If you have ever watched MASH and wondered where those dusty hills and open fields were actually filmed, you are not alone.
Many fans are surprised to find out that the show was not filmed in Korea at all. The show ran for 11 seasons, and people still ask about the real filming spots decades later.
This article covers every filming location used in the series, what you can visit today, and how to make the most of your trip.
I have looked into this closely, including firsthand accounts from visitors and park records, so you are getting solid, reliable information here.
Whether you are a lifelong fan or just got curious, this guide has everything you need.
Where Was MASH Filmed?
MASH was filmed almost entirely in California, not Korea.
The outdoor scenes were shot at Malibu Creek State Park in Calabasas, within the Santa Monica Mountains, where the 4077th camp was built across rocky hills, dry creek beds, and open meadows that closely matched the Korean countryside.
The park was chosen because it felt remote and rugged, had the right terrain, and was conveniently close to the Fox studios in Los Angeles.
The land had already seen years of film and TV production, which made setup easier.
Most viewers never suspected they were looking at Southern California rather than Asia.
Where Was MASH Filmed at? Complete Filming Locations
The show used more than one spot, but one location stands out above the rest.
Malibu Creek State Park in Calabasas, California
This is the heart of the MASH filming story. Located about 30 miles from downtown Los Angeles, Malibu Creek State Park covers over 8,000 acres.
The specific area used for MASH sits near the park's main trailhead and is easily accessible by foot.
The crew built the camp set directly in the meadow. Over the years, the set became more permanent, with structures left in place between seasons.
Today, you can still walk to the exact spot where the 4077th camp stood.
The Former 20th Century Fox Ranch
Before it became a state park, much of this land was owned by 20th Century Fox. The studio used it as an outdoor filming location for decades.
Fox sold the property in 1974, and it was eventually absorbed into what is now Malibu Creek State Park.
The ranch had a long history of film and TV productions, and MASH was one of its most famous tenants.
The infrastructure left behind by the studio, including roads and cleared areas, made it easier to set up and manage the production.
Where the Indoor Scenes Were Filmed
The operating room scenes, tent interiors, and other indoor sequences were all filmed on Stage 9 at the former 20th Century Fox Studios in Los Angeles.
These soundstages allowed the crew to control lighting, sound, and set details in ways that outdoor locations simply could not support.
The indoor sets were detailed and carefully built to match the outdoor camp visually.
Transitions between interior and exterior shots were seamless, which is why the two locations felt like one continuous place on screen.
Did MAS*H Use Any Other Filming Locations?
For the most part, no. The production kept things simple. Malibu Creek State Park handled all the outdoor work, and the Fox soundstages handled everything inside.
A few establishing shots and brief scenes were filmed at other nearby California locations, but these were minor and not consistent throughout the series.
The show was remarkably consistent in its use of the same core locations across all 11 seasons.
Can You Visit Where MASH Was Filmed Today?
The MASH site sits inside Malibu Creek State Park at 1925 Las Virgenes Road in Calabasas, about 45 minutes from Los Angeles by car.
From the main parking lot, follow the Crags Road Trail for a roughly 3.5 to 4 mile round trip that is mostly flat and easy to moderate in difficulty.
Parking requires a fee, so arrive early on weekends. The best months to visit are October through April since summers are hot with little shade on the trail.
Bring at least two liters of water, sunscreen, a hat, and sturdy shoes, and download an offline map before heading out.
What Can You See at the Original MAS*H Set?
More survives than most people expect, and it is genuinely worth seeing.
The Recreated 4077th Signpost
One of the most photographed items at the site is the recreated signpost from the show.
The original signs pointed to various real and fictional places, often with absurd distances listed for humor.
The recreated version is true to the original and gives visitors a strong sense of being on the actual set.
It is the most popular photo spot at the location, and for good reason.
The Restored Ambulance and Surviving Military Vehicles
Several military vehicles are displayed at the MASH site, including a restored ambulance. These vehicles were left behind after filming and have since been preserved for visitors.
They are weathered but recognizable, and they add a lot of character to the area.
