Circle X Ranch Group Campground
Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area
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.
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.
Need to Know
Circle X Ranch Group Campground is closed until further notice. There is no estimated re-opening date.
- No wood fires. Charcoal fires are permitted in designated areas only, however, during high fire danger charcoal and gas fires may be prohibited. Fire regulations may vary; please contact us before you plan your trip.
- Dogs are generally allowed on National Park campgrounds and trails if on a leash (6 feet maximum). At state parks, dogs are permitted only in campgrounds and picnic areas, and on certain beaches where specified.
- Natural and historic features (such as flowers, rocks or artifacts) are protected by law and may not be collected or damaged.
- Wood gathering or collecting is not allowed.
- Bring plenty of food and water. (Water from streams is not safe to drink!)
- Learn to recognize and avoid poison oak, rattlesnakes and bees.
- Guard yourself against ticks by wearing long sleeves, long pants and light colors.
- Dress appropriately for variable weather conditions and be prepared for minor emergencies.
- Bring a first aid kit, flashlight and extra clothes.
- Take care of your trash. Use disposal facilities on site, or pack out what you pack in.
- Only tent camping is permitted at this site.
- Please note that reservation rules have changed for Circle X Ranch Group Campground.Reservations are now available on the same day of arrival.
- Don't Move Firewood: Help protect our forests! Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. Moving firewood is illegal in some states. Visit dontmovefirewood.org to learn more.
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.
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.
Contact Information
Default
12896 Yerba Buena Road Malibu CA 90265
Phone Number
For campground inquiries, please call: 805-370-2301
Rental Options
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
Driving Directions
Pacific Coast Highway to Yerba Buena Road. Turn inland; go 5.4 miles to Circle X Ranch contact station.
