Have you heard of “Barstow” and “Calico” in California? Barstow is an old railroad town, conveniently located on the famous historic road, Route 66. Calico is renowned as an abandoned silver mining town, both towns are in Southern California.
On our journey from the renowned Death Valley National Park to Joshua Tree, we chose to stay in Barstow, California, as a midpoint. Anticipating fatigue from a full day in Death Valley and wanting to conserve energy for Joshua Tree, I opted for a cabin stay in Barstow over tent camping.
Let me share our experience at this sleep stop and what you can expect at KOA Barstow/Calico.
WHERE IS BARSTOW?
As you can see on the map, Barstow is almost in the middle between Los Angeles and Las Vegas, Nevada. We used KOA Barstow/ Calico as a stop on the way to Joshua Tree National Park from Death Valley National Park. KOA Barstow/ Calico is about 180 miles (3-hour drive) from Death Valley National Park and 100 miles (2-hour drive) from Joshua Tree National Park.
CABIN AT KOA BARSTOW/ CALICO
Surprisingly, Barstow and Calico offered more than just a place to rest; they provided unexpected discoveries and exploration opportunities. This stay was akin to an economical cabin rental but without hefty cleaning fees.
Deluxe Cabin
The inside was very comfy and the room was warm with a heater. We picked the room with a full-size bed and one bunk bed. There is a sliding door to the bunk bed, which is nice for the kids to have a private room and sleep. We forgot to ask for linens for the bunk bed when checking in, make sure to ask if you need some at the cabin. Kids just used their sleeping bags for the bunk bed. It made them happier with the camping theme!
KOA will already have the full-size bed made, so don’t worry about the actual bed. But if you don’t plan to bring any sleeping bags, don’t forget to ask for linens for the bunk beds when you check-in.
Other than beds, there was a TV with an antenna so just a few channels, a small dining table, and chairs, a mini kitchen with a microwave, Keurig, and a small refrigerator. About the TV, hopefully, you are not expecting it so much. While we stayed, there were almost no channels we were able to watch. We were there for the outdoors, so all we needed was news and weather on the TV which worked just fine!
Outside the Cabin
Look at this view from the cabin! This view was a big surprise to us since we couldn’t see anything around the cabin when we arrived the night before. In front of the cabin where we stayed, there were no structures or fences and nobody but us, just nature!!
We cooked breakfast outside at the private picnic area looking at the wonderful landscape.
Here is the map of the KOA. The cabin we stayed in is located towards the top of the photo, number #5. This area had the best view!
OTHER GLAMPING AND CAMPING OPTIONS
CAMPSITE SHOWER AND FACILITIES
Restroom
KOA has shared bathrooms for everyone who stays there. The Campsite Shower is free for the guests. They also have an outdoor sink with running water next to the bathroom for washing dishes!
Laundry
It is so convenient to have a laundromat inside the campground. We do laundry often during road trips so that we can pack light.
Playground and Pool
They have an outdoor swimming pool and playground. More amenities are available. Check their website before you go!
KOA Barstow / Calico Office
The store is inside the office building where you check in and out. They have some groceries, camping and outdoor goods, and some local souvenirs.
LOCAL ATTRACTIONS IN BARSTOW AND CALICO
FINAL THOUGHTS
Honestly, I didn’t expect KOA Barstow/ Calico to be anything but comfortable sleep. But, we truly liked the surprise view from the cabin and how it was less crowded when we stayed. I highly recommend exploring the KOA campground.
THINGS TO CONSIDER TO BRING FROM OUR EXPERIENCE
*Disclosure: I only recommend products I am using myself and all opinions expressed here are my own. The following links below may be affiliated with programs such as Amazon where I may earn a small commission for clicks on the links, at no additional cost to you.
KOA BARSTOW / CALICO
35250 Outer Highway 15 North
Yermo, CA 92398
Check the KOA website for conditions and availability.
