Calico Ghost Town Campground

For Californians seeking a truly distinctive camping experience, the Calico Ghost Town Campground offers a remarkable blend of natural desert beauty and fascinating historical immersion. Situated in the heart of the Mojave Desert, this campground provides more than just a place to pitch a tent or park an RV; it's an opportunity to step back in time while enjoying the serene vastness of the high desert landscape.

The Calico Ghost Town Campground is an integral part of the larger Calico Ghost Town Regional Park, a former silver mining town that has been authentically preserved and restored. This unique setting means your camping trip isn't just about the great outdoors, but also about exploring a piece of California's rich Gold Rush history. Imagine waking up to desert sunrises, with a genuine ghost town just a stone's throw away, ready for exploration. This combination of natural beauty and historical intrigue is what truly sets Calico Ghost Town Campground apart from many other camping destinations across the Golden State.

Whether you're an avid RVer looking for full hookups, a tent camper seeking a peaceful dry camping spot, or a family eager for an adventure that combines outdoor recreation with educational fun, Calico Ghost Town Campground offers something special. It's a place where the stars shine brighter, the air feels crisp (especially outside of summer), and the echoes of the past add an extra layer of wonder to your outdoor escape.

Calico Ghost Town Campground is conveniently located at Barstow, CA 92311, USA. It is easily accessible from major highways, making it a straightforward drive for most Californians. Situated in the expansive Mojave Desert, the campground offers a remote feel without being difficult to reach, a significant advantage for those looking for a quick getaway from urban centers like Los Angeles or Las Vegas.

The campground is an essential part of the Calico Ghost Town Regional Park, which is managed by San Bernardino County Regional Parks. This means the infrastructure leading to the park and within the campground is well-maintained. Travelers will find clear signage leading them directly to the park entrance and then to the designated camping areas. For those towing RVs or trailers, the roads within the park and campground are generally wide and accommodating, allowing for easy maneuverability even with larger rigs.

Its desert location implies certain considerations for accessibility, particularly regarding weather. While generally accessible year-round, visitors planning to arrive in the summer months should be aware of the intense desert heat, as noted by past campers. Conversely, early spring and autumn are often highlighted as the "perfect" times to visit, offering mild temperatures, gentle breezes, and spectacular night skies. Winter also offers a unique, cool desert experience. Regardless of the season, the straightforward drive and clear park layout make Calico Ghost Town Campground a highly accessible destination for a wide range of vehicles and camping styles.

Calico Ghost Town Campground aims to provide a comfortable and convenient camping experience while retaining a connection to its rustic, historic setting. Unlike some truly primitive desert camping spots, Calico offers a range of practical services designed to enhance your stay.

• Full Hookup Sites: A significant advantage for RV campers, the campground offers numerous sites equipped with full hookups. This typically includes water, electricity, and sewer connections, providing all the comforts of home even in a desert environment. This is particularly appreciated by those planning longer stays or seeking a more comfortable base for exploring the region.

• Dry Camping Sites: For tent campers or RVers who prefer a more minimalist experience without hookups, the campground also provides dedicated dry camping areas. These sites offer a more rustic feel, allowing campers to truly immerse themselves in the desert landscape while still having access to communal facilities.

• Clean Restrooms with Showers: A consistent highlight mentioned by visitors are the restrooms. They are repeatedly praised for being "surprisingly clean and spacious," and crucially, they include showers. This amenity is a considerable comfort, especially after a day of exploring the dusty ghost town or hiking in the desert, ensuring a refreshing experience for all campers.

• Potable Water Access: Beyond the full hookup sites, communal access to potable water is available for all campers, ensuring essential hydration needs are met in the arid desert climate.

• Designated Fire Pits/Grates: Many sites are equipped with fire rings or grates, allowing for safe and contained campfires (weather permitting and according to park regulations) to enhance the camping atmosphere, perfect for s'mores and storytelling under the stars.

• Waste Disposal: Trash receptacles are available throughout the campground for convenient waste disposal, helping to maintain the cleanliness of the area and encouraging responsible environmental practices.

• Pet-Friendly Environment: The campground welcomes pets, allowing Californians to bring their furry companions along on their desert adventure, provided they adhere to park rules regarding leashes and waste cleanup.

The unique appeal of Calico Ghost Town Campground lies in its distinctive features and highlights, which seamlessly blend natural beauty with historical intrigue.

