Bureau of Land Management

Rainbow Basin/Owl Canyon Campground

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.

First-come, first-served

Limited data

The federal database holds very little for this campground, so this page is short. For current conditions and details, the official links in the sidebar are the better source.

Getting there

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.

Campgrounds nearby

First-come

BLM

Sawtooth Canyon Campground

23.9 miles away

Reservable

San Bernardino National Forest

Horse Springs Campground (San Bernardino National Forest)

4 sites

45.7 miles away

First-come

San Bernardino National Forest

Horse Springs Campground

45.7 miles away

Reservable

San Bernardino National Forest

Big Pine Equestrian Group Campground

CA · 1 site

47.9 miles away

Reservable

San Bernardino National Forest

Ironwood Group Camp

CA · 1 site

49 miles away

First-come

San Bernardino National Forest

Holcomb Valley Campground

49.7 miles away

Data source: Recreation.gov RIDB, retrieved August 30, 2026. The Campsite Atlas is an independent publication and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Recreation.gov or any federal agency. Always confirm critical details on the official Recreation.gov page before you travel.