Rainbow Basin/owl Canyon Campground
Open year-round on a first-come, first-served basis. No reservations available. Water is limited to a single tap refilled weekly; bring your own supply. Pack out all trash.
Extreme Heat Warning issued August 9 at 7:29AM PDT until August 9 at 8:00PM PDT by NWS Las Vegas NV
* WHAT...Dangerously hot conditions with highs 110 to 120 degrees across the Mojave Desert. Highs 95 to 105 degrees across most of the southern Great Basin and Arizona Strip. Little to no overnight relief is expected, particularly in the Mojave Desert where lows of 80 to 95 degrees are forecast. This will result in Major-to-Extreme Heat Risk. * WHERE...Portions of northwest Arizona, southeast California, and south central and southern Nevada. * WHEN...Until 8 PM PDT /8 PM MST/ this evening. * IMPACTS...Heat related illnesses increase significantly during extreme heat events.
About
Rainbow Basin Natural Area showcases dramatic multicolored rock walls, mesas, and fossil-bearing canyons formed over millions of years. Located 8 miles north of Barstow off Irwin Road, this Area of Critical Environmental Concern protects outstanding geological and paleontological features. Owl Canyon Campground provides 22 primitive campsites, each with a picnic table and fire ring. The Fossil Canyon Loop Road offers an interesting vehicle touring route, though high-clearance or four-wheel drive vehicles are recommended for this narrow one-way dirt road. Hiking through the washes reveals the area's natural beauty, with wildlife viewing best during early morning and evening hours. Desert-adapted wildlife including the desert tortoise calls this home. Visitors should be prepared for desert conditions. A single water tap provides potable water brought in weekly by truck, but bringing your own supply is strongly advised. Vault toilets are available but there is no dump station; holding tanks can be emptied in Baker or Barstow. All trash must be packed out. Flash floods, extreme weather, and rattlesnakes are hazards to be aware of.
Directions
Located 8 miles north of Barstow, California, off Irwin Road (not Fort Irwin Road). The main access route is Fossil Bed Road.
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $6 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| BLM_CA_Web_BA@blm.gov | |
| Phone | +1 (760) 252-6000 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
Photos
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