• Proximity to Calico Ghost Town: The most significant highlight is undoubtedly its direct access to Calico Ghost Town. Campers are just a short walk or drive away from this remarkably preserved 1880s silver mining town. Visitors can spend hours exploring its historic buildings, shops, museums, and even take a ride on the Calico & Odessa Railroad. This provides an unparalleled historical and educational element to a camping trip, perfect for families and history buffs.

• Spectacular Night Skies: Being located away from major urban light pollution in the Mojave Desert, the campground offers incredible opportunities for stargazing. Visitors consistently rave about lying under a "sky sprinkled with millions of stars," basking in "gentle moonlight." It's a truly mesmerizing experience for astronomers and casual observers alike.

• Expansive Desert Scenery: The campground is surrounded by classic Mojave Desert landscapes—rocky terrain, unique desert flora like Joshua Trees and cacti (depending on elevation), and wide-open vistas. This provides a tranquil and visually distinct setting for relaxation and outdoor photography.

• Diverse Camping Options: With a mix of "quite large" full hookup sites and dry camping spots, the campground caters to a wide range of preferences and equipment, from large RVs to small tents. The mention of a "new section where the sites are 'more groomed'" suggests ongoing improvements for visitor comfort.

• Hiking and Exploration Opportunities: Beyond the ghost town, the surrounding desert offers trails and areas for hiking and exploring. This allows campers to discover the natural beauty of the Mojave, including unique rock formations and desert wildlife.

• Peaceful Atmosphere: Despite its proximity to attractions, the campground maintains a generally peaceful ambiance, as noted by campers who experienced "no issue with other campers" and found the overall environment serene.

• Family-Friendly Environment: The combination of the ghost town's attractions, the open spaces for camping, and the educational opportunities makes it an excellent destination for families looking for a memorable and engaging outdoor adventure.

For reservations, inquiries, or more detailed information regarding Calico Ghost Town Campground and its facilities, visitors can directly contact the park management.

• Address:

  Calico Ghost Town Campground

  Barstow, CA 92311, USA

• Phone:

  (800) 862-2542

  Mobile Phone: +1 800-862-2542

• Official Website:

  It is highly recommended to visit the official Calico Ghost Town Regional Park website for the most up-to-date information on rates, availability, park hours, special events, and any current advisories or fire restrictions. Reservations, especially for full hookup sites during peak seasons, are often made online through the park's booking system.

For Californians, Calico Ghost Town Campground offers a particularly suitable and appealing camping experience, blending accessible desert recreation with a unique slice of the state's historical identity.

Firstly, its location in the Mojave Desert provides a distinctly Californian outdoor experience that contrasts with the state's popular coastal or mountain destinations. It's a chance to explore a different facet of California's diverse landscapes, offering the vast, starry skies and quiet solitude that only a desert environment can provide. For those living in the bustling urban centers of Southern California, a trip to Calico is a relatively easy drive, making it a perfect weekend escape to truly disconnect and breathe fresh, open air.

Secondly, the integrated experience with Calico Ghost Town makes this campground more than just a place to sleep. It’s an educational and entertaining destination. Locals, especially families, can immerse themselves in California's rich mining history, exploring the town, taking a train ride, and even panning for gold. This combination of outdoor recreation and historical discovery offers a well-rounded and engaging trip that caters to various interests, preventing the "boredom" that some might associate with more isolated camping spots. It's a unique opportunity to learn about the state's past in an interactive way.

Furthermore, the campground's varied offerings—from full hookup sites for comfortable RV camping to more rustic dry camping for tent enthusiasts—cater to a wide range of local preferences and camping styles. The consistently praised clean and spacious restrooms with showers are a significant draw, providing a level of comfort that makes even extended stays more enjoyable, especially in a desert environment where cleanliness can be a challenge. The fact that it's pet-friendly also means that Californians don't have to leave their beloved furry family members behind.

Finally, the seasonal adaptability, with early spring and autumn being highlighted as ideal times, means Californians can plan their visits to maximize comfort and enjoyment, avoiding the intense summer heat while still taking advantage of the beautiful desert nights and cool breezes. Calico Ghost Town Campground truly offers a distinctive and accessible adventure, making it an excellent choice for any Californian seeking a memorable outdoor getaway that's deeply rooted in the state's unique landscape and history.

Calico Ghost Town Campground

Barstow, CA 92311, USA