our family glamping trip to Two Harbors, Catalina Island was one for the books. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or just an escape into nature, Catalina Island offers a fantastic mix of activities and comfortable accommodations. From snorkeling to beach fun, and from cliff jumps to fishing, Two Harbors provides a perfect setting for making lasting family memories.

Ready to plan your own glamping getaway on Catalina Island? Book early, pack smart, and don’t forget to try that Buffalo Milk!

dreamer

About the Dreamer

I am always day dreaming of my next vacation. I love an adventurous trip. Researching and finding the perfect activity that will create a memorable experience for everyone on our vacation is a hobby for me. I am normally planning my next trip before I have left for a vacation. It might be camping, a farm stay in Italy, a motel in New Braunfels, a VRBO on an island or a fancy resort... I always have a new dream vacation on my mind.

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