Motor Transport Museum - Campo, California

Located along Highway 94 in the rural community of Campo, the Motor Transport Museum serves as a preservation site for early American trucking and industrial transportation. The museum occupies a historic 1917 feldspar mill and houses an extensive collection of vintage trucks, buses, machinery, and supporting equipment, much of it maintained and restored by a dedicated group of volunteers. Its mission centers on safeguarding commercial-vehicle history and providing public access to artifacts that illuminate the evolution of motorized transport in the 20th century.

Visitors encounter a broad assortment of vehicles in various conditions, from fully restored examples to work-in-progress projects staged throughout the property. The collection reflects the practical, working history of transportation, including delivery trucks, utility vehicles, and rare specialty machines. Among its standout pieces is a Curtiss movie-production jeep, used exclusively for mid-century film work, along with numerous one-off or hard-to-find vehicles that highlight changing technologies in hauling, construction, and public service. The museum’s open-air layout and industrial setting offer a visually rich environment for photographers and enthusiasts interested in both preserved and unrestored artifacts.

Admission to the Motor Transport Museum is offered on a donation basis, allowing free entry while encouraging visitors to contribute to ongoing restoration efforts. The museum typically opens on Saturdays, and its volunteer team provides informal guidance, historical context and hands-on demonstrations. Guided walk-throughs are available when staff are present, giving guests insight into restoration methods and the historical roles of specific vehicles. Seasonal events, including local community celebrations such as Campo Days, broaden the museum’s reach and provide additional opportunities for visitors to explore the grounds.

As a nonprofit organization supported entirely through donations, volunteer labor, and community involvement, the Motor Transport Museum functions as both an educational resource and a working restoration site. Its combination of unrestored relics, fully refurbished vehicles, and active workshops offers a practical view of transportation heritage. For visitors interested in commercial motoring history, mechanical restoration, or historic industrial sites, the museum provides a distinctive look at America’s transport past in a setting that continues to evolve with each restored vehicle.