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Best Campgrounds near Calico, CA

388 Reviews

Calico 2 sits near the historic Calico Ghost Town and combines desert landscapes with historical surroundings. The Barstow-Calico KOA nearby has a pool, playground, and game room that works well for camping with kids. Owl Canyon Campground, run by the BLM, costs just $6 per night and has basic pit toilets with good views of the surrounding area. Sawtooth Canyon Campground doesn't charge fees and has designated camping spots that attract many rock climbers because of the formations close by. Shady Lane RV Camp in Barstow gives RV campers full hookups in a quiet area away from highway noise. The Calico Ghost Town is worth visiting during your stay to see what mining life was like in the past. Winter brings milder temperatures to this desert area, making it good for hiking and outdoor activities. Summer often brings fire restrictions, so check current rules before you go. You'll want to book ahead during busy times since the better sites fill up quickly. Hiking trails around Calico 2 range from simple flat walks to steeper climbs with better views. The area works well for history buffs, hikers, and anyone who enjoys clear desert night skies.

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Best Camping Sites Near Calico, California (75)

    1. Calico Ghost Town

    41 Reviews
    Yermo, CA
    0 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 254-1123

    "Quiet at night once the off-roaders go to bed. Good hookups. Pretty easy walk to Calico Ghost Town, well worth the effort. We will probably be back."

    "Absolutely love Calico and Ghost Town! There’s something for everyone. Explore the caves and tunnels, ride off road, visit the ghost town and shops or just hang around the campfire."

    2. Barstow-Calico KOA

    26 Reviews
    Daggett, CA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 904-3069

    "Just up the road too is the Calico western ghost town.

    They have some decent shaded areas that made it look like just about every spot would be a good one."

    "It is a bit rough around the edges. Easy to miss the turn because it is on road 15 next to highway 15- yikes. Tough on the road weary. It has a dog run."

    3. Owl Canyon Campground

    23 Reviews
    Barstow, CA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 252-6000

    $6 / night

    "Have to drive through washboard road for about five miles to get to the campground. Nice site with a trail head to Owl Canyon right by the campground. First come first serve site, but $6 per night."

    "Nice level spots with reasonable distance from other campers. The horse campground has no water and is about 1/2 mile from the main campground which has a handful of water stations."

    4. Sawtooth Canyon Campground

    36 Reviews
    Daggett, CA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 252-6000

    "I am here in California getting ready to leave the state by FY22 and had to get outside. I have been exploring the idea of going camping and decided to go this weekend."

    "There has been a lot of disrespectful off trail sites being made that is destroying the wilderness that has rebounded since 2003. Before that, it was the wild west."

    5. Shady Lane RV Camp

    9 Reviews
    Barstow, CA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 256-5322

    "Easy to use and right next to the road. Quite place. hookups."

    "The park is a little distance from the highway, so it's blessedly quiet overall."

    6. BLM Barstow - Dispersed Camp Area

    4 Reviews
    Joshua Tree National Park, CA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 252-6000

    "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."

    7. Military Park Barstow Marine Corps Logistics Base Oasis RV Park

    4 Reviews
    Barstow, CA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 577-6418

    $35 / night

    8. Rainbow Basin/Owl Canyon Campground

    4 Reviews
    Barstow, CA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 252-6000

    $6 / night

    "We camped one night and explored/ hiked around the area. We also did the scenic drive. Very cool spot in the Mojave. We will be back."

    9. Newberry Mountain RV Park

    6 Reviews
    Newberry Springs, CA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 257-0066

    "Our space was on the end so we had a lot of privacy but near the I-40.  That didn't bother us but it might bother those who are looking for total quiet.  The nights were fantastic!! "

    "The old caboose, the Hwy 66 hotel mural, and the ducks around the pond were a nice touch. They had a shower house and laundry, but we did not use them."

    10. High Noon Saloon RV Park

    1 Review
    Barstow, CA
    10 miles
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Showing results 1-10 of 75 campgrounds

Recent Camping Photos near Calico, CA

145 Photos of 75 Calico Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Calico, CA

388 Reviews of 75 Calico Campgrounds

Guide to Calico

Camping near Calico, California, offers a unique blend of history and outdoor adventure. With several campgrounds in the area, you can enjoy the beauty of the desert while exploring the fascinating Calico Ghost Town.

What to do:

  • Explore Calico Ghost Town: This historic site is a must-see. One visitor said, "The Ghost town is a fun place to walk through," while another noted, "It was fabulous," highlighting the charm of the area.
  • Hiking: There are great trails around the campgrounds. One camper mentioned, "Nice hiking around," which makes it perfect for those who love to hit the trails.
  • Rock Climbing: If you're into climbing, check out the nearby rock formations. A reviewer at Sawtooth Canyon Campground said, "This is also a big rock climbing destination," making it a great spot for climbers.

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Many campers appreciate cleanliness. A visitor at Calico Ghost Town mentioned, "The bathrooms were clean and maintained," which is always a plus when camping.
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Campers enjoy the peacefulness of the area. One reviewer noted, "It was much quieter," after a busy weekend, showing that the campgrounds can be a serene escape.
  • Full Hookups: For RVers, having full hookups is a big deal. A camper at Sawtooth Canyon Campground appreciated the "full hook up - 40 dollars," making it a reasonable choice for those traveling with larger rigs.

What you should know:

  • Road Conditions: Some campgrounds have rough access roads. A visitor to Owl Canyon Campground warned, "Nearly 5 miles of either hard washboard dirt road," which can be tough for some vehicles.
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds offer full amenities. A camper at Afton Canyon Campground mentioned, "Community vault toilets were available," but advised bringing your own toilet paper.
  • Noise Levels: Depending on when you visit, noise can be an issue. One camper at Barstow-Calico KOA noted, "The interstate is loud," which might affect your sleep.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Family-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds that offer activities for kids. One reviewer at Calico Ghost Town mentioned an Easter egg hunt, making it a fun spot for families.
  • Choose the Right Campsite: Some sites are better for families than others. A camper at Barstow-Calico KOA appreciated the "hammocks next to the pool," which can be a relaxing spot for parents while kids play.
  • Plan for Quiet Time: Be mindful of noise levels, especially at night. One family noted, "The second night was a Sunday. Everyone moved out and it was much quieter," which can be ideal for families needing rest.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Sawtooth Canyon Campground mentioned, "The OHV pull-through site accommodated my 45-foot 5th wheel no problem," which is helpful for larger rigs.
  • Bring Extra Supplies: Some campgrounds lack basic amenities. A camper at Shady Lane RV Camp advised, "Please pack your trash out!" to keep the area clean.
  • Stay Connected: If you need to work or stay in touch, check cell service. A visitor at Newberry Mountain RV Park noted, "We got 3 bars on Verizon," which can be crucial for RVers on the go.

Camping near Calico, California, offers a mix of adventure and relaxation, making it a great choice for your next outdoor getaway.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Calico, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Calico, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 75 campgrounds and RV parks near Calico, CA and 16 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Calico, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Calico, CA is Calico Ghost Town with a 4-star rating from 41 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Calico, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 16 free dispersed camping spots near Calico, CA.

What parks are near Calico, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 11 parks near Calico, CA that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.

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