Rainbow Basin/Owl Canyon Campground

4.54

160 reviews

Bureau of Land Management, Barstow Field Office, 2601 Barstow Rd., Barstow, CA 92311, USA

Scenic ViewsStargazing

Featured in:Spring Camping California#2 Fall Camping California Desert Camping California +1 more

Quick Facts

3,000 ft

Price

$6/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

22 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Barstow Field Office site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

3,000 ft

Price

$6/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

22 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Barstow Field Office site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Rainbow Basin/Owl Canyon Campground

$6.00 - $6.00 / night

Campsite Fees

A $6 fee is charged per night for camping. This is a first-come, first-served campground with no additional reservation fees. Payment must be made in...

Standard Site Fee$6.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider

760-252-6000BLM_CA_Web_BA@blm.gov

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What Campers Say

4.54

Top-Rated

Based on 160 reviews

205 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanfriendlysites

"User reviews highlight the campground's scenic beauty, affordability, and tranquility. Many visitors appreciate the spacious sites and the area's geological features. However, some users note issues such as bees, windy conditions, and rough access roads."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Bureau of Land Management, Barstow Field Office, 2601 Barstow Rd., Barstow, CA 92311, USA

Rainbow Basin/Owl Canyon Campground

Bureau of Land Management, Barstow Field Office, 2601 Barstow Rd., Barstow, CA 92311, USA

Driving directionsRainbow Basin Natural Area is located 8 miles north of Barstow, California, off Irwin Road (not Fort Irwin Road). The main access route is Fossil Bed Road.

The campground is accessible primarily via Fossil Bed Road. User reviews report that the road is unpaved and can be washboarded, requiring slow travel speeds of 5-10 mph. High-clearance or four-wheel-drive vehicles may be preferable, especially during rainy conditions.

Nearby places

Barstow (8 miles, approximately 20 minutes driving).

Nearby supplies

Groceries, fuel, and camping supplies are available in Barstow, 8 miles away. There are no nearby on-site supply stores.

Best Time to Camp at Rainbow Basin/Owl Canyon Campground

The Mojave Desert's dramatic personality shines through at Owl Canyon, where summer temperatures can soar to a scorching 110°F and sudden storms transform dry washes into rushing torrents. Seasoned visitors have discovered the campground's sweet spots: spring brings wildflower blooms and comfortable days perfect for hiking, while autumn offers crisp mornings and golden afternoon light ideal for photography. These shoulder seasons reveal the desert at its most hospitable, when gentle breezes carry the scent of sage and the extreme temperatures retreat, creating perfect conditions for stargazing and campfire conversations.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

2.0 / 5

Summer temps can reach ~110°F; extreme heat makes summer less comfortable.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

5.0 / 5

Top 1% in CA

Fall cited as peak season with milder weather ideal for hiking and stargazing.

Spring(Mar-May)

5.0 / 5

Top 1% in CA

Spring is a peak time with milder temps and excellent conditions for hiking and photography.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.5 / 5

Top 23% in CA

Open year-round; cooler nights but generally comfortable and accessible outside storms.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Peak visiting times are likely in spring and fall due to milder weather.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: The campground appears to be open year-round, though extreme weather may affect accessibility.
Current Alerts: None reported at this time.

About Rainbow Basin/Owl Canyon Campground

Nestled within the otherworldly Rainbow Basin Natural Area, Owl Canyon Campground beckons adventurers with 22 intimate campsites scattered beneath ancient rock formations. This first-come, first-served desert oasis rewards early arrivals with sites featuring welcoming picnic tables, crackling fire rings, and protective shade structures that offer respite from the Mojave sun. While vault toilets provide modern convenience and water arrives weekly by truck, savvy campers pack extra supplies to ensure uninterrupted exploration. Budget-conscious travelers and geology enthusiasts alike find themselves drawn to this affordable gateway to one of California's most spectacular geological theaters, where rainbow-hued cliffs and sculpted badlands create an ever-changing canvas of natural art.

Owl Canyon Campground offers primitive camping facilities suitable for tent camping and RVs. The campground lacks hookups and modern amenities, emphasizing a rustic outdoor experience.

Historical SignificanceBeneath the colorful layers of rock at Owl Canyon lies a prehistoric treasure trove that has captivated paleontologists for decades. These ancient sediments preserve fossils from creatures that roamed this region millions of years ago, when the landscape looked vastly different from today's desert terrain. While the thrill of discovery runs deep here, the BLM protects these scientific treasures through a permit system for fossil collection. Visitors who stumble upon these windows to the past are encouraged to photograph, admire, and report their finds to the BLM Barstow Field Office, helping preserve this irreplaceable record of Earth's history for future generations of scientists and nature enthusiasts.

Weather and SeasonsThe Mojave Desert's dramatic personality shines through at Owl Canyon, where summer temperatures can soar to a scorching 110°F and sudden storms transform dry washes into rushing torrents. Seasoned visitors have discovered the campground's sweet spots: spring brings wildflower blooms and comfortable days perfect for hiking, while autumn offers crisp mornings and golden afternoon light ideal for photography. These shoulder seasons reveal the desert at its most hospitable, when gentle breezes carry the scent of sage and the extreme temperatures retreat, creating perfect conditions for stargazing and campfire conversations.

