Calico Ghost TownCalico is an old West mining town that has been around since 1881 during the largest silver strike in California. With its 500 mines, Calico produced over $20 million in silver ore over a 12-year span. When silver lost its value in the mid-1890's, Calico lost its population. The miners packed up, loaded their mules and moved away abandoning the town that once gave them a good living. It became a "ghost town."
Walter Knott purchased Calico in the 1950's architecturally restoring all but the five original buildings to look as they did in the 1880's. Calico received State Historical Landmark 782 and in 2005 was proclaimed by then Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger to be California's Silver Rush Ghost Town. Today Calico is part of the San Bernardino County Regional Parks system visited by people from around the country and all over the world. The park offers visitors an opportunity to share in its rich history and enjoy the natural beauty of the surrounding desert environment. Along with its history and attractions, Calico Ghost Town has shops,restaurants and offers camping and outdoor recreation not available at most of our other park facilities. Due to the historic nature of the town, not all areas are ADA accessible.
CAUTION: Mines in the Calico area are extremely hazardous and must not be approached for any reason!
Frequently Asked Questions!
Are Camping Discounts Offered? How to Apply? The discounts are refunded at checkin after verification. Discounts are offered for Seniors (62 or over), Active Military, Veterans and those with Disabilities. *Eligibility based on verification at check in.* Valid Sunday-Thursday, excluding holidays and special events. $5.00 discount per night.
Arriving Late- After Hours information for Your Camping Reservation If you arrive after park closure, proceed directly to the campsite indicated on your reservation.
Additional after hours information will be provided in your reservation confirmation. Email will come from Guest Services and may be found in your SPAM or JUNK email. If you are unable to arrive on your reserved date, your camp site will be held until you arrive. Reservations must be made at least 1 day in advance.
How to Cancel a Reservation To Cancel a reservation go to website sbcountyparks.com under "My Account"
or Email: support@parks.sbcounty.gov
We do not take cancellations by phone or by leaving a message to cancel.
What is the Cancellation Policy? When Canceling / Transferring / Rescheduling:
31 days or more prior to the reservation arrival date - $10 cancellation fee and the $10 reservation fee is non-refundable.
30-11 days prior to the reservation arrival date - 50% of the first night fee and the $10 reservation fee is non refundable.
10-1 days prior to the reservation arrival date - The full first nights fee and the $10 reservation fee is non-refundable.
How far in advance can you reserve? Reservations can be made up to 1 year in advance.
Reservations cannot be booked on the same day of arrival, 24 hrs in advance only.
Calico Ghost Town accepts Reservations for the "Special Events" six months prior.
What Time is Check-in & Check-out Check in 3 p.m.
Check out 11:30 a.m.
What days are the parks closed? All parks are closed on Christmas Day.
When do the pool and waterslides open? Swim complexes at Glen Helen and Yucaipa are open from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Please check the website at parks.sbcounty.gov for current hours/days of operation. Do you have a waiting list if campsites are full? No, the sites are filled on a first-come-first-serve basis. Please check the reservation website as often as possible
How long can you camp in park? The maximum length of stay is 14 days in any 30 day period at any one San Bernardino County campground at a time. If you stay for this length of time at any Regional Park campground you must check out for 14 days before re-booking. You may not re-book under another account/name.
Is there fishing year round? Is a Fishing License Required? Yes. Lakes are stocked with catfish and with trout. Catfish Season is May-Sept. and Trout Season is late November to early April. Yes, fishing licenses are required to fish for anyone 16 years of age or older. Fishing permits are also required and are purchased on the day of arrival at the park. Fishing licenses are "not" sold at the parks.
Are Camping Discounts Offered? How to Apply?
