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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.

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Location

Rainbow Basin/Owl Canyon Campground is located in California

Detail location of campground

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

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Hike-In
    Backcountry sites.

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Available
  • Verizon
    Available
  • AT&T
    Available
  • T-Mobile
    Available

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Equestrian

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Phone Service
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol

Reviews

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4 Reviews

Reviewed Mar. 5, 2021

Good start

Dry, clean, every spot level, good cell service

Reviewed Feb. 16, 2021

Wrong Pin

This pin took me to private property and the owner wasn't too happy about it and me being there. The actual Owl Canyon Campground is down the road to the East of the pin. There are two pins for Owl Canyon Campground, one is correct and this one listed as Rainbow Basin Owl Canyon Campground is incorrect

Reviewed Nov. 16, 2020

Nov. weekend trip.

We really enjoyed our weekend. We camped one night and explored/ hiked around the area. We also did the scenic drive. Very cool spot in the Mojave. We will be back.

  • Review photo of Rainbow Basin/Owl Canyon Campground by Tommy B., November 16, 2020
  • Review photo of Rainbow Basin/Owl Canyon Campground by Tommy B., November 16, 2020
  • Review photo of Rainbow Basin/Owl Canyon Campground by Tommy B., November 16, 2020
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Reviewed Nov. 4, 2020

Fabulous camping!

Potable water. Toilets houses. BBQ. Fire pits. 5 mile washboard road in! Go slow! Dark nights. Very quiet. Clean.

  • Review photo of Rainbow Basin/Owl Canyon Campground by Michele H., November 4, 2020

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the elevation of Rainbow Basin/Owl Canyon Campground?

    Rainbow Basin/Owl Canyon Campground is located at 2902 feet.

  • Is there cell phone reception at Rainbow Basin/Owl Canyon Campground?

    According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is available, AT&T is available, and T-Mobile is available.