Desert Rat RV Park

Desert Rat has added 11 more full hook up spaces, great job, we often travel between Yuma and Northern California, and Barstow was a so-so place to stop, we never knew if Desert Rat had any spaces open, because of the long termers and contractors, but with the addition of 11 more spaces should make a big difference, the rate $ 23.00 is pricey compared to other parks with more ammenities, the transformation is a welcome step.

I have no complaints about this facility. This was our first time as retired military to make use of the Military RV parks, and we found everyone we came in contact with at this base to be friendly and helpful. The night before we came to the facility we stayed at a local rv park for $33.70 for about the same amenities as this facility. We found out that the wife's ID card had expired and we were able to get it replaced in about 30 minutes and that is with waiting for the person in front of us to finish up. So if you are looking for a place to stay short term and not looking to be entertained you might want to try this place.

Stayed one night while heading through. Retirees now pay $23 per night for FHU 50/30 amp, water and sewer, and a concrete pad. Price is too high for what they have to offer compared to other bases. (Pay at the lodging office behind the upper tier of the campground). Small commissary in walking distance, with small BX co located with gas station behind the commissary. For $23 might as well just stay in a local campground.

Drove a little further this day to stay at Barstow. Left TN and headed up the coast through CA, OR and WA. This park is very easy to access from I-40. Civilian gate guard was very cordial. Called earlier in the day and was told there were 3 spots left and should be available. All the pads are concrete and look relatively new. In fact, there are 11 or 12 new sites that are not yet complete. Site had 30/50 amp service, water, and sewer. Commissary within eye sight; small but well stocked. PX was so so. Did not explore the town of Barstow. In short, this is a great place to pull off for the night. I would have considered staying a second night, but ready to head north. Rate I paid was $23.00. I thought it was interesting that this park had not been rated since Nov 2010.

J.A. left this review using the Directory software: Base has not changed much since 1957 when I as Marine racked the grass! Ha-Ha. Good level concrete pads that you have to back up hill to get on. Good out of the way location for visiting surrounding desert sites. Will use again when traveling through Barstow. Recommend have correct change when paying.

Campground is convenient to I-40 travelers. No frills. There is no shower/restroom at the campground. The camp gymnasium is about 1/2 mile so I drove over for my shower. Camp site was large enough, all are back-ins. I was able to get TV with antenna, and wifi was on-again, off again. As always, call to see if there are sites available. I will stop again if I am in the area!

The location was great since we were just passing through. The base and campsite was easy to find and I could easily maneuver my 35ft trailer in the base and to the site. We called ahead as suggested and there were 3FH sites available and they were still available when we arrived. Large cement sites will accommodate any size rig. I wouldn't want to stay here more than a night since the town and the area really has nothing to offer in sightseeing. Had Wifi service but couldn't get any TV channels with our antenna and digital box. The staff was very friendly. Still no diesel at the base gas station. Very small commissary but has what you may need. Will stay here again if passing through.

Really liked the fact that it was so close to the I-40 as we were just passing through (to stay one night). Called the office about 1/2 hr before we arrived and we were told one campsite was available. It still was available when we arrived. Nice even concrete pad. Easy to get to from gate. Was quiet and peaceful and RV office is real close. No cable TV but a few stations came in with our antenna. The commissary is closed on Sun and Mon so we didn't get to go there but we went to the small exchange which is at the gas station. (No diesel at the station). Went to the thrift shop which is within walking distance of the RV park and it was quite spacious with reasonably priced items. My husband got a $7 haircut at the barber shop on base.

As with all other reviewers, it is VERY convenient/close to highway exits. Hard to rate cleanliness as there is only a barren campground, no showers or 'rec' room, etc. AS AN ADDED NOTE OR TWO: the gas station does fit the big rigs (mine is 35 ft and towing) and gas was easily 5-8 cents a gallon cheaper than any nearby - AND, I stopped at the dining hall, which allows retirees, grandkids, non-uniformed, etc and it's decent and inexpensive. A pretty good quick stop (as long as there are sites...)

JLB left this review using the Directory software: I strongly recommend that users phone the office for availability of a site before nearing the base. Fortunately, I phoned ahead and was told there was one full-hookup site available on a first come basis. Campground staff did not volunteer information about the overflow area, which was empty when we arrived (see camp information above). The overflow area is roughly graded soil with rocks. This is a very accessible campground near the freeway and an unusually handy place for an overnight stop. I offer two stars rating because of limited campground sites available and limited facilities for travelers. Cleanliness, staff courtesy and helpfulness, and close proximity to freeway are the campground's strengths.

An "okay" place to stop for the night. The workers were real friendly and the office is open long hours. We were lucky to get a FHU site, considering they only leave 2 sites open for short term visitors. Prices are high for this park, as there's no amenities. $10/night to park in a dirt field is outrageous! Especially since there's no restroom or shower. Unfortunately, I get the impression this RV Park is mainly interested in making money and is treated as base housing. Over 90% of the sites are occupied by long-term residents.

No sites with hookups available. Parked in dry camp area. Roads in the area are under construction and it looks like more sites are in the offing. Dry camp kind of dirty and rocky, but was still $10.

No showers or restrooms at campground. Showers are in gym up by main gate, quite a ways from c.g. Rated low only because no bath facilities.

Great concrete pads. Don't count on having one available. The old campground has been replaced and is in a new location There is no place to tent camp.