Ballarat Store & Outpost

So the 5 stars are for the outpost and the owner. The Ghost Town its self is at best 3 stars. The Ballarat Store and Outpost are located in the Panamint Valley. Its fairly close to the town of Trona and about 30 miles from Panamint Springs. There is no gas so it is advised that you gas up at either location. You don't mess around int he desert. It is a general store with lots of odds and ins and importantly cold beverages. It also makes an ideal stopping spot if you are taking advantage of the many off highway trails to get a cold one, air down, or up as the case maybe and secure everything because the roads get pretty rough from here. The owner is friendly and personable. The Ghost Town has a few buildings and an interesting story coupled with a old derelict Dodge power wagon that is claimed to have been owned by Charles Manson. Not much else aside from wild donkeys who seem used to humans and some come right to you are so be careful

This ghost town exceeded my expectations. Love this place. They have the cleanest bathroom. They even have one shower. The campground is five dollars per car per night. I can't wait to go back.

A nice stop on your way to your adventures! Walk in the footsteps of Manly and Rogers.