Circle X Ranch Group Campground
There is no estimated re-opening date. Are you searching for a weekend getaway with mountain overlooks and sunny, sandy beaches? Your vacation destination may be a short drive from Los Angeles, California! Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area offers many opportunities to shake off the stresses of city life and immerse yourself in the beauty of nature.
More like this: reservable in California · tent only in California · pets allowed in California · group sites in California
Check availability on Recreation.gov ↗
Site mix
| Group tent areas | 1 |
Site guide
1 site. Tap a filter to narrow the list; the map follows.
| Site | Fits, ft | Surface | Shade | Water / sewer | People / vehicles | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Group | 1300 | Gravel | Partial | Yes / – | 75 / 14 | Standard |
Per-site records as published by the managing agency on Recreation.gov. Blank cells mean the agency listed nothing for that site. Check-in 2:00 PM, checkout 12:00 PM.
The site record lists pets allowed. The campground description says no pets.
Amenities & rules
| Equipment | Tents |
| Pets | Allowed |
| Fees | 10-30 people $35 per night. 31-50 people $75 per night. 51-75 people $125 per night |
There is no estimated re-opening date. Located below the Ranger Contact Station at Cirlce X Ranch. Check-in here with park staff before heading down to your campsite.
Individual sites vary. Confirm on Recreation.gov or with the managing office.
Weather by month
Getting there
Pacific Coast Highway to Yerba Buena Road. Turn inland; go 5.4 miles to Circle X Ranch contact station.
| Nearest town | Malibu, California |
| Coordinates | 34.1097° N, 118.9372° W · Directions ↗ |
Fire nearby
- WildfireBryson
6 mi from the campground · 200 acres · 0% contained
Distance is to the reported incident point, not the fire edge. Call the managing office before you drive.
Supplies & services
| Dump station | Dump station ↗ | 4.3 mi |
| Outdoor gear | Turner's Outdoorsman ↗ | 15 mi |
| RV sales & service | El Monte RV ↗ | 27.4 mi |
Locations © OpenStreetMap contributors. Call ahead; hours change seasonally.
Explore
Video
CampgroundViews.com - Circle X Ranch Group Campground Malibu California
Worth a stop
Enjoy a visit to the Grotto or a picnic at the trailhead next to the campground. Grotto Trail 3.5 miles round trip, moderate to strenuous; no bikes, no horses. This trail traverses hillsides and leads down to the West Fork of the Arroyo Sequit. The trail is downhill from the Ranger Station, which means an uphill return. The Grotto area is rugged terrain; be careful and wear appropriate hiking attire. The last 1/8 mile is through an unimproved streambed and dogs are not allowed. The Ranger Contact Station can provide you with free hiking maps of Circle X Ranch. A publication of park-led activites for Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area is also available. Vists to nearby Malibu and the Pacific Ocean are just a short drive way.
- 13.1 mi
Other campgrounds nearby
On the National Register nearby
- Grand Union HotelBuilding · Newbury Park · 4.9 mi
- Case Study House No. 28Building · Thousand Oaks · 5.4 mi
- Camarillo Ranch HouseBuilding · Camarillo · 8.8 mi
Natural features
Tucked in the canyons above Malibu and nestled below majestic Boney Mountain, you will find Circle X Ranch. This former Boy Scout camp offers many opportunities for exploration and adventure. Journey to Sandstone Peak, the highest point in the Santa Monica Mountains, and see several of the Channel Islands on a clear day. Enjoy a visit to the Grotto or a creekside picnic. Reserve the Group Camp and listen to coyote songs at night.
Recreation
Travel one of the many trails that wind through this rare coastal Mediterranean ecosystem. The plants you see here, such as coastal sage scrub and mixed chaparral, are adapted to hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Keep an eye out for red shank chaparral, a tree-like shrub with reddish-brown bark, clusters of thread-like leaves, and small bunches of white flowers in July and August. From the dry, rocky slopes near Sandstone Peak to the lush fern-studded Grotto, Circle X Ranch provides a wide variety of recreational possibilities. Linger here for a while, and experience the ambiance of this secluded mountain retreat.
Guidebooks for California
We earn a small commission if you buy through these links. It does not change what we list.
Titles come from Open Library's catalog, matched by subject heading or by title.
Reference
Questions people ask
Do I need a reservation at Circle X Ranch Group Campground?
Sites at Circle X Ranch Group Campground are reservable on Recreation.gov. Any walk-up sites are listed on the booking page.
Source: Recreation.gov
How much does it cost to camp at Circle X Ranch Group Campground?
10-30 people $35 per night. 31-50 people $75 per night. 51-75 people $125 per night
Source: Recreation.gov
What time is check-in at Circle X Ranch Group Campground?
Check-in 2:00 PM, checkout 12:00 PM.
Source: Recreation.gov
How many sites does Circle X Ranch Group Campground have?
1 site, including 1 group tent area.
Source: Recreation.gov
Can I bring an RV to Circle X Ranch Group Campground?
Circle X Ranch Group Campground is listed for tents only.
Source: Recreation.gov
Does Circle X Ranch Group Campground have hookups?
Yes, water hookups at some sites.
Source: Recreation.gov
Are pets allowed at Circle X Ranch Group Campground?
Yes, pets are allowed at Circle X Ranch Group Campground. Leash rules apply.
Source: Recreation.gov
What is there to do at Circle X Ranch Group Campground?
Travel one of the many trails that wind through this rare coastal Mediterranean ecosystem. The Recreation section on this page has the rest.
Source: Recreation
What is the nearest town to Circle X Ranch Group Campground?
Malibu, California. Enjoy a visit to the Grotto or a picnic at the trailhead next to the campground.
Source: Getting there
What if Circle X Ranch Group Campground is full?
The nearest public campgrounds are Anacapa Island (25.5 mi), Rose Valley Campground (32.4 mi), and Middle Lion Campground (33.1 mi, partly first-come).
Source: Campgrounds nearby
Which national park is Circle X Ranch Group Campground in?
Circle X Ranch Group Campground is a Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area campground. Entrance fees, alerts, and hours are on Park Atlas.