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Circle X Ranch Group Campground
NPSNational Park Service — Malibu · California · Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area
| Agency | NPSNational Park Service |
|---|---|
| Area | Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area |
| Location | Malibu · California · Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area · 34.10972, -118.93722 · Map |
| Sites | 1 public sites counted from the federal listing — 1 group tent only area nonelectric |
| Getting a site | Reservable — the federal listing marks this campground as taking reservations. Some sites or seasons may still be first-come; the listing’s own words are below. |
| Hookups | Electric at 0 of 1 sites Water hookups at 1 of 1 sites Sewer hookups at 0 of 1 sites Full hookups (all three at one site) at 0 of 1 sites Counted site by site from affirmative reports in the federal record. A site with no report is not counted either way. |
| Max RV length | Not reported in the federal data |
| Months open | Not in federal data — the federal listing does not publish a season for this campground. Check the official description below or Recreation.gov. |
| Fees | 10-30 people $35 per night 31-50 people $75 per night 51-75 people $125 per night |
| Check-in / out | In 2:00 PM · Out 12:00 PM (most common in the listing) |
| Pets | Allowed at 1 sites, as reported |
| Accessibility | N |
| Phone | 805-370-2301 |
Check availability & book on Recreation.gov →
This site takes no reservations and shows no live availability. Source: Recreation.gov (RIDB export pulled November 5, 2026); this listing was last updated in the federal record on 2026-02-25.
From the official listing
Overview Circle X Ranch Group Campground is closed until further notice. 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.
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. Facilities Circle X Ranch Group Campground is closed until further notice. 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.
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. Nearby Attractions 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.
Directions, from the listing
Pacific Coast Highway to Yerba Buena Road. Turn inland; go 5.4 miles to Circle X Ranch contact station.
Nearest federal campgrounds
26 mi straight-line · Ventura CaliforniaFSU.S. Forest ServiceRose Valley Campground
32 mi straight-line · CaliforniaFSU.S. Forest ServiceMiddle Lion Campground
33 mi straight-line · CaliforniaFSU.S. Forest ServiceWheeler Gorge
34 mi straight-line · OJAI CaliforniaFSU.S. Forest ServiceHoliday Group Campground
34 mi straight-line · OJAI California
Trip Card — Circle X Ranch Group Campground
Malibu · California · Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area
| Agency | NPS · National Park Service |
|---|---|
| Location | Malibu · California · Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area |
| Fees | 10-30 people $35 per night 31-50 people $75 per night 51-75 people $125 per night |
| Getting a site | Reservable |
| Hookups | No electric reported |
| Max RV | Not reported |
| Months open | Not in federal data |
| Sites | 1 sites |
Book: recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/233381 · Source: Recreation.gov, pulled November 5, 2026. Facility details come from federal recreation data and may be out of date — this site takes no reservations and shows no live availability; confirm details and book through Recreation.gov or the managing agency.