I camped there twice, once between Christmas and New Year's with my two sons and there was no one but us there. You can also use bikes to get there. At Two Harbors their are coin-operated showers (yacht people use them, but you can too) which is a nice way to clean up after you camp.
In the good ole days I used to hike the interior of Catalina never had a permit just winged and camped on various beaches. I miss the 70's and early 80's
Well, this really bring back some memories about parsons cove. When I was young man in the 70s. I was in the sea explorers out of San Pedro, Los Angeles Harbor. We would sail to Catalina every year and stay at Parsons Cove for a week. We would fish, skin diving for abalone, go hiking all over the island, really have a very good time. There were no campsites then you slept wherever you wanted on the beach, although we never had any problems with the squirrels we did kind of have an issue with the wild boar that was on the island at the time, so we were always required to have slingshot with us in case they wandered into our camp at night to get our food, it was always kind of exciting but I'm pretty sure it's not like that today. thanks for sharing this, sure does bring back memories.
That sounds awesome. I used to be a big sailor too, I can imagine how much fun it was to sail across and camp on the primitive beach. You should revisit it on a hike, it's still pretty great, minus the wild boars.
My very first introduction to the outdoors was an outdoors club in high school. Our first outing was Catalina. I remember landing on Catalina at night, walking from Avalon pier straight through town and down a dark road until seeing a glimpse of light on the left which was a ranch and the campground entrance just to right. We woke up in the morning and hopped on a bus which was headed to the Isthmus campground. Halfway there the bus stopped and the teacher asked if anyone wanted to hike in. My 2 buddies and I volunteered. Teacher just said we needed to stay on the road. Well, boys being boys we decided to climb the ridge and high tail it across the mountains instead. Chased by buffalo and boar. Good times!! When we finally made it to camp there was a restaurant, a store bathrooms and campgrounds that were cascading down towards the water in three levels. Next day we swam out to the point because someone told us about an underwater cave we could swim into. We all grew up surfing so we were gamed. First one of us went, after he didn't come up we assumed he found it so the rest of us went. Found it!! When we came back up, the coast guard boat came flying up to us hollering at us to get in the damn boat. We thought we were all going to jail or something but it turns out that the guy's were telling us that live squid were on the rocks and they were attracting sharks. I never heard of that but hey, we got a free ride to shore! LOL! After that Catalina became my hollowed ground. Many,many,many trips there. One time my gf and I went and spent a week hiking and camping all over the island on 100 bucks. We even rented a golf cart and drove it just below Wrigley Mansion to the point to take a picture overlooking Avalon. As we were coming to the point we drove over something. I jumped out, looked under the cart and found 50 bucks!! Covered our cart rental AND a nice dinner in town. Still have the picture!!! Still have the backpack too!! That backpack is an outer frame style and has been to many places including all the way to Argentina. I love it!! They don't make them like this anymore. I have many others but this one has some great stories!!
Wow! Sounds like good times man! Thanks for sharing, that was cool! Hey is there a particular point/way to get to that underwater cave at the isthmus campground? I've never been to Catalina, but I'm planning to go sometime soon. That underwater cave sounds cool!
So awesome! Need yo do this on my own. BSA Camp Emerald Bay as a boy....did an overnight and stayed in site 1. Then went back during week of July 4th with my 12 year old son. Another overnight at Parsons cove and was in site 7. They now have critter (bear) boxes and permanent pit toilets up by the lockers. Where those benches and boards are piled behind you near the porta potties. Such a great place to hang out and I agree the view is awesome!! And we added to the many wind breaks on the beach by building our own.
Thanks for the feedback. Yea, I started doing the videos about a year ago. Seems like a helpful resource in addition to the guides on the website. Happy trails Roberto!
I stayed at same spot #8 a few years ago. Knarley storm hit while I was there with rain and 50 mph winds I remember hiding behind that rock wall and trying to keep my tent from blowing away. Great hking in the hills behind the campground but a little scary following the buffalo trails through the tunnels of brush. Found a dead buffalo stuck in the mud in the ravine behind the campground. And saw some deer on the beach and one seal.
