From Nancy D. Brown of What a Trip

Hermit Gulch Campground

Looking to save some travel dollars but still want to have a California beach vacation? Look no further than Hermit Gulch Campground, the only campground in Avalon. This tree-lined, grassy campground is a short one and a half miles from the Avalon Boat Landing on Santa Catalina Island. It’s also close to the Wrigley Memorial and Botanical Garden.

Owned by the Santa Catalina Island Company, the campground offers picnic tables, BBQ’s, showers, fresh water, flush toilets (hallelujah!) and vending machines.  Buff back packers will be able to handle the slightly-up hill walk to the campground, but taxi service is available or you can rent a golf cart to get around. Campers can walk to the nearby Nature Center for hands-on kid-friendly activities and to learn of the Island’s natural history.  Did I mention the Nature Center is free?  

CC Beau Deli

For an affordable lunch visit Armstrong’s Seafood Restaurant or stop at CC Beau Deli on Claressa Avenue for a do-it-yourself picnic. For the chocoholic, you will not be disappointed with the Petite Vesuvius, $7.95, at C.C. Gallagher. Local Santa Catalina business woman Pam Miller owns both the gourmet deli and meditteranean wine bar coffee shop. She is a staunch supporter of the island. “Santa Catalina is a very interesting channel island,” notes Miller. “It’s the only channel island from the ocean floor.”

Hermit Gulch Campground 1 (310) 510-7254

1203 Avalon Canyon Road, Avalon, CA 90704

A room with a view can be had for only $12 per person, per day, $6 for children, tent not included.