Sheep Pass Group

Campground · California · 6 bookable sites ·

Managed by the National Park Service

Joshua Tree National Park (National Park) · Open Access

6
Bookable sites
up to 50
People per site
4,559 ft
Elevation
Sheep Pass Campground
Photo: NPS · Recreation.gov

Overview

Download the NPS app prior to visiting the park – trail maps and more!

Sheep Pass Group Campground is centrally located within Joshua Tree National Park in Southern California and is easily accessible to hiking trails and rock climbing routes. It is one of three group campgrounds in the park. Towering rock formations and uniquely-shaped Joshua trees surround the facility. To get the most out of your visit Plan Like a Park Ranger

Travelers who enjoy warm, dry winters flock to Joshua Tree from October through May, when temperatures hover in the 70 to 90-degree range during the day and drop to a 40 to 60-degree range at night. Summer is the park's off-season due to the uncomfortably-high desert heat. Sheep Pass is at an elevation of 4,500 feet and has a mix of both sun and shade.

Recreation

Sheep Pass is very close to many hiking trails, popular rock climbing routes and a central location for sightseeing within the park.

Facilities

There are six group sites within the campground. Electrical hookups and drinking water are not provided.

Natural Features

The distinctive shape of Joshua trees and the huge rocks that surround them draw tourists and scientists alike to the national park. Joshua trees are a member of the yucca family that have long evergreen leaves, shaggy bark and bunches of white flowers that bloom in spring. The rocks were formed by volcanic activity millions of years ago and have been exposed and shaped by wind and water over time. They brighten with soft pastel hues in the morning and evening sunlight and glow with campfire light at night.

Visitors may want to keep their eyes out for typical desert inhabitants such as lizards, rattlesnakes, scorpions, ravens, squirrels, coyotes and desert tarantulas during the cooler months of the year. Bobcats and mountain lions do live in the park, however they are rarely seen near humans.

Charges & Cancellations

Reservation Cancellations & Changes

Cancelling a Reservation: Customers may cancel their reservation prior to arrival both on-line and through the call center. A $10 service fee will be withheld from any refund for a cancellation. Depending on when you cancel in relation to your arrival day, it may be considered a late cancellation (see below).

Changing an Existing Reservation: 

When changes are made prior to the cut-off window:

If a customer wants to switch dates that are entirely outside of the original reservation dates, there is a $10 change fee.

There is no change fee if a customer extends or shortens a reservation, as long as the change includes dates from the original reservation. If they choose to depart early, they may forfeit the recreation fee for the day of departure.

There is no change fee if the customer wants to switch sites that are the same price with the same reservation dates in the same facility.

If a reservation is made that includes dates beyond the maximum booking window, that reservation cannot be changed until 18 days have passed from the original booking date. 

Late Cancellations or Cancellations within the Cut-off Window

Group Facility (including Cabins and Lookouts): Customers who cancel a group overnight facility reservation less than 14 days before the arrival date will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee. 

Changes or Cancellations within the Cut-off Window: Once a reservation date has begun, customers cannot change a reservation using the online system or through the Call Center (see below for early departures). If the location is staffed, on-site personnel may or may not be able to assist with changes or cancellations (check with local staff).

No-Shows

Overnight Facilities: A no-show customer is one who does not arrive at a campground and does not cancel the reservation by check-out (noon) time on the day after the scheduled arrival date. Staff will hold a campsite until check-out time (noon) on the day following the arrival date. 

No-shows are assessed $20.00 service fee and forfeit the first night’s recreation fee for a campsite. 

*Note: the entire reservation will be cancelled for no-shows. 

The facts

  • 6 bookable sites
  • Up to 50 people per site
  • Loops: Group Area

Site types

  • 6 Group Tent Only Area Nonelectric

Amenities

  • Campfires allowed
  • Fire pits
  • Picnic tables
  • Pets allowed

Not recorded upstream: electric hookups, water hookups, sewer hookups, grills, shade.

Book on Recreation.gov

6 campsites at Sheep Pass Group

Check-in 12:00 PM · Check-out 12:00 PM

SiteLoopTypeEntrySurfaceMax rigPeople
G01Group AreaGroup Tent Only Area Nonelectric———50 🐾
G02Group AreaGroup Tent Only Area Nonelectric———50 🐾
G03Group AreaGroup Tent Only Area Nonelectric———20 🐾
G04Group AreaGroup Tent Only Area Nonelectric———30 🐾
G05Group AreaGroup Tent Only Area Nonelectric———30 🐾
G06Group AreaGroup Tent Only Area Nonelectric———30 🐾

Getting there

Take Interstate 10 to Route 62. From the town of Joshua Tree turn south on Park Blvd. and continue through the West Entrance. The campground is 13 miles from the entrance station and the city of Twentynine Palms.

33.99917, -116.11806 · 33°59'57.0"N 116°7'5.0"W

Directions (Google Maps) · Directions (Apple Maps)

Typical weather

Typically 104°F in Jul, down to 62°F in Dec.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F63677481909910410397857262
Low °F424449556371777669584740
Precip in0.50.60.30.10.10.00.40.70.30.10.20.6

1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 10 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.

Map

More photos

Member photos

Common questions about Sheep Pass Group

Can you reserve a site at Sheep Pass Group?
Yes, Sheep Pass Group is reservable through Recreation.gov.
How many campsites does Sheep Pass Group have?
6 sites.
Are pets allowed at Sheep Pass Group?
Yes, pets are allowed at Sheep Pass Group.
Are campfires allowed at Sheep Pass Group?
Campfires are allowed at Sheep Pass Group. Check for a current fire restriction before you go.

Camping near Sheep Pass Group

Comments

Contact

Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-07-21.

Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.