Circle Canyon Campground
4.7322 reviews5301 Ralphs Ranch Road, Gorman, CA 93243
Circle Canyon Campground
$10.00 - $10.00 / night
Campsite Fees
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
The camping fee is $10 per night across all sites at Circle Canyon Campground.
About this 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.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo details on accessibility features specific to Circle Canyon Campground are available.
Sites SizeThe campground features sites with a length of 40 feet, suitable for accommodating pull-through and back-in setups.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy levels at the campsites are not explicitly detailed, but user reviews suggest a mix of clustered and open layouts.
Total Campsites9 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites #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.
Best CampsitesSpecific campsites such as Circle Canyon Campground #9 provide basic amenities like fire pits with grills, lean-to shelters, and picnic tables.
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 are 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.
Open and Closed SeasonCamping at Hungry Valley SVRA, including Circle Canyon Campground, is closed until early 2025 due to recovery from the Post Fire.
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.
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.
Hiking
Hiking trails are available across Hungry Valley SVRA, but specific trails linked to Circle Canyon Campground are not mentioned.Biking
Biking trails are available, although specifics regarding terrain and difficulty levels are not detailed in the source materials.Wildlife viewing
Opportunities 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 Programs
Hungry 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
Winter activities such as off-road riding are possible, as Hungry Valley SVRA often experiences snow at higher elevations. No other winter-specific activities are mentioned.Water Sports
No details are provided regarding non-motorized water sports at Hungry Valley SVRA or Circle Canyon Campground.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are allowed in designated fire pits with grills.
- Quiet hours are not explicitly mentioned but nighttime is generally peaceful as noted by user reviews.
Hazards
General hazardsNatural 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.
Weather forecast
87
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Humidity: 25%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 14.9 mph
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
The 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.
Good to know
Trash and 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.
Proximity to water featuresWater features include creek crossings accessible via trails, though no water bodies directly adjacent to the campground.
Common complaintsVisitors noted a lack of water availability at campsites and occasional high winds. Some remarked on the absence of trees for shade.
Campground Map
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.
Camper Reviews
4.7
22 reviews
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 reviewsShow more
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 reviewsShow more
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 reviewsShow more
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 reviewsShow more
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 reviewsShow more
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 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
No specific reviews addressing accessibility features are available.
Based on 22 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed at Circle Canyon Campground and must remain on a leash. No additional reviews about pet-related experiences are provided.
Based on 22 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025