Calico Ghost Town

Above, the Calico bottle house. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The route between Los Angeles to Las Vegas will take travelers through the Mojave Desert along Interstate 15.

Along the way, just past Barstow, is Calico Ghost Town. 

Calico is a former silver mining town that still mines, only in tourist dollars these days. If one is a fan of old mining towns or of the old west, Calico is a fun place to visit. I visited and camped there in the late 1980s during a Boy Scout camporee.

Above, the Calico & Odessa Railroad. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

RV Travel posted an article, "Camp with the ghosts at this famous California ghost town."

It begins with:

If you happen to RV through Southern California, have a penchant for history, and love ghost towns, Calico Ghost Town should be on your travel plans.

Nestled in the Mojave Desert, this once-bustling mining town offers a unique blend of Old West charm and modern amenities. It’s a perfect stop for RVers.

A brief history

Back in 1881, Calico sprang to life during the silver rush, quickly growing into a lively community. At its peak, the town boasted a population of around 3,500 residents. This included folks from China, England, Ireland, Greece, France, the Netherlands, and various parts of the U.S.

Over a span of 12 years, Calico’s mines yielded more than $20 million worth of silver ore. However, as silver prices plummeted in the late 1890s, the town’s fortune dwindled, and by 1907, it was largely abandoned.

There is a handy campground at Calico with all the necessary hookups.

To read the full article, go here.