Owl Canyon Campground

We needed a stop between Bakersfield & Las Vegas, and had heard good things about the Rainbow Basin Natural Area. Its beautiful in a desert sort of way. We were greeted our first night with the most magnificent sunset!

Spaced out campsites, pavilions over tables, a good hike up the wash nearby. I love that they have little playgrounds for kids all over the campground, and my kids enjoyed hiking up the hills around our campsite.

We had a great relaxing time!

Boosted in with an antenna we were able to get 3 bars of 4G- and fast enough to stream a movie for the kids!

After leaving Barstow there are 6 miles of dirt road to traverse before getting here, and depending on how much rain they've had it could be fairly washboarded. That was the case when we arrived, the road was pretty rough so it took us quite some time to get back here. But, when you do, it's gorgeous and totally quiet. There were only a couple of other campers when we arrived so the place was ours. There are only about 7 or 8 spots that will accommodate a trailer/truck our length, most are for smaller rigs or tents. You could park across the front of the spot if you had to. The facilities were nice, each site has a shade ramada, grill and there are plenty of bathrooms and play areas for kids. Hiking up the washes is interesting and biking the scenic loop road is a must. We had cell and internet with Verizon and digital air for TV. Water is available at spigots. Nice clean gravel for dogs so paws aren't a problem. Would stay here again.

The dirt road into the site is 2.5 miles long and seems a little scary but we had no trouble getting our 34 ft RV with tow car into the site. The spots are very nice with covered picnic tables, fire pits, and grills. Several pit toilets and water available if you need it. The scenic trail through rainbow canyon is OK for a small car, but many of the side trails are better traveled with a 4x4. We will definitely return. The site is 50% off if you have a national park pass.

We paid $3 with the Interagency pass. The road in seemed to have been fairly recently graded, but was still quite washboarded. We were the only ones in the campground when we were there. The sites are fairly large, but short. Large campers may have trouble fitting in to a spot. Each site has a covered picnic table and a fire pit. There is a children's play area. The toilets were very clean. Someone had failed to put a rock on the trash can lid, and a critter had gotten into the trash. We spent 20 minutes picking up as much as we could. After that, I started to see more bits of trash around the entire place. So the campground could have been tidier.... We had a beautiful sunrise in the morning! There are some nice washes and hills to explore. We did not get a chance to do the loop drive. If someone does it while camped here, please note how long it is, as I can't find that info anywhere. Great cell service.

The ride in was a bit bumpy. Only one other person camped near us a few sites down. It was quiet and peaceful. They had water and garbage cans all around so there was no excuse for litter which we found. Cell service lower part of campground only.

Great scenic views of mountains and beautiful desert landscape. $6 a night. No hook-ups but there is water faucets/spickets throughout the campground. Very clean restrooms. Fire ring, picnic table, charcoal grill, and a patio in every site. 2 playgrounds for the kids. Lots of hiking and climbing. There is also a jeep/atv trail. Truly a hidden gem. A 4 mile dirt road to get to the park which is grated good enough for a 2wd vehicle to enter.

I stayed here on Monday, February 26th on my way home to Oakland from Phoenix. Only 2 other people there. It was absolutely beautiful. I enjoyed the solitude. Unfortunately, it was only for over night but can't wait for my next trip to Phoenix. Will definitely stop here on my next trip to Phoenix and try to spend a few days relaxing. I was surprised how well the dirt roads were graded and marked. Had no problem finding the campground.

My phone is the new Google Project Fi and I was able to receive service....

We stayed May 8th, just passing through. Quiet, clean and appeared well maintained. We had just 4 other campers with us. The road in/out was really bumpy and we got a flat!
There was a swing set, fire pits, tables and shade structures. Drives and hikes around the rocks looked interesting. We just didn't have time.
It was easy access inside the park and we were able to park in a pull through and not unhook our tow vehicle. A nice bonus on a quick overnight.

We camped here for one night on July 1st as a pass through on our travels. We arrived at 5pm to 104 degrees. The low winds blowing through the canyon made it comfortable to be outdoors. By 7pm the temps were in the low 90's. There is a 2.5 mile drive on bumpy gravel roads from the entrance to the campground. The roads are wide and well kept but a little slow going with the Airstream.

The campground itself was large and in July empty. Many spots to chose from with back in or pull through. Many pit toilets all very clean. No hookups but water in spigots throughout. We counted 3 playgrounds with one being accessible for all children of varying abilities. There was a 2 mile trailhead from the campground and other trails to hike in the area. Lovely views and a very pretty campground overall. Would definitely camp here again.

For $6 a night this is a gem. The campsites are spacious. All have pavilions and fire pits. I found a lot of flies and bees when I arrived but as soon as I started my fire they were gone. I did notice a lot of garbage and screws and nails at my site. Had to pick it up before my dogs walked around. The drive in was about 4 miles of dirt road but easily done. Overall I would stay here again