Desert Rat RV Park Is Aptly Named
The Desert Rat is the RV campground for the Barstow Marine Corps Logistics Base in Southern California. Aptly named because it’s primarily occupied by long term residents leaving little room for folks just passing through (which is what you want to do because there is nothing here worth seeing or doing). 
They do have a couple spaces saved for those just passing through, but it would be a good idea to call ahead if you plan on staying here. To check availability call (760) 577-6418. 
There is plenty of dry camping on gravel, but they charge $10.00 for this privilege (absolutely ridiculous since there are no restroom or shower facilities - they should be ashamed of themselves). 
The full hook-up sites are back-in with W/20/30/50/S and run $18.50 per night if they aren’t being used by the long-term desert rats. Sheesh! What is it with MWR's thinking they are Club Med when it comes to overnight campground fees? It's getting ridiculous when you can use a Passport America park for half the price MWR charges. And this campground doesn't have a shower room, bathroom or laundry room, but they charge like they have a heated indoor pool, hot-tub and computer WiFi and are beach-front property. There needs to be some oversight and standardization on these military campgrounds. It really is getting out of hand. 
The base is easy to find and well marked on the freeway exit. From I-40, take the "Marine Corps Logistics Base" exit, which is about 2 miles East of the junction of I-40 and I-15. Go through the main gate (a little tight but enough room for big rigs to squeeze through). Go past the main gate about a mile and turn right into the exchange parking lot (you can turn sooner but the ramp is steeper). You’ll see the family camp on the right. GPS coordinates for the center of the campground are N 34.87515, W116.95919. There are better alternatives in the area (Edwards AFB Famcamp) and I would not stay at the Desert Rat myself unless I had a real good reason. There is a commissary and exchange with plenty of parking space.$10.00 bucks for dry camping in Barstow ???? Stupid! Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing
Labels: CA, Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow
posted by Jim Twamley at
9:28 PM
4 Comments:
We stayed there yhree years ago and stay ONLY if there is no other place in town. The pads arn't all that level either. What a rip-off... Cameo32 rv's
By
judith, at February 23, 2008 10:59 AM
What is with military campgrounds? Two years ago we stayed for 2-3 months at Camp Murray campground outside Tacoma, WA for (I believe) $280 per month. We need to be in the area again this year for 2 months, but now the charge is $15 per day with no price breaks for those who want to stay for a week or month. So that makes it a whopping $450 per month!
This is a beautiful park and there are no civilian RV parks anywhere nearby (although there are two other military campgrounds), so I guess the military can charge whatever the market will tolerate. Apparently we are stuck paying $450 to stay for one month now. No pool (but then, who wants one in the Northwest?)or other upgrades. They do furnish a 2-washer laundry room and a dark, dingy shower. We understand the State or County park system now runs this famcamp!
By
Anonymous, at February 23, 2008 1:35 PM
I think there should be a 14 day limit on stays at military campgrounds.This would give the RV travelers a chance. Also the county has a nice campground not far from the marine base near barstow. It is off of I 15 at the Calico Ghost Town exit and I think the the cost is about the same with hook ups.
By
Chas, at February 24, 2008 11:08 AM
Is your Military Camp Grounds available to Canadian Retirees, and if so what do we have to do to use them. a) who do we contact?
b) What are our costs?
c) if reservations are required how much in advance should we make them?
Thank you, R MacDonald (Sgt Ret'd)
From the RoyalCdn Air Force.
By
Anonymous, at May 31, 2008 8:25 PM
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