You can spend the night in California’s authentic ghost towns like Calico, where cottages and bunkhouses let you sleep steps from abandoned saloons, or Randsburg Inn‘s restored miner’s cabins surrounded by weathered boardwalks and ghost legends. For ultimate immersion, rent Cerro Gordo‘s entire 1871 townsite at 8,000 feet, or book the Old West Wine Country‘s replica Western town in Temecula, complete with jail cells and century-old oaks. Each location offers something different—from rustic accommodations to modern amenities—transforming your visit from a quick photo stop into an overnight journey through California’s mining past.
Key Takeaways
- Calico Ghost Town offers cottages, bunkhouses, and RV sites with modern amenities, air conditioning, and pet-friendly options starting at $35 per night.
- Randsburg Inn features four restored miner’s cabins with full kitchens, rustic decor, and ghost legends, with rates from $100–$150 nightly.
- Cerro Gordo provides authentic historic stays at 8,000 feet elevation, including the 1871 American Hotel, with restoration completing by June 2025.
- Temecula’s replica Western town offers themed accommodations with jail bunks, poker tables, outdoor Jacuzzi, and film set authenticity for immersive experiences.
- Bodie Ghost Town requires nearby lodging at June Lake Motel, Double Eagle Resort, or Luna Grand Forks Bed & Breakfast, 26.3 miles away.
Calico Ghost Town: Cabins, Bunkhouses, and RV Camping
The desert wind murmurs through weathered buildings as you pull into Calico Ghost Town, where the ghosts of silver miners make room for modern adventurers seeking an authentic Old West overnight experience.
You’ll choose your own adventure here: cozy cabins sleeping four at $75 nightly, the spacious mini-bunkhouse accommodating six at $160, or RV sites ranging from $35-$55 depending on hookups and timing.
Modern amenities like heat, air conditioning, and full bathrooms ensure comfort after your outdoor adventures exploring abandoned mines and sun-bleached boardwalks.
Bring your own linens and prepare for weekend minimums during festival season.
Your faithful dog can join cabin stays with a $100 deposit.
Groups of 20 or more can secure camping at just $5 per person per night, making this an affordable destination for large gatherings.
Book online at 877.387.2757, then lose yourself in this preserved slice of 1880s California mining history.
For those preferring traditional hotel accommodations, the Rodeway Inn On Historic Route 66 sits just 8.8 miles away in Barstow, offering clean rooms with cooked breakfast and a 4.4 rating on Tripadvisor.
Randsburg Inn: Modern Comfort in a Living Ghost Town
When you roll into Randsburg at 166 Butte Ave, you’re entering California’s richest historical gold-producing district—a living ghost town where weathered wooden sidewalks creak beneath your boots and century-old buildings still whisper tales of Mojave Desert prospectors.
Step onto weathered wooden sidewalks where century-old buildings whisper tales of Mojave Desert prospectors in California’s richest gold-producing district.
The Randsburg Inn blends rustic elegance with modern comfort. You’ll find four restored miner’s cabins featuring full kitchens, corrugated roofs, and big decks perfect for stargazing under dark desert skies.
Owners Todd “Goat” Breker and wife “Scrappy” transformed this century-old establishment into an upscale retreat while preserving its frontier soul.
Expect free WiFi, continental breakfast, and haunted legends—guests report the Lady in Blue apparition, phantom footsteps, and mysterious cold spots. The town’s preserved ghost town ambiance creates an atmosphere that feels both eerie and enchanting for visitors seeking authentic Old West experiences.
At $100–$150 nightly, you’re minutes from off-road trails threading through rugged hills, with Highway 395 connecting you to Death Valley’s vast emptiness. The front desk operates daily from 09:00 am to 05:00 pm for booking assistance and guest inquiries.
Cerro Gordo: Sleep in Preserved Historic Buildings
Perched at 8,000 feet in the Inyo Mountains, Cerro Gordo—Spanish for “Fat Hill”—offers something no other California ghost town can: you’ll sleep inside the actual walls where silver barons, outlaws, and frontier legends once laid their heads.
The 1871 American Hotel witnessed murders over card games and hosted Butch Cassidy, Wyatt Earp, and Mark Twain before burning exactly 149 years after opening. Restoration efforts completed a five-year rebuild by June 2025, adding modern fire suppression while preserving the soul of California’s largest silver camp.
Reserve the entire townsite for your group and you’ll have exclusive access to preserved structures where 4,000 miners once lived. The hotel’s upstairs dormitories operated on 12-hour bed rentals, accommodating miners working opposite shifts in the bustling camp below. The silver resources shipped from Cerro Gordo played a pivotal role in funding Los Angeles’ early economic development.
These historic stories aren’t behind velvet ropes—they’re your bedroom walls.
Old West Wine Country Rental: Temecula’s 5-Acre Ghost Town Ranch
While most ghost towns offer guided tours behind roped-off saloons, you’ll actually drink your morning coffee inside one at this five-acre western film set hidden in Temecula’s wine country.