ElevationPerched at 3,000 feet above sea level in the heart of the Mojave Desert, Owl Canyon Campground occupies a sweet spot where elevation works its subtle magic. This modest altitude creates a fascinating daily rhythm of temperatures that can swing 30 degrees or more between blazing afternoons and surprisingly cool nights. Desert veterans know to pack layers for this elevation dance, where afternoon tank tops give way to evening fleeces and sleeping bags become essential even after the warmest days. The thin, dry air at this height also creates spectacular conditions for stargazing, with the Milky Way stretching across the darkness in brilliant clarity.

Natural Features and SceneryStep into a landscape that defies earthly expectations at Owl Canyon, where millions of years of geological artistry have painted the rocks in impossible shades of red, green, pink, and white. These rainbow-striped formations rise like ancient castles from the desert floor, their twisted layers telling stories of prehistoric lakes and volcanic eruptions. Photographers find endless inspiration in the interplay of light and shadow across the sculpted badlands, while hikers discover hidden canyons and secret washes that reveal new wonders around every bend. Keep watch for the desert's gentle residents—endangered desert tortoises that navigate this terrain with ancient wisdom, and fossils that peek from eroded hillsides like nature's own museum exhibits.

Geological RegionThe Rainbow Basin Natural Area stands as one of California's most remarkable geological showcases, earning its designation as an Area of Critical Environmental Concern for good reason. This natural amphitheater of multicolored rock walls and weathered mesas represents 15 million years of Earth's biography written in stone. Ancient lake beds, volcanic ash deposits, and sedimentary layers have been tilted, folded, and carved by time into a maze of hills, canyons, and washes that challenge hikers and delight geologists. Each striation tells a chapter in the story of climate change, tectonic shifts, and the evolution of life itself, making every camping trip here a journey through deep time.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in

No specified check-in time.

Check-out

No specified check-out time.

Stay Limit

No specific maximum stay limit outlined.

Guests Allowed Per Site

No information available on the number of guests per site.

Groups

No specific group camping information is provided.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutThe campground is organized into loops with 22 individual sites. Each site includes a covered picnic table, fire ring, and BBQ grill.

Reservation PlatformsNot applicable—reservations are not accepted.

Walk-in AvailabilityAll 22 campsites are available on a walk-up, first-come, first-served basis. Visitors are advised to arrive early to secure a site, especially during weekends.

Cancellation PolicyAs this is a first-come, first-served campground, no advanced reservations or cancellations apply.

AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are mentioned in the authoritative or user-provided information.

Site SizeCampsites are generally large and well-placed, accommodating various sizes of vehicles, including trailers and RVs up to 30 feet.

PrivacyThe campsites are described as spacious and well-spaced, providing a sense of privacy even when the campground is full.

Total Campsites22 campsites

Recommended SitesArrive early to secure a preferred site. Avoid sites in low-lying areas during the rainy season due to flood risk. Sites further from the vault toilets may offer more privacy.

Amenities available

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Rainbow Basin Natural Area offers a variety of recreational activities including camping, hiking, photography, sightseeing, and horseback riding. The area features stunning geological formations and diverse wildlife, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

HikingSeveral hiking trails are available, including the scenic washes and the Owl Canyon trail. The trails offer opportunities to explore colorful rock formations and unique desert landscapes. Some trails may merge with other tracks, so it is recommended to download maps before visiting.

Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is best during early morning and evening hours. The area is home to desert-adapted wildlife, including the desert tortoise. Birds can be observed in the thick vegetation of nearby canyons.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include flash floods, extreme heat, and poisonous snakes. Campers should avoid low-lying areas during storms and carry sufficient water and supplies.

Active AlertsNone reported at this time.

Fire PolicyCampfires are permitted within designated fire rings at each campsite.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are No officially stated quiet hours, though campers are expected to be considerate of others.

Emergency ServicesNearest emergency services are in Barstow, 8 miles away, which includes hospitals and police stations.

Trash & RecyclingTrash cans are available throughout the campground, but campers are still encouraged to pack out their trash as part of Leave No Trace principles.

Water FeaturesThe campground is located in a desert region with no nearby natural water bodies.

Camp HostNo campground host information is provided.

Weather at Rainbow Basin/Owl Canyon Campground

Reviews

4.5

160 reviews

Top-Rated

Rainbow Basin/Owl Canyon Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight the campground's scenic beauty, affordability, and tranquility. Many visitors appreciate the spacious sites and the area's geological features. However, some users note issues such as bees, windy conditions, and rough access roads.

Review Summaries

Based on 160 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive highlights include the campground's affordability ($6 per night), clean vault toilets, scenic surroundings, and excellent stargazing opportunities. Many reviewers also praise the large,...

Based on 160 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include the rough washboard roads leading to the campground, issues with bees swarming around liquids, and limited water availability. Some visitors also mention that the vault...

Based on 160 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing plenty of water, as the potable water supply is limited. They also suggest traveling slowly on the access roads to prevent damage to vehicles. Visitors are advised to come...

Based on 160 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is popular year-round, but summer temperatures can reach extreme highs, making early mornings and evenings the best times for outdoor activities. The cooler months offer a more...

Based on 160 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Great little gem in the desert. $6/night, BBQ, fire ring, table, and shade structure at each site." "I love this campground! Be forewarned, as it can get tent-thrashingly windy at times." "The area...

Based on 160 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Some users recommend specific areas of the campground for larger RVs, noting that certain sections are better suited for high-clearance vehicles. Campers also mention that sites near the trailhead...

Based on 160 reviews