Calico Ghost Town

We loved visiting calico ghost town! It was fabulous, but the two nights at the campground were rough. We stayed in the “O” section which I didn’t want based on the map but after we arrived, I’m glad we were in That section. The other side of the campground looked awful. Our sites were small but the main campsite area had lots that were Even smaller! I mean we had 10’ from the edge of our camper to the next camper. How do I know? Our 10’ awning was only an inch or two from my parents camper next door. The picnic tables were nice in our area but warped and awful in the main campsite area. The bathrooms were dirty. They didn’t stink but they don’t appear to clean anything. I brought Clorox wipes with me every time to wipe the toilets. There was no toilet paper in the bathrooms ever and the light are off at night but on during the day. Super helpful. I passed on the showers - didn’t even look at them based off the toilet area. The first night there was so many parties and loud drunks. It went on past midnight. The people next to us were loud and had apparently rented a trailer and had it swapped out for a new one at midnight and no one seemed to care about even attempting to be semi quiet for the neighbors. The second night was a Sunday. Everyone moved out and it was much quieter but early Monday in the am the trash picks up. I probably wouldn’t stay there again.

Reasonable price for full hook up - 40 dollars Amazing place, quiet, the ghost town was really a good surprise it s really interesting, nice hiking around. Definitely recommends

Well no fault of this location, we planned this trip months ago, but unfortunately the ambient temps soared. Two huge AC units could only manage about a 20 degree reduction in 110 degree heatwave. Recommend this as a winter, early spring or late fall. OHV pull through site accommodated my 45 foot 5th wheel no problem. Upper campsite has full hook ups for small rigs but there is no cell service at upper camp. Aside from weather advisory, this is a spot I can see us coming back to during appropriate season ☀️🔥🔥🔥

Camping fees include access to the Ghost Town which closes at 5pm daily. It's a short walk up the trail from the campground. No need to drive around and park. On Easter they have an egg hunt divided by children's age groups, music, photos with EB, and other activities. Your camping fee also covers access to these type of special events. The largest full hookup site is likely #B18 and #B11. They seemed to have the widest parking area. I was able to work from this location using Homefi with no service issues on zoom calls.

Our campground loop was a loop with inner and outer paved driveways that allowed pull through set up. Site was gravel/dirt and not level but manageable. Bathrooms were in the center of the loop and had flush toilets and pay showers ($1 for 7 minutes).

This popular camp has 265 dedicated campsites plus overflow parking. Trails and sights are right outside camp. Quiet. We parked in overflow because all sites were taken and it was still quiet! Will go back.

We arrived well after dark and the security folks helped us get into our cabin. Very nice staff. We stayed in one of the bunkhouse cabins. It had 2 sets of bunk beds (twin size) and a sofa (futon style) that was about the size of a queen. We had 2 cars and 2 trailers. Plenty of parking and I felt comfortable with our gear being safe outside. Small kitchen was perfect for our needs. We would recommend the cabin and we will definitely visit again to visit the ghost town.

Recomment everybody to stay here overnight.

Be prepared for the heat! Full hookup and decent cell service. No AC in the bathrooms so they were pretty uncomfortable, but they were clean. The ghost town was fun to explore and learn about. Basic food fare as well as local beers on tap. Our kiddos loved it!

This little gem is awesome. Spots are tight but the location close to the ghost town is a huge plus. Walk to the town and eat, shop, and experience the history. Also trails to old mines in the hills. Be careful. Lots of OHV traffic and Jeep use of these trails as well. VERY HOT in summer and little to no shade.

We had site B4 fortunately we have a small rv with door on back of unit. You could not walk down either side of our site. Both sides had yellow poles and utilities. If our door was on the side wed have been stepping out over neighbors sewer hose and ducking to not hit their slide. Site was not level at all. Which was no biggie for us we come prepared. Picnic table was a joke it was all warped. B4 should NOT be a camp site. Bathrooms were not clean. All toilet seats were nasty, no soap for washing hands. Trash was all over the camp ground. No rules were being enforced. Atvs, (Atvs all over camp ground and up at the ghost town.) unleashed dogs, swimming pools at rvs?! (One up hill from us dumped pool and flooded 3 sites) Neighbor checked in at 11pm. Camp fires till midnight. We left camp ground one time to run errand and had to sit in a 40 minute line to get back In. If you camp here dont leave, there is no line for campers already checked in. Its one line that is for Ghost town and camp ground entrance. We have camped here since 2006 and boy has it gone down hill over the years.

If you will be camping with your off road toys, make sure you ask where you are allowed to camp. We made the mistake of not doing the research and had to move from one location to the other. The spots are nice, however they have a lot of trash that is left over from previous campers. There are dumpsters available throughout the camp ground.
Camping here allows admission to the ghost town, which was a nice area to explore.

Fairly basic campground, not so great WiFi or cell coverage. Was great for a 2 night stay to see the town but that’s about as long as I would stay.