Another trip, I hiked to Little Harbor Campground and had a foggy night with a huge buffalo that just hung out with me all night maybe 25 yards away. woke up and he was sleeping in the grass 50 feet away. Ranger Bob told me I was in his spot "but I don't think you will bother him."
Nicely done, I camped there some years ago, got there the easy way - swam in from a charter dive boat & camped 1 night. There is/was water available near by. Catalina's such an amazing island to explore, a reminder how early California was. And Parson's such a great beach for camping, the buffalo like it too. Getting back to San Pedro was a bit more challenging than getting to Parson, waited around for another dive charter to be in the area & then hitched a ride on a digny to the dive boat - back then I knew pretty much all of the dive charter boat skippers out of 22nd St. Landing.
Man, that sounds awesome, diving off the boat and swimming in. Yea, even now with the ferries, getting there is half the challenge. So worth it though, what a wild and beautiful place.
Getting a ride back to San Pedro was the challenge, took a marine radio & waited until I spotted a dive boat anchored nearby & hitched a ride on a dingy .
Thanks for the info! I haven't been to Catalina since I was a kid living in Long Beach. In Hawaii now, but I'll be back to visit family soon and plan on taking this hike and camping trip!
As a newbie camper, I only camp at Hermit G camp site for 3 nights, enjoy my little hikes to the hill near the Wrigley mansion and the Wrigley botanical garden, and stroll around the streets, beaches around avalon last month 😀
I’m planning to go camping jist not sure about it would love to camp there 2 nights tho looks great anything to worry about at night there tho. Never camp there but gonna try
Reminds me of my summers at Camp Emerald Bay. Amazing place Catalina is, most beautiful in California in my opinion. I wouldn't call two harbors a town, but that's just me. Maybe a village? I saw dolphins, sea turtles, bat rays, manta rays, and blue whales. I shot rifles and shotguns. Hiked, biked, swam, canoed, kayaked, motorboated, camped in fluvial basins, on beaches, and on cots.
Lol Cris, I feel like I'm "stalking" you by commenting on your videos!! Thru hiked Catalina twice and doing it a third time (backward) late April. Starting in 2 Harbors and looping around on Silver Peak Trail to hit Starlight first, then come back to PL to camp. Love this place. When we get snowed out, I can just jump on boat in LB and be there in an hour.
Man that sounds awesome. Yea, I had the same thought. Mountains are too snowy, so let's head over to Catalina. Wish I had more time to hit the TCT, maybe this spring. Good luck in April - should be beautiful!
Sooo good! Thanks for the info. The challenge now for me is finding an availability. Also, just wondering, did you end up sleeping with your pack? And how long of a hike is it from ferry to actual site?
Again me and my wheelchair challenges! Lol thank you so much for doing a very detail video. This is on my bucket list. I’m planning to bring my hand cycle because there is no way my wheelchair can handle that. So is it like $20 a night? And do they have a office where I can leave my bike battery to charge because in a way my bike is my 2nd wheelchair
GREAT footage - really have RAVENS roaming around & scavenging for "Food" ?? And how LONG is Hike to that Landing ? Have you ever made it to CLEMENTE Island ?? Kristina from BX
Ha, yea, the ravens will take anything they can get their beaks on! It's about 7.5 miles each way, check this out for all the details: hikingguy.com/hiking-trails/best-la-hikes/hiking-catalina-island-parsons-landing-campsite/ --- Haven't done the Channel Islands NP ones yet but they're on the list!
Hi Cris, I didn’t hear you mention it, would this be feasible as a day hike? If it’s only 15 miles and 4 hours each way it seems possible to start in the morning and return to the ferry in the evening.
Check out the accompanying blog post for all the information including firewood info: hikingguy.com/hiking-trails/best-la-hikes/hiking-catalina-island-parsons-landing-campsite/
LOL!!! Btw, NEVER leave your pack alone!!!! The wildlife is quick!!! I've heard they did away with the wild boars but back when THEY were around.....pheeeewwww, We had to hang on backs under the awnings on the picnic tables or you'd wake up to FUBAR gear!!!
I camped there twice, once between Christmas and New Year's with my two sons and there was no one but us there. You can also use bikes to get there. At Two Harbors their are coin-operated showers (yacht people use them, but you can too) which is a nice way to clean up after you camp.
