How much does camping cost at Circle X Ranch Group Campground?

Camping fees at Circle X Ranch Group Campground range from $35/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Circle X Ranch Group Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Circle X Ranch Group Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Circle X Ranch Group Campground before I book?

Yes! Circle X Ranch Group Campground has 5 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Circle X Ranch Group Campground?

Circle X Ranch Group Campground is open Circle X Ranch Group Campground is closed until further notice. No estimated reopening date.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Circle X Ranch Group Campground?

Circle X Ranch Group Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Circle X Ranch Group Campground have?

Circle X Ranch Group Campground has 75 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Circle X Ranch Group Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Circle X Ranch Group Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Circle X Ranch Group Campground?

Circle X Ranch Group Campground offers: Water Hookups, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Circle X Ranch Group Campground?

Popular activities at Circle X Ranch Group Campground include Hiking, Biking, Wildlife Viewing, Climbing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Circle X Ranch Group Campground

Q: Can I have a campfire at Circle X Ranch Group Campground?

Fire policies at Circle X Ranch Group Campground: 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.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

3 reviews

12896 Yerba Buena Road, Malibu, CA, 90265, USA

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,703 ft

Price

$35/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

75 campsites

Season

Circle X Ranch Group...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,703 ft

Price

$35/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

75 campsites

Season

Circle X Ranch Group...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area Official Website

Get Directions

Circle X Ranch Group Campground

$35.00 - $35.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP TENT ONLY AREA NONELECTRIC-320574: $35.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

Group Site Fee$125.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

805-370-2301samo_interpretation@nps.gov

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Circle X Ranch Group Campground

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Campground Map

12896 Yerba Buena Road, Malibu, CA, 90265, USA

Circle X Ranch Group Campground

12896 Yerba Buena Road, Malibu, CA, 90265, USA

Nearby places

Malibu (short drive away), Los Angeles (less than two hours by car)

Weather at Circle X Ranch Group Campground

Current alerts(14)

closed until further notice.
Bring a first aid kit, flashlight and extra clothes.
Bring plenty of food and water. (Water from streams is not safe to drink!)
Circle X Ranch Group Campground is closed until further notice. There is no estimated re-opening date.

Best Time to Camp at Circle X Ranch Group Campground

Best season: fall. Fall offers the most comfortable hiking weather and the clearest vistas — expect daytime highs around 60–75°F and nights in the mid-40s to mid-50s, with low coastal fog and steady breezes that keep mosquitoes down. Trails to Sandstone Peak and the Grotto are especially pleasant for long day hikes and wildlife viewing, and crowds are generally lower than summer (weekends still busy). Note: the Circle X Ranch Group Campground itself is closed until further notice, but fall is the easiest time to ( Peak months: October, November, April, May Avoid: January, February, March, April

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Fall described as most comfortable (60–75°F days, cooler nights); ideal hiking season.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Circle X Ranch Group Campground is closed until further notice. No estimated reopening date.

About Circle X Ranch Group Campground

Circle X Ranch Group Campground sits in the foothills of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area near Malibu, offering tent, RV, and primitive camping with access to Sandstone Peak and the Grotto trails. Operated by the National Park Service, the campground serves groups looking for a base camp for hiking, biking, climbing, and wildlife viewing in coastal chaparral terrain. Reviewers remember coyote songs at night and the privacy of the setting.

Circle X Ranch Group Campground exclusively offers group tent camping, suitable for large groups of up to 75 people, and does not support RVs or individual tent sites.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the most comfortable hiking weather and the clearest vistas — expect daytime highs around 60–75°F and nights in the mid-40s to mid-50s, with low coastal fog and steady breezes that keep mosquitoes down. Trails to Sandstone Peak and the Grotto are especially pleasant for long day hikes and wildlife viewing, and crowds are generally lower than summer (weekends still busy). Note: the Circle X Ranch Group Campground itself is closed until further notice, but fall is the easiest time to ( Peak months: October, November, April, May Avoid: January, February, March, April

Elevation1703 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies terrain dominated by coastal sage scrub and chaparral, where weathered sandstone formations mark the landscape. On clear days, views extend west to the Pacific Ocean and the Channel Islands. Nearby features include the Grotto's moss-covered rocks and creekside areas shaded by sycamores. Boney Mountain rises to the east, and the elevation keeps temperatures slightly cooler than the coastal plain below.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging accommodations are mentioned.

Programs & ActivitiesCultural or educational programs are not explicitly mentioned.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay: 14 nights

Guests Allowed Per Site

Null

Groups

The group site accommodates 10-75 people, with fees tiered by group size: $35 per night for 10-30 people, $75 per night for 31-50 people, and $125 per night for 51-75 people.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations available via Recreation.gov

Site SizeGroup campsite suitable for 10-75 people, depending on group size and the fee tier.

PrivacyThe campground is described as secluded, offering privacy and a remote mountain retreat.

Total Campsites75 campsites

Recommended SitesNull

Need help booking Circle X Ranch Group Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Only tent camping is permitted at this site.

Water hookups

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Group Sites

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Circle X Ranch Group Campground offers a range of recreational opportunities in a Mediterranean coastal ecosystem. Activities include hiking, wildlife viewing, climbing, and picnicking, with access to trails like the Grotto Trail and views of Sandstone Peak.

Hiking

Climbing

Biking

Wildlife viewing

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Fire PolicyNo 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.

Trash & RecyclingCampers are required to use disposal facilities on-site or pack out their trash. Wood gathering or collecting is prohibited.

Cell CoverageNo details are provided about cell phone service availability or quality.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

0.0

3 reviews

Limited Reviews

Circle X Ranch Group Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews

Circle X Ranch Group Campground is noted for its secluded setting and scenic beauty, with an average campground-specific sentiment rating of 5.0. However, due to the indefinite closure, reviews primarily focus on past experiences.

Review Summaries

Based on 3 reviews

What Campers Love

Campers appreciate its privacy, scenic hiking trails, and proximity to natural landmarks such as Sandstone Peak and the Grotto. 'Listen to coyote songs at night' was highlighted as a memorable...

Based on 3 reviews

Common Concerns

The campground is currently closed indefinitely, leading to visitor disappointment. Wood fires are prohibited, and the terrain is rugged, which may pose challenges for some.

Based on 3 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

The campground features only one group site, making specific site reviews irrelevant.

Based on 3 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommend bringing plenty of food and water and preparing for variable weather conditions. Hiking attire is advised due to the rugged terrain, especially on trails like the Grotto Trail.

Based on 3 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The Mediterranean ecosystem offers hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters, which influences the best times to visit. Summer hiking might be more challenging due to heat, while winter could bring...

Based on 3 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'In the 70’s this was the location of the St Vincent DePaul ranch camp (Circle J Ranch). Fond memories to this day.' - John Sampson. 2. 'Listen to coyote songs at night' - Official Description. 3....

Based on 3 reviews