Reviews
Barstow Calico KOA Journey
User Reviews
Rick Shook
We stayed here several years ago and hated the place. Despite that bad experience circumstances forced us to stay here again. We were pleasantly surprised at the improvements! This KOA is neat and clean with numerous amenities. I’d give this place a 5, but the freeway noise is bothersome.
Georgios Katsigiannis
I am leaving this review as a last resort to share our experience and to warn other travelers. This RV park is conveniently located between Las Vegas and Los Angeles, which was the reason for our one-night stay. During this trip we visited multiple states and stayed at several RV parks (including other KOAs), and unfortunately this was by far the worst experience. We arrived in the evening and picked up our envelope with check-in instructions. When we got to our assigned spot, we discovered that garden maintenance had left a sprinkler permanently attached to the water supply. It was bolted on and required a wrench to remove, so we couldn’t connect our RV. We checked other sites (all occupied) and noticed they had split adapters to allow both the sprinkler and the RV hookup, but ours did not. As a result, we had to spend the night with no water - unable to use our kitchen or bathroom. The next morning we reported the issue at checkout. The staff member said the manager was not in, but she would make a note for maintenance and told us to call after 1 PM to speak with the manager directly. For several days we tried calling. Most of the time no one answered, and when they did, we were told the manager wasn’t available. After about four days, someone finally told us the manager was in but “on a break” and asked us to call back in five minutes. We did, only to have a woman answer, claim she wasn’t the manager, insist the manager wasn’t in at all that day, and dismiss our issue by saying there were no reports of water problems. When I pressed further, she became hostile and hung up on me. When I called back, she was even ruder. We eventually contacted KOA corporate. Unfortunately, they told us each location is independently managed and there was nothing they could do beyond forwarding our complaint to the owner. We never received any follow-up. If we wanted a night without water, we could have stayed at a Walmart parking lot and saved $80. Instead, we paid for frustration and disrespect. Avoid this KOA.
Amy Allinson
We got caught in a thunderstorm and just wanted a safe place to stay the night in our vehicle. Lady told us there were two open tent sites that people had demanded refunds for that night because they were too wet for tents, and yet she wouldn’t sell them to us. We had to stay in a random parking lot in our car because she wouldn’t let us pay her for a plot of safe dirt for the night. Not chill. She kept saying “I wouldn’t recommend. I’m not giving you it”. Well I wouldn’t recommend this place either Candace. Life hack: don’t go here
susie conkle
We stayed in the campground for overnight. Staff was nice. Restrooms and shower room not clean, ladies restroom 3 showers, one out of order, handle broken on first one I went in, so one shower working and faucet was leaking, mensroom only had one toilet not broken. Larger washing machine was out of order, couldn't wash my bedding. We paid the most we paid for any coming spot from Ohio to California the last 2 weeks, and this was the worst one. Not impressed with this KOA at all, had much higher expectations of a KOA campground.
Rolfe Flores
It’s a solid, practical stopover: great hookups and helpful staff make it easy when you're passing through. The amenities are a nice bonus, especially if you're camping with kids or pets. But if you're after peace and quiet—or shaded, spacious sites in a scenic setting—it falls a bit short. The traffic noise and desert exposure reminded me it’s more of a functional RV park than a dreamy campground.
Scott Behan
Great RV park for a visit to Barstow. The Calico ghost town is just up the road. Pilot with RV pumps is adjacent. The park has some shaded spots available. Good for an overnight or longer if you plan on visiting the Barstow area.
AL ALLEN
We went to enjoy the Calico trails.. You could stay at the Calico Ghost Town rv park instead, but I think our choice was perfect! Very quiet with shade. I will add, charging me an extra $12. Arriving early.... It seemed a bit of a racket.... Don't get a discount leaving early....
Kathy Joyce
A great stop in the middle of nowhere. We’re headed northwest from Texas to Washington pulling a large trailer. This KOA has easy access from the highway. The checkin was easy and the spots are well placed and large. Nice tables and a decent park. The laundry room was ok and they have a pretty decent store on site. Overall a nice surprise compared to what we’ve seen.
C Smith
Ok let's be clear it's a stopover site... Service was abrupt and the baths were acceptable but not very clean, the little quarter powered buzzer was unacceptable... Laundry... Door was blowing in the wind and the windows were blown out as a result with 6 of nine washers out of order. Passing through fine... If expensive otherwise we will pass in the future. Site was level and power was good... Did not bother with water ... It rained hard and there were a lot of puddles but no issues getting in and out
Chris Jewell
Nice enough KOA. Right off the freeway, but not too noisy. Dog friendly park, and nice clean bathrooms and showers. Plenty of playground stuff for the kids. Lots of nice tent sites. Fully stocked store with all the ggods. Clean joint. Definitely would stay here again.
slipscomb
Conveniently located near the Calico Ghost Town and Trail Heads leading into the backcountry and many abandoned mines! Kept clean and secure, it's a unique and comfortable atmosphere for the wayward traveler, vacationing family or outdoor Adventurer like ME! Where else can you rent a REAL CABOOSE for overnight lodging?! 🤠
Jacob Moon
A great overnight stop. Well maintained. Good playground for the kids. Well-stocked store. Easy access from the highway. Would definitely stay here again if we needed a place for a night.
Stephanie Hoover
Beautiful campground although we visited in April which is spring in Barstow which in turn means dust storms. Three times across country and this is the first time we ever experienced something like it. Just crazy. Locals walking around like absolutely nothing was happening, lol. In the morning thankfully the dust cleared out and I walked around the campground to find it a very beautiful spot. We would definitely go back although I'm not quite sure I would do it in April.
Mk Watson
This is a wonderful KOA. When we checked in the woman who helped us was friendly, knowledgeable, provided helpful information. Will definitely stay here again. Our spot provided a bench, table and seats with a good view.
Sue Scott
The best place to stop between Bakersfield and Vegas. They have so many activities for the whole family. The little store has a wide assortment of dry goods, gifts, rv needs and ice cream