Established Camping
Rainbow Basin/Owl Canyon Campground
Rainbow Basin/Owl Canyon Campground, near Barstow, California, is a rugged spot that offers a unique desert camping experience. With its dry, clean sites and good cell service, it’s a solid choice for those looking to disconnect while still staying connected.
This campground is all about the basics, featuring toilets and trash disposal, but don’t expect any frills like showers or drinking water. Campers have enjoyed the level spots and the quiet nights, making it a great place to kick back and soak in the starry skies. One visitor noted, “We really enjoyed our weekend... Very cool spot in the Mojave. We will be back.”
For outdoor adventurers, the surrounding Rainbow Basin Natural Area is perfect for hiking and exploring. The scenic drives and trails offer stunning views of the unique landscape, with plenty of opportunities for photography, especially at dawn and dusk. Just be aware that the road in can be a bit rough, so take it slow.
While some campers have pointed out the lack of amenities, the peaceful atmosphere and natural beauty make up for it. If you’re looking for a straightforward camping experience where you can enjoy the great outdoors, Rainbow Basin/Owl Canyon Campground is worth checking out.
Description
Bureau of Land Management
Rainbow Basin Natural Area
Overview
Rainbow Basin Natural Area is an Area of Critical Environmental Concern with outstanding views and geological and paleontological features.. Many visitors come to see exciting multi-colored rock formations and walk the scenic canyons. A variety of desert adapted wildlife are found here, including the desert tortoise. Owl Canyon Campground is a first-come first-served campground with 22 campsites (no hookups). Campsites include a picnic table and a fire ring. Fee is $6.00 per night. There is a single tap centrally located for potable water that is brought in weekly by truck. It is advised to bring your own drinking water. There are vault toilets , but no dump facilities. Holding tanks can be emptied at facilities in the towns of Baker and Barstow. Please take all trash out with you. Permits are needed to remove fossils. If any are found, please leave them in place and notify the BLM Barstow Field Office at (760) 252-6000. Activities include hiking, camping, photography, sightseeing, and horseback riding. Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return. Bring sufficient water, food, clothing, equipment, and first aid supplies for your activity. Rainbow Basin is a mix of public and private lands, including those held by the Southern Pacific Railroad. Respect private landowners__ rights. Land ownership status can be found on the "Cuddeback Lake" Desert Access Guide. These BLM maps can be purchased from any of the California Desert District BLM offices. Rainbow Basin has a diverse landscape of hills, canyons and washes. Multicolored rock walls and mesas are accented by changing light conditions, making for many photographic opportunities. The washes are good hiking trails for experiencing the area's natural beauty. Wildlife viewing is best during early morning and evening hours. In Fossil, Coon, and Owl Canyons, birds tend to gather in thick vegetation. Vegetation is critical for wildlife water, food, and shelter. So, washes in Rainbow Basin have been closed to vehicle travel to protect these areas. Within this Area of Critical Environmental Concern, routes are posted with "open" route markers. Use of passenger vehicles and four-wheel drive vehicles is permitted only on designated and signed "open" routes. All routes not signed as "open" are CLOSED to vehicles. Staging of off-highway vehicles (e.g. ATVs) is not allowed in the Rainbow Basin area or at Owl Canyon Campground. The Fossil Canyon Loop Road is an interesting route for vehicle touring. This one-way narrow dirt road is best driven with a high clearance or four-wheel drive vehicles. Weather extremes and poisonous snakes are desert hazards common to this area. Rainbow Basin has a flash flood risk as well. Avoid low-lying areas during storms and remember that rain upstream can cause flooding even though it is not raining in the immediate area.
Location
Rainbow Basin/Owl Canyon Campground is located in California
Directions
Rainbow Basin Natural Area is located 8 miles north of Barstow, California, off Irwin Road (not Fort Irwin Road). The main acess route is Fossil Bed Road.
Address
Bureau of Land ManagementBarstow Field Office2601 Barstow Rd.
Barstow, CA 92311
Coordinates
35.01236944 N
117.0385861 W
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
Stay Connected
- WiFiAvailable
- VerizonAvailable
- AT&TAvailable
- T-MobileAvailable
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Equestrian
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Phone Service
- Toilets
- Alcohol