Circle Canyon Campground

4.73

22 reviews

5301 Ralphs Ranch Road, Gorman, CA 93243

Featured in:Spring Camping California

Quick Facts

3,000 ft

Price

$10/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

9 campsites

Season

Camping at Hungry Va...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens California State Parks site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

3,000 ft

Price

$10/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

9 campsites

Season

Camping at Hungry Va...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens California State Parks site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Circle Canyon Campground

$10.00 - $10.00 / night

Campsite Fees

The camping fee is $10 per night across all sites at Circle Canyon Campground.

Standard Site Fee$10.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Reserve California

Provider

(661) 248-7007null

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What Campers Say

4.73

Top-Rated

Based on 22 reviews

424 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewspeacefulcleanwell-maintained

"User reviews for Circle Canyon Campground and Hungry Valley SVRA as a whole highlight its cleanliness, variety of trails, and suitability for off-road recreation. Many visitors praise the well-maintained facilities, particularly the vault toilets, and the affordability of camping at $10 per night. The campground is described as peaceful and relaxing, with opportunities for stargazing and family-friendly activities."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

5301 Ralphs Ranch Road, Gorman, CA 93243

Circle Canyon Campground

5301 Ralphs Ranch Road, Gorman, CA 93243

Driving directionsTake Interstate Highway 5 and exit at Gorman. Drive to the McDonald's and turn right on Ralph's Ranch Road. Drive 1 mile and turn left at the Hungry Valley SVRA sign (Gold Hill Road). Follow signs and drive 2.5 miles until you reach Circle Canyon Campground.

Access roads to Hungry Valley SVRA and Circle Canyon Campground are primarily paved, but additional routes within the park may include unpaved sections. Seasonal closures and fire damage may affect accessibility.

Nearby places

Santa Clarita (approximately 30 miles south), Bakersfield (approximately 45 miles north), Lebec (approximately 8 miles south), Valencia (approximately 30 miles south).

Nearby supplies

Fuel, food, and other camping essentials can be found in Gorman, a short drive from the campground. Supplies include a McDonald's and other local businesses.

Best Time to Camp at Circle Canyon Campground

Time your visit perfectly by embracing the gentle embrace of spring and fall, when mild temperatures paint the landscape in comfort and occasional rains awaken the desert blooms. Summer transforms this high desert into a sun-drenched playground where temperatures soar between 90°-100°F, creating that authentic desert camping experience complete with golden dust motes dancing in the evening light. Winter brings its own magic, occasionally dusting the landscape with snow while nighttime temperatures dip below freezing, offering crisp stargazing opportunities under crystalline skies.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

2.0 / 5

Summer is hot and dusty with heat risks; reviewers warn about high temps.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Fall is mild and comfortable; reviewers list fall among best times to visit.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.5 / 5

Top 7% in CA

Spring offers mild temps and wildflower displays; reviewers recommend spring visits.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.0 / 5

No strong winter activities noted; post-fire closure affects near-term access.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Camping at Hungry Valley SVRA, including Circle Canyon Campground, is closed until early 2025 due to recovery from the Post Fire.
Current Alerts: Camping is closed until 2025 due to Post Fire recovery. Portions of the park, including trails and infrastructure, remain under restriction.

About Circle Canyon Campground

Escape to Circle Canyon Campground, a hidden gem nestled within the adventurous expanse of Hungry Valley SVRA. At just $10 per night, you'll discover your choice of convenient pull-through or cozy back-in sites, each thoughtfully equipped with picnic tables, fire pits with grills, and protective lean-to shelters. While vault toilets provide essential facilities, the real luxury here is the untamed beauty surrounding you. Your four-legged companions are welcome to join the adventure, though they'll need to stay leashed as they explore alongside you.

Circle Canyon Campground offers primitive camping facilities tailored to tent and RV campers. Sites are equipped with essentials like picnic tables, fire pits, and lean-to shelters, but lack hookups and advanced accommodations. Group camping and cabin lodging are not available.

Historical SignificanceStep into a landscape where the echoes of California's ranching heritage still whisper through the canyons. Hungry Valley SVRA preserves the legacy of pioneering families who once called these rugged lands home, with the Freeman Canyon and Gorman cultural preserves standing as testaments to their enduring spirit. Every trail and vista tells a story of resilience and connection to this dramatic terrain.

Weather and SeasonsTime your visit perfectly by embracing the gentle embrace of spring and fall, when mild temperatures paint the landscape in comfort and occasional rains awaken the desert blooms. Summer transforms this high desert into a sun-drenched playground where temperatures soar between 90°-100°F, creating that authentic desert camping experience complete with golden dust motes dancing in the evening light. Winter brings its own magic, occasionally dusting the landscape with snow while nighttime temperatures dip below freezing, offering crisp stargazing opportunities under crystalline skies.

ElevationJourney through a remarkable elevation gradient that defines the Hungry Valley experience, ascending from 3,000 feet to nearly 6,000 feet across the recreation area. Circle Canyon Campground welcomes you at the 3,000-foot mark, where the air carries just enough mountain freshness while remaining accessible year-round. This strategic elevation offers the perfect balance between high-desert adventure and comfortable camping conditions.

Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a captivating montane desert ecosystem where native grasslands wave in the breeze and ancient oak woodlands provide pockets of shade. From your campsite, endless vistas stretch toward dramatic cliffs and challenging hill climbs that beckon off-road enthusiasts. The sandy terrain shifts beneath your feet as you explore trails adorned with the ethereal blooms of Sacred Datura and other fire-adapted plants that have learned to thrive in this dynamic landscape.

Geological RegionDiscover the raw beauty of the Tejon Pass area, where Hungry Valley SVRA showcases nature's dramatic artistry through a stunning montane desert canvas. Here, sandy soils shift and settle between towering cliffs that rise up to 200 feet, creating a playground of geological wonders. Oak woodlands intermingle with native grasslands across fire-sculpted habitats, while the ever-changing terrain tells the story of countless seasons of renewal and transformation in this remarkable high-desert sanctuary.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

02:00 PM

Check-out

12:00 PM

Stay Limit

Pets must remain on leash.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Max occupancy is 8 per site.

Groups

Group sites are not available at Circle Canyon Campground.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutCircle Canyon Campground consists of nine campsites arranged along a loop, featuring designated pull-through and back-in slots.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via the LAZ Parking app or website.

Cancellation PolicyAll sales are final, and no cancellations or refunds are allowed when reservations are made through LAZ Parking.

AccessibilityNo details on accessibility features specific to Circle Canyon Campground are available.

Site SizeThe campground features sites with a length of 40 feet, suitable for accommodating pull-through and back-in setups.

PrivacyPrivacy levels at the campsites are not explicitly detailed, but user reviews suggest a mix of clustered and open layouts.

Total Campsites9 campsites

Recommended SitesSites #5 to #9 offer pull-through and back-in options suitable for RVs and tent camping. For quieter stays, avoid weekends when trails are busier.

Amenities available

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Hungry Valley SVRA provides a wide range of recreational opportunities, emphasizing off-road vehicle use and exploration. Visitors can enjoy hundreds of miles of trails catering to all skill levels, from beginner to expert. The park's amenities include ATV tracks, dirt bike trails, and obstacle courses, making it ideal for motorized recreation. Beyond off-road activities, the area offers opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, and geocaching, although these activities are not specifically detailed for Circle Canyon Campground.

HikingHiking trails are available across Hungry Valley SVRA, but specific trails linked to Circle Canyon Campground are not mentioned.

BikingBiking trails are available, although specifics regarding terrain and difficulty levels are not detailed in the source materials.

Wildlife viewingOpportunities for wildlife viewing are available throughout Hungry Valley SVRA, featuring a range of habitats and species. Specific details for Circle Canyon Campground are not provided.

Cultural and Educational ProgramsHungry Valley SVRA offers cultural and educational experiences such as geocaching and self-guided wildflower tours, although none are specific to Circle Canyon Campground.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsNatural hazards include cliffs up to 200 feet, rattlesnakes, and loose sandy soils. Fire hazards are prevalent during dry, windy summers.

Active AlertsCamping is closed until 2025 due to Post Fire recovery. Portions of the park, including trails and infrastructure, remain under restriction.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Fire PolicyCampfires are allowed in designated fire pits with grills.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are not explicitly mentioned but nighttime is generally peaceful as noted by user reviews.

Emergency ServicesThe nearest hospital is Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital, located approximately 30 miles south in Valencia. Drive south on Interstate Highway 5 and exit at McBean Parkway.

Trash & RecyclingTrash receptacles are available, but users are prohibited from removing or moving the containers. This ensures proper waste management and avoids littering at the campground.

Water FeaturesWater features include creek crossings accessible via trails, though no water bodies directly adjacent to the campground.

Weather at Circle Canyon Campground

Reviews

4.7

22 reviews

Top-Rated

Circle Canyon Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for Circle Canyon Campground and Hungry Valley SVRA as a whole highlight its cleanliness, variety of trails, and suitability for off-road recreation. Many visitors praise the well-maintained facilities, particularly the vault toilets, and the affordability of camping at $10 per night. The campground is described as peaceful and relaxing, with opportunities for stargazing and family-friendly activities.

Review Summaries

Based on 22 reviews

What Campers Love

Reviews emphasize the campground's cleanliness, affordability, and suitability for off-road enthusiasts. Users frequently mention the 'immaculate' vault toilets, well-maintained trails, and the...

Based on 22 reviews

Common Concerns

The most common complaints include the lack of potable water, electricity hookups, and flush toilets. Some users also note the area's susceptibility to high winds and dusty conditions, particularly...

Based on 22 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommend obtaining a trail map at the kiosk and bringing sufficient water due to the lack of potable water on-site. They also suggest planning trips during weekdays for quieter experiences...

Based on 22 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Spring and fall are considered the most pleasant times to visit, as temperatures are mild and occasional rain showers improve trail conditions. Summer is described as hot and dusty, with risks of...

Based on 22 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'The vault style restrooms are immaculate.' - Steven Rank 2. 'A very big park, I’m not so good with maps but if you are, go for it!' - Anisa Hayat 3. 'Nice to get away from all the city lights and...

Based on 22 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

The campground includes site numbers such as Circle Canyon Campground 9, 8, 7, 6, and 5. Each site features similar facilities: picnic tables, fire pits with grills, lean-to shelters, and a maximum...

Based on 22 reviews