Rippers Cove on Catalina Island

Rippers Cove Beach on Catalina Island is a boat-in campground at the base of a gorge called the Valley of Ollas. This small protected cove is the real Empire Landing but the small housing development in the cove to the west has adopted the name of Empire Landing Beach so Rippers Cove is the new name.

Unfortunately, the beach in Rippers Cove can only be reached by boat or by sea kayak. It has three different areas for camping. The eastern campsite is on the beach and can be wet at high tides. The middle spot has shade and a picnic table. The western spot is spacious, but lacks shade.

Snorkeling and diving is good on the west end of the cove. Kayaks can be rented nearby in Two Harbors, but it’s a serious trip at about 4.5 miles of paddling to get here (there are places to pull-out and rest along the way).

There are no toilets or running water at Rippers Cove and fires are not allowed. Reservations through Catalina Island Company are required to camp at Rippers Cove.

Catalina Express sends high-speed boats back and forth daily to Catalina from their terminals in Los Angeles, Long Beach, and Dana Point. Learn more about how to camp at Catalina’s boat-in beaches before booking your trip.

Address

North Shore
Avalon, CA 90704

Phone

310.510.4242

Park Name

Catalina Island Conservancy

Owner

Conservancy

Pet Details

No dogs allowed

Fees

Fee for camping

Activities

Kayaking, Boating, Scuba Diving, Snorkeling

Amenities

Boat-in Campground, Boat Anchorage, Picnic Tables

Links

Tide Chart
Water Temps
Web Cam