I used to spend July 4th weekends there with an ex-girlfriend and her family who owned a house on the main drag in Avalon, I’ve been there a few non-holiday weekends as well. I personally find Avalon to be crowded, touristy, and expensive without too much going on.
Over July 4th weekend in 2009 though, I went back and did a through hike of the island (with a new girlfriend
), which was awesome. It was relaxing and the sights were great.
Our itinerary was like so:
Day 1 - ferry to Two Harbors, hike to Little Harbor, snorkel and rent kayaks, camp at the established campground
Day 2 - sleep in, swim in the harbor, hike to Blackjack campground
Day 3 - hike to the top of Orizaba (island high point), hike to Avalaon, eat good seafood, introduce new girlfriend to old girlfriends family
(who were there for the 4th weekend), ferry out from Avalon
If you’re interested in hiking, I can comment more on that but here are a few notes that I remember from the campgrounds where we stayed on the island:
Blackjack campground - In the center of the island. 360 degree views nearby, but not necesarily from the campground. Secluded campsites available, hidden in pockets of trees. Feels more like a forest campground.
Little Harbor campground - a minutes walk from the beach, basically beach camping. Secluded sites available, but most are not. Great views within a short walk and a westerly view - think sunsets.
Safari busses can take you to places around the island if you don’t want to hike – we had a non hiking couple join us via bus at Little Harbor
Kayaks were available for rent at the Little Harbor campground
Both campgrounds were crowded but not full (it was the 4th weekend though)
You can reserve firewood and have it waiting for you at the camps, its pricey though
The campgrounds were also pricey, reservation recommended
You cannot bring camp fuel over on the ferry, but canisters were available at Two Harbors. I didn't check for white gas. Avalon is the more established area and would have anything you could need.
Lots of wildlife, including Buffalo
Overall, this was a great trip, and probably one of my favorite non-summit related trips. Honestly I wouldn't go to Catalina for just the camping though. Alright its late, fading, fading, gone…