Camping in the Santa Monica Mountains

The Ranger Station stands as the first greeting when you arrive at Circle-X Ranch.

National Park Service

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 the only campground the National Park Service operates in the Santa Monica Mountains. Visit recreation.gov to make reservations for this 10 person minimum group camp.

Other agencies in the mountains offer camping as well. From Topanga State Park to Point Mugu State Park, there are a variety of campgrounds for you to enjoy. Night may find you stargazing deep within a sage-scented canyon, or listening as the waves break against the sandy shore. Savor the peace and solitude on your own, or share the fun of camping with family and friends.

When you go camping in the park, please observe the following safety tips and regulations:

• Fires are prohibited at NPS sites. California State Parks may restrict campfires depending on fire danger level and environmental conditions.
• 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.

National Park Service Campgrounds

Circle X Ranch Currently Closed

12896 Yerba Buena Rd, Malibu, CA 90265

Campground	Facilities Available	Reservation Information
Circle X Ranch Group Campground (10-75 people)	Drinking Water, Pit Toilets, Tent Spaces, Pets permitted on leash.	www.Recreation.gov or call 1-877-444-6777 10-25 people = $35/night 26-50 people = $75/night 51-75 people = $125/night + possible $9 reservation fee

California State Parks Campgrounds

Reserve online at www.reservecalifornia.com or call 800-444-7275. Be sure to have the name of the campground you want to reserve.

Leo Carrillo State Park

35000 W Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265

Campground	Facilities Available	Reservation Information
Hike and Bike	Drinking Water, Flush Toilets, Showers, 4 Tent Spaces, Fire Rings, Pets in campground	First-Come, First-Served basis $10/person
Canyon Family	Drinking Water, Flush Toilets, Showers, 135 Tent/RV Spaces, Dump Stations, Fire Rings, Pets in campground	800-444-7275 $45/night, $60/night for site with electricity
Group Walk-In (10-50 people)	Drinking Water, Flush Toilets, Showers, Tent Spaces, Fire Rings, Pets in campground	800-444-7275 $225/night

Point Mugu State Park

9000 W Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265

Campground	Facilities Available	Reservation Information
Big Sycamore Canyon Hike and Bike	Drinking Water, Flush Toilets, Showers, 4 Tent Spaces, Fire Rings	First-Come, First-Served basis $10/person
Big Sycamore Canyon Family Camp	Drinking Water, Flush Toilets, Showers, 58 Tent/RV Spaces, Dump Station, Fire Rings, Pets in campground	800-444-7275 $45/night
Thornhill Broome Family Camp	Chemical Toilets, 68 Tent/RV Spaces, Fire Rings, Pets in campground	800-444-7275 $35/night
La Jolla Valley Hike-In	3 Tent Spaces, No Water, No Fires	$10/person/night, Auto-pay at the La Jolla/Ray Miller parking area.
La Jolla Valley Group Hike-In (10-20 people)	Tent Spaces, No Water, No Fires	$10/person/night, Auto-pay at the La Jolla/Ray Miller parking area.
La Jolla Valley Group (10-50 people)	Drinking Water, Flush Toilets, Showers, 1 RV Space, Tent Spaces, Fire Rings, Pets in campground	800-444-7275 $ 225/night
Danielson Group Multi-Use Area (10-50 people)	Drinking Water, Flush Toilets, Showers, Tent Spaces, Fireplace, Pets in campground	[e-mail] or 800-444-7275 $100 non-refundable reservation/application fee $150/night
Sycamore Group Multi-Use Area (10-25 people)	Drinking Water, Chemical Toilets, Tent Spaces, Fire Rings, Pets in campground	[e-mail] or 800-444-7275 $100 non-refundable reservation/application fee $100/night

Malibu Creek State Park

1925 Las Virgenes Road, Calabasas, CA 91302

Campground	Facilities Available	Reservation Information
Malibu Creek Family Campground	Drinking Water, Flush Toilets, Showers, 62 Tent/RV Spaces, Dump Station, Fire Rings, Pets in campground	800-444-7275 $45/night, $315/week
Malibu Creek Group Camp Walk-In (10-60 people)	Drinking Water, Flush Toilets, Showers, Tent Spaces, Dump Station, Fire Rings, Pets in campground	800-444-7275 $200/night

Topanga State Park

20825 Entrada Rd, Topanga, CA 90290

Campground	Facilities Available	Reservation Information
Musch Camp Backcountry Hike-In	Drinking Water, Flush Toilets, 8 Tent Spaces, No Campfires/Smoking, No Pets, No Bicycles, Horses Permitted, Corral Available	First-Come, First-Served basis Self-registration $7/person/night add $10/night parking fee