Good tip on the showers, didn't know that!
In the good ole days I used to hike the interior of Catalina never had a permit just winged and camped on various beaches. I miss the 70's and early 80's
Well, this really bring back some memories about parsons cove. When I was young man in the 70s. I was in the sea explorers out of San Pedro, Los Angeles Harbor. We would sail to Catalina every year and stay at Parsons Cove for a week. We would fish, skin diving for abalone, go hiking all over the island, really have a very good time. There were no campsites then you slept wherever you wanted on the beach, although we never had any problems with the squirrels we did kind of have an issue with the wild boar that was on the island at the time, so we were always required to have slingshot with us in case they wandered into our camp at night to get our food, it was always kind of exciting but I'm pretty sure it's not like that today. thanks for sharing this, sure does bring back memories.
That sounds awesome. I used to be a big sailor too, I can imagine how much fun it was to sail across and camp on the primitive beach. You should revisit it on a hike, it's still pretty great, minus the wild boars.
Thank you for walking us through it so we can see how to get there.
My very first introduction to the outdoors was an outdoors club in high school. Our first outing was Catalina. I remember landing on Catalina at night, walking from Avalon pier straight through town and down a dark road until seeing a glimpse of light on the left which was a ranch and the campground entrance just to right. We woke up in the morning and hopped on a bus which was headed to the Isthmus campground. Halfway there the bus stopped and the teacher asked if anyone wanted to hike in. My 2 buddies and I volunteered. Teacher just said we needed to stay on the road. Well, boys being boys we decided to climb the ridge and high tail it across the mountains instead. Chased by buffalo and boar. Good times!!
When we finally made it to camp there was a restaurant, a store bathrooms and campgrounds that were cascading down towards the water in three levels.
Next day we swam out to the point because someone told us about an underwater cave we could swim into. We all grew up surfing so we were gamed. First one of us went, after he didn't come up we assumed he found it so the rest of us went. Found it!! When we came back up, the coast guard boat came flying up to us hollering at us to get in the damn boat. We thought we were all going to jail or something but it turns out that the guy's were telling us that live squid were on the rocks and they were attracting sharks. I never heard of that but hey, we got a free ride to shore! LOL!
After that Catalina became my hollowed ground. Many,many,many trips there. One time my gf and I went and spent a week hiking and camping all over the island on 100 bucks. We even rented a golf cart and drove it just below Wrigley Mansion to the point to take a picture overlooking Avalon. As we were coming to the point we drove over something. I jumped out, looked under the cart and found 50 bucks!! Covered our cart rental AND a nice dinner in town. Still have the picture!!! Still have the backpack too!! That backpack is an outer frame style and has been to many places including all the way to Argentina. I love it!! They don't make them like this anymore. I have many others but this one has some great stories!!
Wow! Sounds like good times man! Thanks for sharing, that was cool! Hey is there a particular point/way to get to that underwater cave at the isthmus campground? I've never been to Catalina, but I'm planning to go sometime soon. That underwater cave sounds cool!
Also, once again fantastic video that thoroughly describes the process, the fauna, and the beauty of Catalina.
Thank you, glad you dug it!
Thank you for the detail, visual helps a lot! I like how you apologize to the seal! LOL
Awesome, glad it was helpful! I almost tripped over that seal at one point. My awareness skills were obviously off that day...
So awesome! Need yo do this on my own. BSA Camp Emerald Bay as a boy....did an overnight and stayed in site 1. Then went back during week of July 4th with my 12 year old son. Another overnight at Parsons cove and was in site 7. They now have critter (bear) boxes and permanent pit toilets up by the lockers. Where those benches and boards are piled behind you near the porta potties.
Such a great place to hang out and I agree the view is awesome!! And we added to the many wind breaks on the beach by building our own.
Your blog post on Parsons Landing and this video are super helpful. Thank you!!
Hey thanks for this! Was nervous about doing this hike next weekend but am now looking forward to it. Happy hiking!
Awesome, have fun, it's a great one!
Great video! Thanks for sharing 👍🏻.
