Owl Canyon Campground – Rainbow Basin Natural Area
Owl Canyon Campground is a small, developed campground in the scenic Rainbow Basin Natural Area, 8 miles north of Barstow, California. This first-come, first-served campground offers 22 individual campsites suitable for tent and RV camping (without hookups) and provides basic amenities for a rustic camping experience.
Campground Details
| Site types | Tent, RV (no hookups) |
| Amenities | Vault toilets, picnic tables, fire rings |
| Fee | $6.00 per night |
| Reservations | No, first-come, first-served |
| Water | Potable water availability varies; bring your own |
| Trash | Pack out all trash |
| GPS | 35.022101, -117.021949 |
| Location | Rainbow Basin Natural Area |
| Season | Year-round |
| Info Number | 760-252-6000 |
| Info Email | BLM_CA_Web_BA@blm.gov |
Getting to Owl Canyon Campground
To reach Owl Canyon Campground, take Interstate 15 to Barstow and exit onto Highway 58 heading west. After about 3.5 miles, turn north onto Irwin Road and follow it for approximately 6 miles until you reach Fossil Bed Road.
Turn left onto Fossil Bed Road and continue for about 2.9 miles until you reach Rainbow Basin Road. Turn right and follow the road for 1800 feet, then turn right again onto Owl Canyon Road, and follow the road to the campground. The road is unpaved but accessible to most vehicles under normal conditions. They may require careful driving after rain.
Campground Overview
Owl Canyon Campground offers a rustic escape in the desert landscape of the Rainbow Basin Natural Area, known for its unique rock formations and fossil beds.
Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring. Vault toilets are available, but potable water is not consistently provided, so visitors are encouraged to bring their own supply. There are no trash services at the campground, so campers must pack out everything they bring in.
With its picturesque views and geologically rich environment, Owl Canyon is ideal for visitors looking to explore the natural wonders of Rainbow Basin.
The nearby fossil beds and strikingly layered rock formations offer excellent hiking, photography, and nature viewing opportunities. Owl Canyon Trail begins north just of Owl Canyon Campground at the end of Owl Canyon Road at the turnabout (GPS: 35.025087, -117.022476)
Due to fire restrictions, campfires are only allowed in designated fire rings.
About Rainbow Basin
Rainbow Basin Natural Area, located north of Barstow, California, is a geological marvel known for its vibrant, multi-hued rock formations and intricate canyon networks.
The basin’s layered cliffs, mesas, and rolling hills draw nature enthusiasts, photographers, and geologists alike. They offer a unique look at the Mojave Desert’s natural beauty, with its scenic canyons, striking geological features, and desert wildlife.
For more information, including suggestions for activities in the area, visit our guide to Rainbow Basin.