Had a great time. Rode dirt bikes, explored Ghost Town and was able to take the pups on the little train! A bit noisy at night - lots of night riders coming and going even as late as 1am :(

Awesome! Gets windy, but so much fun with the kids, and the RZR.

We rolled into camp around 9pm and was greeted by a security guard who kindly called the ranger who then took us to a campground. This was great since rolling in at night it’s not always fun specially when you have to drive around a campground you are not familiar with and find a spot.

The night sky was beautiful!! Definitely breathtaking and quiet! The next day we packed up and walked into the ghost town and enjoyed Taking a trip back in time

Dirt interior roads, including a dead end that was really a challenge to back and fill the trailer out of. 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.

Had a great time exploring the ghost town with my kids. I recommend doing the tour of the mine for a small fee. A lot was still shut down due to the pandemic. Super windy but we opted to stay in one of the small cabins. It was nice and clean. Bathrooms were also clean and well-maintained. It was an overall good, one-night stay vacation!

We came in after dark and were escorted by the ranger to the campsites. It was really nice not having to fumble our way through the dark in a place we didn’t know with an RV. Very friendly, sites were easy to drive into and the location is gorgeous

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. I always look forward to our annual trips!

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. There’s little in the way of privacy but being tucked into the canyon makes it all feel less crowded and more intimate than it otherwise might.

If you have to camp near Barstow, this is a good place for a week-day stay. Calico ghost town was a fun spot for our kids, not too busy on a week day in the spring though I’m sure it can be crazy (and hot) at other times. The campsites were hit or miss. We staid in a tent site which was tiny, right next to all the others, with no trees or vegetation for privacy, and no permanent fire ring or picnic bench. We walked around and some of the other RV sites are bigger and nicer. Classic desert views. I give it 4 stars for access to the ghost town and price.

Cool little campground. Spaces are typical desert with dirt, rock, and a few miscellaneous trees. Campground is in a narrow canyon. Clean bathrooms. The Calico ghost town is worth seeing.

I’d give this a 3 star during COVID but it’s probably closer to a 3.5 star post-COVID if not a 4* for kiddos!

The grounds themselves are OK; not much to look at. The bathrooms were old and a bit dirty. The ghost town is walking distance through a short cut or you can quickly drive over to the parking lot.

I wouldn’t recommended visiting during covid. There were only a few gift shops open. I just wanted to grab an expensive beer and sit outside on one of the patios and that wasn’t an option. Everything from the train to going into the mine was not available. Mostly understandable, but still, it would have been nice if there were socially-distanced, safe food or entertaining options. You can just walk around the town right now.

Talk about good times!! Get dirty as you can and have a blast doing it!! Razrrrr city!! Super cool ghost town, and really family friendly! Clean bathrooms and well maintained. You can fill up your propane here and dump your rig if needed. This place has cool little mining caves and a cool train for kids to ride on. Somethings are locked down due to covid but this place isn’t shy of family fun! Really neat place! Bring your fire wood for a cool fire at night, if you don’t want to camp they do have cabins that are without bathrooms but shelter if you prefer. Also plenty of parking for your vehicles.

This little town is dope for sure... it's off the beaten path and it's one hell of a time boy!

Great for families for sure!!! Bathrooms could be a little improved but over a super dope place with plenty of history and cool stuff to get into!! It's a must you check it out! Stay a night or two and plan ahead because this place is always busy with people and sand toys!!!!

They do have a dump station and a propane area if you need to fill Up your tanks!!

We stayed here with family who had an RV. At the time, we didn’t so we rented one of the cabins. They have bunks, a bed AC and heat and that’s it. Lol. You have to use the public restrooms and showers. It was raining and super cold when we stayed here but one of the days it cleared up and we walked to Calico ghost town. We had the best time exploring, shopping, eating at the restaurant, panning for gold, touring the mine. Super fun. We also enjoyed some off roading. Bathrooms were clean. Showers are run by quarters and were hot although the windows high above don’t close so the cold air was constantly blowing in. It made for an adventure that my daughter and I will remember for many years. Lol. I’d stay here again. It was fun.

This Covid summer my family and I took two trips out to the Calico Ghost Town campground. The first was over Fathers day weekend and the second at the end of September. We had a great time despite the over 100 degree weather. Because there are so few people the wildlife is abundant. It was nice to take walks and hike the hills. The night sky is amazing (download the app that tells you what everything is, "star walk 2") your kids may have never seen the stars like this. Lots of places to ride OHV and great shooting in Mule Canyon. Caves to explore in camp and free admission to the ghost town.

Campground could use more trees but the showers and toilets are nice.

A great desert get away! ENJOY and please keep it clean!

This campground in Barstow has many things to do. Campground has full hookups first off. Next, they have a separate campground area for OHV campers and vehicles. Plenty of trails and some famous rock climbing just behind the hill. The ghost town is awesome to check out, kids love it. Pan for silver, train rides and explore the mines. Even grab a bite to eat with a beer at the saloon. Gets hot in the summer but fall and winter good times to go. This place even has cabin rentals too.

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.