Newburyport isn’t an actual California ghost town, but don’t let that stop your adventure. The Golden State’s real abandoned mining towns — Calico, Bodie, and Randsburg — offer everything you’re searching for and more. Start your route in Barstow, head north along US-395, and plan for at least three days of exploration. Spring and fall deliver the best conditions for visiting. Stick around to uncover everything these hauntingly beautiful destinations have in store.
Key Takeaways
- Newburyport is not a recognized California ghost town; consider visiting authentic destinations like Calico, Bodie, or Randsburg instead.
- Start your road trip in Barstow, exploring nearby Calico, then travel north on US-395 toward Bodie State Historic Park.
- Plan at least three days for unhurried exploration of multiple ghost towns along the scenic route.
- Pack one gallon of water per person daily, sun protection, offline maps, and a first aid kit for remote areas.
- Visit during spring or fall for ideal temperatures, wildflower blooms, or golden photography light.
California Ghost Towns Worth Driving To
California’s ghost towns aren’t just abandoned places—they’re open-air museums where you can walk through the ruins of the Gold Rush era and feel history beneath your boots.
Each crumbling structure tells a story of boom-and-bust cycles that shaped California history and the restless spirit of those chasing fortune westward.
You’ll find some of the most compelling ghost towns scattered across the Mojave Desert and the Sierra Nevada foothills.
Places like Bodie, Calico, and Randsburg offer raw, unfiltered glimpses into a vanished world.
These aren’t sanitized tourist traps—they’re genuine remnants of lives once fully lived.
If you’re craving wide-open spaces and authentic adventure, California’s ghost towns deliver exactly the kind of freedom that no crowded theme park ever could.
What Calico, Bodie, and Randsburg Each Offer Visitors
Each of these three ghost towns has its own distinct personality, and knowing what sets them apart helps you decide which one—or which combination—deserves a spot on your itinerary.
Calico history runs deep, stretching back to 1881 silver mining operations. Today you’ll find restored buildings, mine tours, and family-friendly events that bring that era back to life.
Calico’s silver mining roots date to 1881, with restored buildings and mine tours keeping that storied history alive.
Bodie preservation follows a strict “arrested decay” philosophy, meaning you’re walking through structures frozen in time exactly as miners left them—it’s unmatched for ghost town photography.
Randsburg attractions lean toward a living ghost town experience, where a working saloon and antique shops still operate among weathered buildings.
Each destination rewards curious travelers differently, so your road trip can be as focused or wide-ranging as you want it to be.
How to Route Your Road Trip Between These Sites
Plotting your route strategically makes the difference between a smooth, rewarding road trip and a frustrating backtrack-heavy drive.
Start in Barstow, where Calico sits just minutes away, immersing you in ghost town history before you’ve barely left civilization. From Calico, head north on US-395 toward Bodie State Historic Park near Bridgeport — a stunning drive through high desert and Sierra Nevada foothills.
Finally, loop back south through Randsburg, tucked along US-395 between Ridgecrest and Mojave. This triangular route planning approach minimizes redundant miles while maximizing scenery.
Give yourself at least three days to avoid rushing. Each site demands unhurried exploration, and the open highway connecting them rewards drivers who embrace the journey itself, not just the destinations waiting at the end.
What to Pack for a California Ghost Town Road Trip?
Packing smart before you leave separates a comfortable ghost town adventure from a miserable one.
These ghost town essentials and packing tips keep you prepared for California’s unpredictable terrain and remote conditions:
- Water and snacks — Carry at least one gallon of water per person daily. Convenience stores won’t exist out there.
- Sun protection — Sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and UV-blocking sunglasses are non-negotiable under California’s brutal desert sun.
- Navigation tools — Download offline maps before departing. Cell service disappears fast in remote areas.
- First aid kit and emergency supplies — Include bandages, a flashlight, extra batteries, and an emergency blanket for unexpected overnight situations.
You’re heading into isolated, forgotten territory.
Pack deliberately, travel confidently, and embrace every unpredictable moment.
Best Time of Year to Visit California Ghost Towns
Although California ghost towns look hauntingly beautiful year-round, timing your visit makes a dramatic difference in comfort and safety.
Spring, from March through May, delivers the best weather — mild temperatures, wildflower blooms, and manageable crowds that let you explore freely without the sweltering heat.
Fall runs a close second, offering crisp air and golden light perfect for photography.
Summer tempts many travelers, but desert ghost towns can exceed 100°F, making exploration genuinely dangerous.
Winter brings dramatic skies and solitude, though mountain ghost towns like Bodie may face road closures from snowfall.
Check local events before you go — some towns host heritage festivals and historical reenactments that transform your visit from a simple drive-through into a fully immersive experience worth planning around.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Pets Allowed at California Ghost Town Sites Like Bodie?
You can bring your pets to some California ghost town sites, but Bodie State Historic Park’s pet policies restrict animals to parking areas only, preserving the historical significance of this remarkable, haunting destination you’ll absolutely love exploring.
Is Photography Permitted Inside Abandoned Buildings at These Ghost Towns?
Like a daguerreotype frozen in time, you can’t freely snap photos inside abandoned buildings — historical preservation rules restrict urban exploration photography, so always check each ghost town’s specific permit policies before you venture inside with your camera.
Can You Camp Overnight at Calico, Bodie, or Randsburg?
You can’t camp overnight at Bodie or Calico’s historic core, but Calico offers nearby campgrounds with ghost town amenities. Randsburg’s camping regulations vary, so you’ll want to check local options before chasing your freedom-fueled adventure!
Are These California Ghost Town Sites Wheelchair Accessible for Visitors?
These wild, crumbling ghost towns offer history, but accessibility varies. Calico’s got wheelchair ramps and solid accessibility options, while rugged Bodie and Randsburg’s uneven terrain challenge mobility — you’ll want to call ahead before you roll in.
Do Any Ghost Towns Offer Guided Tours or Educational Programs?
You’ll find guided experiences at real California ghost towns like Bodie and Calico, where knowledgeable rangers and tour guides actively share rich historical insights, bringing these fascinating, abandoned communities vividly to life for your adventurous, freedom-seeking spirit.
References
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=frhQyls3jto
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FEiWdlOSoiw
- https://www.visitcalifornia.com/now/california-ghost-towns-road-trip/
- https://la-explorer.com/visiting-calico-ghost-town/
- http://www.gribblenation.org/2019/12/abandoned-interstate-95-newburyport.html
- https://www.exploratography.com/blog-cal/buried-homes-newberry-springs-california
- https://theyflysolo.com/family-travel-guides/5-unforgettable-family-road-trip-ideas/