This authentic replica town blends historical preservation with functioning accommodations—sleep in the sheriff’s jail on full-size bunks, deal poker at expandable tables beneath the saloon’s 15-foot bar, or crash in the Bank of the West surrounded by replica money bags.
The property’s rustic charm extends beyond the film-set buildings. Two fully-equipped homes provide modern comforts while maintaining western decor, accommodating up to ten guests across five bedrooms. Each home features three bedrooms, full kitchens, and two bathrooms.
Between wine-tasting adventures at nearby Rancho California Road wineries, you’ll soak in the jacuzzi overlooking a 5,500-gallon waterfall pond, grill steaks at the outdoor kitchen, or roast s’mores around the fire pit. The estate sits among 100-year-old oak trees and natural boulders, offering scenic views perfect for photography and outdoor relaxation.
Bodie Ghost Town: Nearby Lodging Options in June Lake
Though Bodie State Historic Park preserves California’s most authentic ghost town in arrested decay—with 200 weathered buildings frozen in time since gold miners abandoned them—you can’t legally sleep among the artifacts.
Historical preservation rules require you to retreat before dark, but June Lake’s accommodations sit just a short drive away.
You’ll find freedom-focused lodging amenities ranging from June Lake Motel’s kitchenette-equipped rooms to Double Eagle Resort and Spa‘s upscale refuge.
The Heidelberg Inn beckons with its four-sided fireplace that once warmed 1920s movie stars, while Reverse Creek Lodge offers straightforward access to alpine adventures.
For groups craving independence, Yosemite Gateway Chalet delivers modern sustainability without sacrificing comfort.
Many properties offer special offers and discounts to subscribers who sign up for their communications and event notifications.
Alternative accommodations within 30 miles include Luna Grand Forks Bed & Breakfast, which maintains a 4.6/5 customer rating just 26.3 miles from the ghost town.
Each option positions you perfectly for dawn returns to Bodie’s windswept streets.
Additional Accommodations Near Calico Ghost Town
Unlike Bodie’s strict sunset curfew, Calico Ghost Town welcomes overnight guests right into its weathered heart.
You’ll find ten rustic cabins sleeping four ($75/night) and a mini-bunkhouse accommodating six ($160/night) with full amenities.
Campers can stake their claim with hookup sites from $35-$55 nightly.
If you prefer modern comforts after capturing ghost town photography during golden hour, Travelodge Yermo sits just 3.5 miles away at $89-$95 per night.
While Best Western Desert Villa Inn offers pools and fitness centers in nearby Barstow.
Both provide the freedom to explore Calico’s dusty streets at dawn, hunt for ghost town souvenirs in abandoned storefronts, then retreat to air conditioning and WiFi.
Your adventure, your pace—no park rangers herding you out at dusk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Pets Allowed at California Ghost Town Accommodations?
Yes, you’ll find welcoming pet policies across accommodation options at Calico Ghost Town. Your four-legged companions can bunk alongside you in cabins, bunkhouses, and campgrounds—just pack their leash for exploring those weathered 1880s structures together.
What Is the Best Time of Year to Visit Ghost Towns?
You’ll find fall offers ideal season timing with comfortable weather conditions and special Halloween events. Spring’s wildflowers also enchant, while summer’s heat demands early starts. Winter brings solitude and crisp air, though some towns reduce hours considerably.
Do I Need a Four-Wheel Drive Vehicle to Reach These Locations?
Vehicle requirements vary by destination. You’ll handle standard roads to Calico and Temecula easily, but Cerro Gordo demands serious travel preparations—rugged terrain at 8,000+ feet calls for capable vehicles and adventurous spirit to reach freedom.
Are Ghost Town Stays Suitable for Young Children?
Ghost town stays work wonderfully for young children when you choose wisely. Calico offers family safety with maintained facilities and age-appropriate activities like mining demonstrations. You’ll find educational fun without compromising comfort, letting kids explore history freely while staying secure.
Can I Explore the Ghost Towns at Night?
When darkness falls like a velvet curtain, you’ll find nighttime exploration varies by location. Calico, Randsburg, and Cerro Gordo welcome after-hours wandering with incredible photography opportunities, though nighttime safety requires flashlights and awareness of uneven terrain throughout these historic sites.
References
- https://parks.sbcounty.gov/park/calico-ghost-town-regional-park/
- https://www.tripadvisor.com/HotelsNear-g33295-d126686-Calico_Ghost_Town-Yermo_California.html
- https://www.junelakeaccommodations.com/bodie-ghost-town/
- https://www.livelikeitstheweekend.com/unique-places-to-stay-in-california/
- https://www.trivago.com/en-US/opr/hotels-near-calico-ghost-town?search=500-239506
- https://lafamilytravel.com/10-best-california-ghost-towns-to-visit-this-summer/
- https://randsburginn.com
- https://timenspace.net/american-hotel-cerro-gordo/
- https://www.expedia.com/Calico-Ghost-Town-Hotels.0-l6201224-0.Travel-Guide-Filter-Hotels
- https://www.wonderfulmuseums.com/museum/cerro-gordo-museum/