I ran into your site a few months ago didn't realize you have a RUclips channel, thanks for all your guides very useful and inspiring!
Thanks for the feedback. Yea, I started doing the videos about a year ago. Seems like a helpful resource in addition to the guides on the website. Happy trails Roberto!
I stayed at same spot #8 a few years ago. Knarley storm hit while I was there with rain and 50 mph winds I remember hiding behind that rock wall and trying to keep my tent from blowing away. Great hking in the hills behind the campground but a little scary following the buffalo trails through the tunnels of brush. Found a dead buffalo stuck in the mud in the ravine behind the campground. And saw some deer on the beach and one seal.
Whoa, that's nuts. Sounds like a great adventure if anything. I saw some deer and seals, but only (huge) buffalo chips.
Another trip, I hiked to Little Harbor Campground and had a foggy night with a huge buffalo that just hung out with me all night maybe 25 yards away. woke up and he was sleeping in the grass 50 feet away. Ranger Bob told me I was in his spot "but I don't think you will bother him."
And they got bald eagles. And
the fishing is phenomenal!
Nicely done, I camped there some years ago, got there the easy way - swam in from a charter dive boat & camped 1 night. There is/was water available near by. Catalina's such an amazing island to explore, a reminder how early California was. And Parson's such a great beach for camping, the buffalo like it too. Getting back to San Pedro was a bit more challenging than getting to Parson, waited around for another dive charter to be in the area & then hitched a ride on a digny to the dive boat - back then I knew pretty much all of the dive charter boat skippers out of 22nd St. Landing.
Man, that sounds awesome, diving off the boat and swimming in. Yea, even now with the ferries, getting there is half the challenge. So worth it though, what a wild and beautiful place.
Getting a ride back to San Pedro was the challenge, took a marine radio & waited until I spotted a dive boat anchored nearby & hitched a ride on a dingy .
Outstanding video! 🙏
Thanks for the info! I haven't been to Catalina since I was a kid living in Long Beach. In Hawaii now, but I'll be back to visit family soon and plan on taking this hike and camping trip!
Yea, definitely worth it, one of the best camping spots around.
I may never get to do this but I really enjoyed the video. Takes some pretty good planning to make the boat i'm sure.
As a newbie camper, I only camp at Hermit G camp site for 3 nights, enjoy my little hikes to the hill near the Wrigley mansion and the Wrigley botanical garden, and stroll around the streets, beaches around avalon last month 😀
Great review! thanks so much for putting this together and pointing out everything i'd want to know ahead of planning my trip. much appreciated!
Cool cool, enjoy the trip, it's spectacular
Great video man!! Good details for newbies to get there.
Thanks, glad it was helpful!
Thanks! for the trail info!
amazing! ill be going out next weekend. any suggestions for staking out your tent in the sand or were regular stakes enough?
If the sand is loose you can try putting some large rocks on top of the stakes - never had a problem though
Thanks dude. Going to reserve a spot, anchor boat and dingy in.
That sounds awesome. Not sure what the holding is like off the beach, but I think I've heard of folks doing that before.
I’m planning to go camping jist not sure about it would love to camp there 2 nights tho looks great anything to worry about at night there tho. Never camp there but gonna try
Reminds me of my summers at Camp Emerald Bay. Amazing place Catalina is, most beautiful in California in my opinion. I wouldn't call two harbors a town, but that's just me. Maybe a village? I saw dolphins, sea turtles, bat rays, manta rays, and blue whales. I shot rifles and shotguns. Hiked, biked, swam, canoed, kayaked, motorboated, camped in fluvial basins, on beaches, and on cots.
I really enjoy your videos... This is a must hike, on the bucket list. Those little bastards. Thanks for sharing, take care.
Haha yea, little bastards for sure... when ever humans become extinct I'm sure they'll be around still... way smarter than me...
Lol Cris, I feel like I'm "stalking" you by commenting on your videos!! Thru hiked Catalina twice and doing it a third time (backward) late April. Starting in 2 Harbors and looping around on Silver Peak Trail to hit Starlight first, then come back to PL to camp. Love this place. When we get snowed out, I can just jump on boat in LB and be there in an hour.