Touching the vehicles is generally allowed, and many visitors take photos in and around them.
The Former Helipad and Camp Layout
The general footprint of the camp is still visible if you know what to look for.
The area where the tents stood has been cleared, and the former helipad location is marked.
Interpretive signs around the site explain what different areas were used for during filming.
Walking through the space gives you a real sense of the camp's scale, which looked smaller on screen than it actually was.
Century Lake and Nearby Attractions
Just a short walk from the MASH site is Century Lake, a small reservoir that appears in several episodes of the show.
It is a peaceful spot and a good place to rest before heading back to the trailhead.
The park also has rock formations, shaded picnic areas, and additional trails that make it worth spending a full day if you have the time.
Interesting Facts About Where Was MASH Filmed
There is more to this location than just the TV show.
- The MASH site is at 1925 Las Virgenes Road in Calabasas, about 45 minutes from Los Angeles, and a car is your best option since there is no public transit to the park
- Follow the Crags Road Trail from the main parking lot for a 3.5 to 4 mile round trip that is mostly flat and rated easy to moderate for most visitors
- Parking costs a fee at the entrance kiosk, so arrive early on weekends as the lot fills up fast, especially during cooler months
- Visit between October and April to avoid the intense summer heat, and bring at least two liters of water, sunscreen, a hat, and sturdy shoes
- Download an offline map before you go since cell signal can be weak, and check the park website for trail closures before your visit
The History of the MAS*H Filming Location
The land has a long and layered history that goes well beyond the TV show.
From 20th Century Fox Ranch to Malibu Creek State Park
The land that became Malibu Creek State Park was originally purchased by 20th Century Fox in the 1940s.
The studio used it for decades as a filming location, shooting westerns, comedies, and dramas across its vast terrain.
When Fox sold the property in 1974, the State of California acquired the land and opened it as a public park.
MASH had already been filming there for two years before the sale, and the new state ownership did not interrupt the production. Filming continued until the show ended in 1983.
The 1982 Fire That Damaged the Set
In 1982, a brush fire swept through the area and burned much of the MASH set. Some structures were destroyed, and several props were lost.
The fire happened near the end of the show's run, so the damage did not affect production significantly.
By then, most of the major outdoor filming had already been completed, and the crew was able to work around the damage for the final season.
The 2007 Restoration Project
In 2007, a group of volunteers and MASH fans organized a restoration effort at the site.
They worked with the state park to bring back key elements of the set, including the signpost and some of the military vehicles.
The project took several years to complete and was largely funded through donations and community support.
The restoration gave the site a second life and made it a proper destination for fans of the show.
The 2018 Woolsey Fire and What Remains Today
The 2018 Woolsey Fire was one of the most destructive wildfires in California history, and it burned through Malibu Creek State Park.
The MASH site was affected, with some of the restored elements damaged or destroyed once again.
Recovery efforts followed, and the site has been partially restored since then.
Some items were lost permanently, but the signpost, several vehicles, and the overall layout remain accessible to visitors.
Tips Before You Visit Where MASH Was Filmed
A little preparation makes a big difference.
- Check for trail closures before you go, especially after wildfires or heavy rain, and always carry enough water since summer heat can be intense
- Pay the parking fee at the entrance kiosk and arrive early on weekends because the lot fills up fast
- Shoot in the morning for the best light, and use the signpost with the hills behind it for a classic photo
- Stay on marked trails, carry out all your trash, and do not remove or damage any artifacts or vehicles at the site
- Let someone know your plans before heading out, and skip the visit in peak summer unless you are prepared for serious heat
Conclusion
Now you know exactly where MASH Filmed and what you can expect when you visit. The site at Malibu Creek State Park is more than a filming location.
It is a piece of television history that fans have worked hard to preserve through fires and years of wear.
The hike is manageable, the views are worth it, and seeing the signpost and vehicles in person hits differently than watching clips online.
Plan your visit during cooler months, go early, and bring water.
If this guide helped you, share it with a fellow MASH fan or drop a comment below with your experience at the site.
And if you want more TV and film location guides like this one, check out our related posts.
