Calico Ghost Town is a historic ghost town and former silver mining community located in the Calico…read moreMountains of California's Mojave Desert. Founded in 1881 during the silver mining boom, the town prospered for over a decade before declining when silver prices collapsed. By 1907, most residents had left, and Calico was eventually restored and transformed into the county-operated attraction known today as Calico Ghost Town.   Situated just off Interstate 15, about 3 miles from both Barstow and Yermo, Calico has become a popular stop for travelers exploring Southern California or driving between Los Angeles and Las Vegas. We visited in February 2026 during our trip to Las Vegas and were impressed by the dramatic desert scenery, unique rock formations, and panoramic views from the surrounding hills.   Today, visitors from around the world come to experience the atmosphere of an authentic Old West mining town. The park offers a variety of amenities, including RV and group camping, cabins and bunkhouses, mountain biking trails, off-road vehicle areas, shops, and restaurants. Throughout the year, Calico hosts several special events such as Civil War reenactments, the Spring Festival with Americana music, Calico Days celebrations featuring burro races and mining-themed activities, and the popular Halloween Ghost Haunt in October.   Only minutes from Interstate 15 and a short drive north of Barstow, Calico Ghost Town makes an enjoyable roadside stop for food, shopping, sightseeing, and a glimpse into California's mining history. However, I would recommend visiting Calico Ghost Town during the spring or winter months rather than in the summer, when desert temperatures can become extremely hot and less comfortable for exploring the outdoor attractions and surrounding hills.

Whats happened to this place ? I am sad to say that Calico…read morehas seen better days. Ive been going here since the 1980s. I miss what it felt like, even 15ish years ago. Yes its an OLD run down ghost town but it truely feels OLD and run down now. Trash everywhere. Spiderwebs and dust everywhere. Its not the Calico look, its literally no one cleaning around here. It looks so unclean everywhere we went. Also...I dont feel many workers are in Character anymore. I miss that. If they are even dressed up they are just sitting around on their phones or talking to each ither. Zero interaction. Zero immersion... just so disappointed. We keep coming back but its just getting worse.

I visited as a total tourist. It's a nice stop for a bathroom break. I walked in there, looked…read morearound and it literally looked like they didn't change much and I could see a scene from an old film being filmed here easily. It's almost eerie, like I could see and get the vibe from what events were held there. It's got to be haunted. Nothing spectacular but it's historically cool to visit and there's not much to do/see out in these parts.

This is a wonderful stop on a road trip to take a break and look around. Limited displays but great…read morehistorical information. It was fun to look at the spaces where the restaurant was and imagine what it was like when it was open. The location is still an Amtrak station. There is a NASA exhibit upstairs which describes a satellite location in the desert. Free admission.

This was such a beautiful experience. The artwork is detailed and powerful. Every piece has it's…read morepersonal movement. It was very nice to learn and read and really get an understanding of what life is like around the world. The cool thing is that the artwork is spaced out enough so that you can drive through it and avoid the heat. I highly suggest making a pit stop here if you're interested in art, history and current events.

Just near Eddy's world and just drivable area. No personnel or security so come at your own risk…read more No service is there but it's great to see interesting landmark.

I came to this park for my son's football game. Basically its just a football field. The home team…read moreside has the parking lot, the snack bar area and the SHADE; actually there's no shade at all, you have to bring your own to protect yourself from the desert sun. There's bleachers on both sides but the point I'm trying to make about the shade is-is that you will be facing the sun thee entire time if you sit on the guest team side. We always bring our own shade and chairs, but we also don't mind sitting on the same side as the other team too if it means the sun will not kill us. The other team may not like it but oh well! If you play a Barstow team there, trust me they don't want you on their side, but be brave enough to stay on their side anyway though lol My suggestion to the people who design these parks are to put more trees, or actually better placement of the few trees you do plant, and or some sort of shade, the desert is hot AF in the summer, it's crazy not to have this in the plans while in the creative thinking process of building a park.

What a great time! I'm so happy to stumble across this…read moreplace.if you like camping isn't eh fort this is your spot! The beautiful big sky at night with all the stars, little cool in the evenings, but this is a great time if year during the day. It's perfect!

Great parks to camp out on as some offer, camping, activities, shooting spots, off road trail,…read morehiking trails, and much more. Didn't know they had that much to offer as I just got into to camping life etc, but I will be back for another trip soon.