Ghost TownUSA

Ghost Town · California

North Muroc

A ghost town of unknown status in Kern County, California.

By the Ghost Town USA research team Last reviewed September 2026

The map remembers North Muroc long after the crowds moved on. North Muroc is a former settlement in Kern County, California. It was located 8 miles (13 km) south-southeast of Castle Butte, at an elevation of 2290 feet (698 m). North Muroc still appeared on maps as of 1947.

Kern County holds 58 documented ghost towns, including Asphalto, Desert Spring, Freeman Junction — North Muroc keeps them company on the map.

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The story of North Muroc

California wrote the book on ghost towns, from Gold Rush tent cities to Owens Valley farm towns the aqueduct dried up.

North Muroc is a former settlement in Kern County, California. It was located 8 miles (13 km) south-southeast of Castle Butte, at an elevation of 2290 feet (698 m). North Muroc still appeared on maps as of 1947.

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What you'll find today

The on-the-ground condition of North Muroc is unverified — it's listed here with unknown status. That could mean standing buildings, or an empty field. Go prepared for either, and consider sharing what you find so the record improves.

Nobody has confirmed the access situation, so treat any visit as reconnaissance: verify land ownership first, and be ready to admire from the road.

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Getting there

Here's the honest truth: access to North Muroc is unverified. We couldn't confirm whether the site sits on public land, private property, or something in between — so verify land ownership and local rules before visiting, and respect private property at all times. The mapped point for North Muroc is roughly 35.0050, -117.8189 — use it as a starting point and cross-reference a current topographic map before leaving pavement.

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Good to know

Ghost-town etiquette is simple: take only photographs. Removing artifacts is illegal on public lands and disrespectful everywhere else — and on federal land it can be a serious offense.

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Survey Map

Approximate position — verify access locally before visiting

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North Muroc FAQs

01Where is North Muroc located?
North Muroc is in Kern County, California, mapped near 35.0050, -117.8189.
02What county is North Muroc in?
North Muroc sits in Kern County, California. See our full guide to ghost towns in Kern County for its neighbors.
03What is the history of North Muroc?
North Muroc is a former settlement in Kern County, California. It was located 8 miles (13 km) south-southeast of Castle Butte, at an elevation of 2290 feet (698 m). North Muroc still appeared on maps as of 1947.
04What remains at North Muroc today?
The on-the-ground condition of North Muroc is unverified — it's listed here with unknown status. That could mean standing buildings, or an empty field. Go prepared for either, and consider sharing what you find so the record improves.
05Can you visit North Muroc?
Here's the honest truth: access to North Muroc is unverified. We couldn't confirm whether the site sits on public land, private property, or something in between — so verify land ownership and local rules before visiting, and respect private property at all times. The mapped point for North Muroc is roughly 35.0050, -117.8189 — use it as a starting point and cross-reference a current topographic map before leaving pavement.

Sources: account based on Wikipedia (“North Muroc, California”), CC BY-SA.

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More in Kern County

All 58 ghost towns in Kern County →