1 / 2Pacific Southwest Railway Museum
📍 Campo, CA
Volunteer-run railway museum in Campo with over 120 vintage locomotives and cars, historic depot, gift shop, and seasonal themed excursions including the North Pole Express and Easter Bunny Train.
🏆 Family Action Verdict
Best for families with train-enthusiast kids who appreciate authentic history over polished theme-park production. Daytime rides offer the best scenery. Seasonal evening rides like the North Pole Express are popular and include refreshments, and darkness limits visibility along the route.
ℹ️ What to Know Before You Go
💬 What Families Are Saying
View all reviews →513 Google reviews
G Reviews from Google
flat track
11 months ago
“What a truly incredible experience !! We weren't exactly what to prepare for. The store was a lot of fun, ( we got a ducky). The staff made it a lot fun with costumes and decorations. It's secluded and antique. Who knew that we had a San Diego to Arizona railroad. There are incredible opportunities to volunteer and donate. If you want to contribute to something that will be around for a loooooonnngg time, here is your Nirvana ! We will be going again !!”
Debi Gonzales
7 months ago
“We've lived in the back country for many years and never went on this train ride 😔. It's a absolute blast, my girlfriend Kathy went with us and had the best time. It was a free day for us "locals". I would definitely recommend riding, we even saw new places that we'd never seen before 😊 Thanks Pacific Southwest Railway -Campo we'll be back. Thank you for sharing all the great history also. It's never too late to learn! 😊”
Edward Delos Reyes
9 months ago
“What a great experience. We took a ride on a vintage train. The trip was 'The North Pole Limited." Informative, and Entertaining. Santa and Mrs. Claus even rode on the train when we reached the North Pole. I would make this trip again.”
💬 What parents mention
Overview
Pacific Southwest Railway Museum operates genuine early 20th-century locomotives on rides through the remote Campo countryside. The facility includes a historic depot, display building, and gift shop staffed by enthusiastic volunteers in period costume during events. Seasonal themed rides - North Pole Express, Easter Bunny Train - add extra programming throughout the year. Local residents from the backcountry sometimes receive free ride days. The drive from San Diego is part of the commitment.
