The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
Bureau of Land Management campgrounds are maintained and run on public, federal lands throughout the country. These lands may contain campsites that are generally open on a first-come, first-served basis. The rules state that you cannot stay longer than 14 days at any one location on BLM land and that after leaving one location, you have to wait at least another 14 days before returning to that location. The region around Rainbow Basin Natural Area is well-known to geology students for its clear layering and the fossils in the sediments of the region's ancient lakebed. Signs of mastodons, saber-toothed tigers, horses, camels and insects have been found in the rock. Rainbow Basin is an area of critical environmental concern. Because of this, off-roading is not allowed under any circumstances. Any road not marked "open" is closed to vehicles. Rainbow Basin Natural Area is known for its varied desert wildlife, which includes the desert tortoise, and the scenery in the desert canyons. Hiking through these canyons is the most popular activity at the Rainbow Basin Natural Area. Also, Joshua Tree National Park is fewer than 90 miles away.
This is not a well-traveled trail, so you'll enjoy some solitude. If you're a birder, then bring your binoculars. 3.3 miles Moderate
Unlike many trails in national and state parks, not to mention BLM areas, dogs may be off-the-leash in some areas along this trail. It, too, offers solitude. 1.3 miles Moderate
This is the most popular trail within the Rainbow Basin Natural Area. Like the Owl Canyon Trail, it provides exceptional opportunities for birding. 7.5 miles Moderate
The desert wildflowers along this trail are its chief feature. Despite this trail's difficulty, it's a good choice for families with children due to the short distance. 1.8 miles Moderate
The closest place to fish, boat, or swim is Silverwood Lake, which is a little more than 50 miles from the Rainbow Basin Natural Area. There are forested hiking trails near the lake, and you can fish, boat, and swim in the applicable designated areas. A further 1.5 miles on, there is the recreation area associated with Silverwood Lake. The Pacific Crest Trail passes through this area, and you can hike a short section of it if you wish.
Sawtooth Canyon and its surrounding area lie about 20 or so miles south of the Rainbow Basin Natural Area. The climbing there is tough and is rated 5.9 up to 5.12 sport climbs. Many of the crags aren't very high, but they're quite technical. The toughest route is called Double Kneebar Ranch, and it's a 5.12c, making it only for well-trained and experienced climbers. Jug Haul, at 5.9, is the easiest climb in the area.
In addition to the aforementioned desert tortoise and birds, pronghorn, mule deer, and various lizards make their home in the Rainbow Basin Natural Area. The pronghorn is especially notable as the fastest land animal in the Western Hemisphere. It can run nearly 60 miles an hour. The best times to see the area's wildlife are in the very early morning and at dusk.
There are no picnic areas outside of the campground itself. Each of the 22 BLM campsites has a picnic table and a fire ring.
The BLM RV camping at the Rainbow Basin Natural Area is available for a small daily fee. The campground doesn't have a dump station, but there are facilities in nearby Barstow, California. At the campground, there are vault toilets.
For BLM RV Camping, the campground itself has 22 primitive campsites. There is a communal water tap that has water delivered weekly, but it's a good idea to bring your own water.
Because the entire basin is an area of critical environmental concern, you're not allowed to boondock there. There are, however, a few nearby locations that provide access to Bureau of Land Management free camping. BLM Barstow is the closest option when you search online for "BLM camping near me."
The first thing to remember is that not all of the area in and around Rainbow Basin Natural Area is public land. There is a lot of undeveloped private property surrounding the BLM land. Be sure to have maps that clearly define boundaries. The area is a desert, so if you're going to go exploring and hiking, then you're going to need enough water. Also, bring sunblock and loose, light clothing. The temperature will drop at night, so it's a good idea to bring warm clothes to layer with. When you go hiking, be sure to let someone know when you're leaving, where you're going, and how long you're planning to be gone. Remember to stay at least 75 feet from all wildlife. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
The concept of "Leave No Trace" means that you shouldn't leave anything behind that you brought. You also shouldn't take anything with you that you didn't bring. Fossils are an exception to this rule, but only if you have a research permit. Seek information from the Bureau of Land Management on securing the correct permit.
The Rainbow Basin Natural area is at 35.01236944 degrees north latitude and -117.0385861 degrees west longitude. From Barstow, proceed north on Irwin Road until you reach Fossil Bed Road, upon which you will turn west. Once you turn onto Fossil Bed Road, it's just a few hundred yards to the Rainbow Basin Natural Area. Ready to visit Rainbow Basin Natural Area? An RV rental is a great way to experience your destination. Not only will you be close to all the action, but at the end of a long day exploring, you’ll have your RV to return to for the night where you’ll enjoy a full kitchen, bathroom, and nice soft bed. Not sure about renting an RV? Here’s a step-by-step guide to renting an RV with RVshare.
