Barstow sits at approximately 2,178 feet elevation in California's Mojave Desert, with average summer highs reaching 105°F. The area features extensive BLM lands with multiple established campgrounds and dispersed camping options. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing at night, creating a significant seasonal temperature variation that affects camping preparation requirements.
What to do
Explore historic sites: Calico Ghost Town Regional Park offers access to a preserved mining town with unique attractions. "You can't beat having a campsite AND you can enter the ghost town either by foot or drive to the ghost town's parking lot. Your camping fees include all that. Very cute little town and lots to see," reports D T.
Hike desert canyons: The trails at Owl Canyon Campground provide scenic desert exploration options. "There are several nice hikes from the campground. Have seen collage classes and Boy scouts troops using this campground," notes Robert A. The main canyon offers colorful rock formations for photographers.
Visit nearby lakes: Newberry Mountain RV Park features small ponds that provide a refreshing contrast to the desert surroundings. "The lakes here give it a nice feel since it's in the Mojave desert between Barstow and Ludlow California," writes Kevin H., noting how these water features enhance the desert camping experience.
What campers like
Shade structures: Many campers appreciate the sheltered picnic tables available at some sites. "Our group site had plenty of room for everyone, and picnic tables that had a covering to provide some shade during the day," explains Hannah O. about her stay at Owl Canyon.
Swimming options: Newberry Mountain RV Park offers a swimming pool that campers find refreshing in hot weather. "The best part for me was the pool which was clean and cool," shares Kevin H., highlighting how valuable water features are in the desert environment.
Canyon views: The landscape itself provides a scenic backdrop at various campgrounds. "As other reviewers mentioned, most of the campground is tucked into a narrow sort of canyon just below the Ghost Town. Sites are tightly packed and simple but the proximity to the ghost town, nearby OHV trails, and the ability to walk up out of the canyon for views make this a great spot," notes JL about Calico Ghost Town Regional Park.
What you should know
Weather extremes: Desert temperatures fluctuate dramatically between seasons and day/night. "I was here one October where the weather was above 100F during the day. The sites have absolutely no shade or cover," reports Hannah O. about Calico Ghost Town.
Road conditions: Access to some campgrounds requires careful driving. The dirt roads can be challenging in some vehicles. "We made it down the dirt road fine in our 26 ft class c. Proceed at your own comfort level, but it seems like a road that would be ok for any rig (maybe not a class A?) if you go slow and watch for dips and bumps," advises Laura M. about Ord Mountain Dispersed.
Noise considerations: Highway proximity affects some campgrounds. "We were only here one night but we had a nice stay. We left the windows open since it was great evening weather. The freeway noise was there but it didn't keep us up," reports Christina H. about Newberry Mountain RV Park.
Tips for camping with families
Recreation amenities: Barstow-Calico KOA offers numerous activities for children. "The kids loved the pool and other kids to play with. Great game room with pool, foosball, air hockey etc. big playground and easy campground to bike around," shares Jennifer H., noting the variety of entertainment options.
Educational opportunities: Ghost town visits provide historical learning experiences. "I had always wanted to visit a ghost town so when this came up in our travel path, we had to stop for a night... The next morning, we wandered into the Ghost Town for some entertainment. We took pictures of the bottle house, mercantile, and many other buildings," describes Christy C. about Calico Ghost Town.
Year-round accessibility: Plan family trips according to seasonal conditions. "Good fall to spring. Way to hot in summer. No shade," advises Aaron S. about Calico Ghost Town campground, highlighting the importance of timing for family comfort.
Tips from RVers
Hookup options: BLM Barstow - Dispersed Camp Area provides free camping without amenities. "This is a popular camping site for OHV riders during the winter. There are several sites at this location that each can hold 5-7 RVs. Each of the sites has a primitive fire ring, but there is no wood in the area, so bring your own. There are no toilets or water either," explains Mark W.
Pet-friendly considerations: Many campgrounds near Barstow welcome dogs, but require planning. "Our near-end site was great for our dogs since no one was booked at the end so we had plenty of space," notes Christina H. about Newberry Mountain RV Park, demonstrating how site selection impacts pet comfort.
Water conservation: For dog friendly campgrounds near Barstow, bring sufficient water supplies. "It is the desert, so it gets warm/hot during the summer, but during the fall and winter, it is comfortable and can get cold at night," reminds Mark W. about dispersed camping, emphasizing the need to pack enough water for both humans and pets.
Traveler
