There are many day trips around Las Vegas and Calico ghost town is a longtime local favorite just two hours from the city. There’s RV and tent camping as well as bunkhouses for 10 or more so you can peruse the Old West town at your own pace. This is one of the most active ghost towns you’ll see in the American Old West.
Another day trip that is just 45 minutes from town is the Lost City Museum, where you can check out the town that vanished along with local Native American artifacts and so much more. There are also many cool hiking spots in and around the region that are easy to get to for families with little kids on up to teens.
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RV and Camping Near Calico Ghost Town
Just two hours outside of Las Vegas is a remnant of the Old West where you can explore the past and pick up some souvenirs. This is the most alive ghost town you’ve ever been to. There are a few ways to camp, RV and glamp near and around the Calico Ghost Town. There are 10 cabins available for rent and each sleeps 4. They are heated and air-conditioned but linens are not provided and they don’t allow pets.
And if you want a motel, there’s the Travelodge, Super 8 and California Inn. I’d check out reviews before reserving.
Places to Eat and Things to Do
Peggy Sue’s 50s Diner is highly recommended by many VKZ subscribers who chimed in about places along the California and Nevada corridor to eat. Close by too is the Calico House restaurant and Lil’s Beer Garden.
If you have a good hour, pop into Eddie’s World and save room for tons of fun candy. The Liberty Sculpture Park and Dorsey’s Dog House are fun little points of interests and specialty shops.
History of Calico Ghost Town
The old West mining town was teeming with miners when it erected its first structure in 1881. At one point the town swelled to 20,000 people supporting the 70+ productive silver mines in the area. But was soon abandoned after silver lost its value in the mid-1890s.
It lay dormant until the 1950s when Walter Knott, the founder of Knott’s Berry Farm, purchased the town and restored many of its buildings. Today, Calico Ghost Town is a county park and a popular tourist attraction. Visitors can explore the preserved buildings, which include a schoolhouse, a saloon, a general store, and several homes. There are also shops, restaurants, and museums that offer a glimpse into the town’s history.
Calico Ghost Town offers various activities and attractions, such as mine tours, train rides, and gold panning, giving visitors a chance to experience life in a 19th-century mining town. The town also hosts events and festivals throughout the year, adding to its charm and appeal.
Calico is part of the San Bernardino County Regional Parks system and is an official state historical landmark. Aside from its wealth of history, Calico has shops, restaurants and fun places to explore.