Camper submitted image from Circle X Ranch Group Campground — Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area - 1

View Photos

Camper submitted image from Circle X Ranch Group Campground — Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area - 2
Nature
Unlock Planning Tools in App

Established Camping

Circle X Ranch Group Campground — Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Circle X Ranch Group Campground is situated in the Santa Monica Mountains, featuring rugged hills and chaparral-covered terrain. Temperatures in the area typically range from highs in the 70s to lows in the 50s. Visitors can explore nearby attractions such as the Sandstone Peak and the scenic trails of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area.

Fee Info

10-30 people $35 per night 31-50 people $75 per night 51-75 people $125 per night

Suggest an Edit

Location

Circle X Ranch Group Campground — Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area is located in California

Detail location of campground

Directions

Pacific Coast Highway to Yerba Buena Road. Turn inland; go 5.4 miles to Circle X Ranch contact station.

Address

12896 Yerba Buena Road
Malibu, CA 90265

Coordinates

34.1097222 N
118.9372222 W

Open in Google Maps

Connectivity

Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Is Circle X Ranch Group Campground — Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area sold out?

Quickly grab cancellations!

Learn More
Presented byFord

Detours Nearby

LOCAL FAVORITES PRESENTED BYToyota Trucks
The Lodge at Deer Creek

The Lodge at Deer Creek

21 min away

Antfarm LA

Antfarm LA

1 hr 8 min away

Drive Time

Presented byToyota Trucks

Connectivity

Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • Picnic Table
  • Pets

For Vehicles

  • Water Hookups

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Reviews

Add Review

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

50%
0%
50%
0%
0%

4.0

out of 5

2 Reviews

Reviewed Sep. 9, 2017

Beautiful view

We arrived in the middle of the night: easy parking short walk and easy access to the campground. The view is fantastic, the site is very close to the highest point of Santa Monica mountains

Month of VisitSeptember
Reviewed Aug. 14, 2016

Good for large groups, but without the scenery

Don't get me wrong. The area in general has some fantastic sights and great hiking. The campground itself though is pretty sparse. Pretty easy to get reservations for 10+ people, but the camp sites are in a dirt area with a wooden fence around it. There are also some picnic tables and raised grilling stations for fire.

  • Review photo of Circle X Ranch Group Campground — Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area by Les R., August 14, 2016
  • Review photo of Circle X Ranch Group Campground — Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area by Les R., August 14, 2016

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I reserve the Circle X Ranch Group Campground?

Reservations for Circle X Ranch Group Campground can be made for groups of 10 or more people. The reservation process is relatively straightforward and securing a spot is generally not difficult. To make a reservation, contact the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area directly through their official website or by phone. Be prepared to specify your group size and preferred dates. It's advisable to book in advance, especially for weekend camping during peak seasons.

What are the best hiking trails near Circle X Ranch Campground?

The area surrounding Circle X Ranch Campground offers fantastic hiking opportunities within the Santa Monica Mountains. Trails lead to some of the highest points in the range, providing challenging but rewarding experiences. The campground's proximity to the highest point in the Santa Monica Mountains makes summit hikes particularly appealing. While specific trail names aren't detailed, the area is known for varied terrain and scenic paths. Check with campground hosts upon arrival for current trail conditions and recommendations based on your hiking experience level.

Are there scenic photo opportunities at Circle X Ranch?

Circle X Ranch offers exceptional scenic photo opportunities, particularly due to its elevated position in the Santa Monica Mountains. The campground provides fantastic panoramic views, especially stunning for sunrise and sunset photography. Its location near the highest point of the Santa Monica Mountains creates unmatched vistas of the surrounding landscape. For night photography enthusiasts, the area's relatively dark skies (by Southern California standards) can yield impressive stargazing shots. Morning fog rolling through the mountains also creates ethereal photo conditions that landscape photographers will appreciate.

What facilities are available at Circle X Ranch Campground?

Circle X Ranch Campground offers basic facilities designed for group camping. The campground features picnic tables, raised grills for cooking, and a wooden fence enclosing the camping area. The sites are set on a dirt surface. While the amenities are minimal, the location provides easy parking with a short walk to access the campground. The campground prioritizes natural surroundings over extensive facilities, making it ideal for groups seeking a more rustic camping experience in the Santa Monica Mountains.