Man that sounds awesome. Yea, I had the same thought. Mountains are too snowy, so let's head over to Catalina. Wish I had more time to hit the TCT, maybe this spring. Good luck in April - should be beautiful!
Great video - thanks for all the cool tips! Have you been to the other campsites on the island too? If so, how do they compare to Parson's landing?
I haven't, but doing them all (and the TCT) are on my list. Little Harbor looks nice as well, but I haven't done it yet.
Doing the TCT in July.... looking forward to this campsite :)
Sweet, yea, I have the TCT on my list too, can't wait.
This is Soooooo helpful !
was this in march ...thanks buddy
close, end of January
Sooo good! Thanks for the info. The challenge now for me is finding an availability. Also, just wondering, did you end up sleeping with your pack? And how long of a hike is it from ferry to actual site?
👍👍👍 There are boxes and hangs for your gear - and for distances, check out the link in the description for all the details
Very cool, thank you.
Again me and my wheelchair challenges! Lol thank you so much for doing a very detail video. This is on my bucket list. I’m planning to bring my hand cycle because there is no way my wheelchair can handle that. So is it like $20 a night? And do they have a office where I can leave my bike battery to charge because in a way my bike is my 2nd wheelchair
Not sure about the logistics / battery, but I have a phone number at the top of the article (link under the video) - your best bet is to call
THANKS!!
Love this place. Only hike or boat in, so it stays unspoiled.
Yea, that's why it's so great. No cars, no craziness.
Hei sweet channel ☺ Keep it up!
So cool!!
Love your videos! May I know which month did you go?
I shot this in January. It's pretty nice all year because of the temperate sea weather.
@@Hikingguy thank you! 🙏🙏🙏
I have another questions about your tent stakes. Since it is Sandy, what kind of stakes do you recommend?
@@pianomom1108 any tent stakes will work fine in the sand here
@@Hikingguy thank you!!
GREAT footage - really have RAVENS roaming around & scavenging for "Food" ?? And how LONG is Hike to that Landing ? Have you ever made it to CLEMENTE Island ?? Kristina from BX
Ha, yea, the ravens will take anything they can get their beaks on! It's about 7.5 miles each way, check this out for all the details: hikingguy.com/hiking-trails/best-la-hikes/hiking-catalina-island-parsons-landing-campsite/ --- Haven't done the Channel Islands NP ones yet but they're on the list!
Hi Cris, I didn’t hear you mention it, would this be feasible as a day hike? If it’s only 15 miles and 4 hours each way it seems possible to start in the morning and return to the ferry in the evening.
Yes it would, just crunch the numbers with your pace and the ferry schedule. It's such a nice spot though you might want to stay the night.
@@Hikingguy awesome, thanks!
I'm sold . Thanks for the tip sub.
👍 thank you!
How long was the hike from the ferry to Parsons camp site
Check out the link in the description for the distances and elevation gains
@@Hikingguy thank you ! I did see it after I messaged you lol 🙄😬😂 love you videos my husband and son and I are planning a trip!
did you have to reserve the firewood ahead of time? if so, how'd you do this?
Check out the accompanying blog post for all the information including firewood info:
hikingguy.com/hiking-trails/best-la-hikes/hiking-catalina-island-parsons-landing-campsite/
I'm going camping there in July and if it's cloudy and cold I'm not gonna get in smh
LOL!!! Btw, NEVER leave your pack alone!!!! The wildlife is quick!!! I've heard they did away with the wild boars but back when THEY were around.....pheeeewwww, We had to hang on backs under the awnings on the picnic tables or you'd wake up to FUBAR gear!!!
Oh yea, the Ravens have actually opened my backpack, it's pretty nuts.
Hope you realize squirrels will climb that post and ransack your rucksack, I believe the locker or your tent is the only safe place for the pack.
I live on catalina
Any kelp dive at Parson's Coast?
I'm not sure how much kelp there is off the beach, but I do know that a lot of folks snorkel there.
@@Hikingguy Thank you!
Sea Lion, actually.
ahh thank you...
Another thing, who better to review freeze dried camping foods than you?
Work on steadying that camera.
I live in Colorado..this isn't even close to Best camp site or hike.