Established Camping
Sheep Pass Group Campground — Joshua Tree National Park
Sheep Pass Campground, near Twentynine Palms, California, is a prime location for group camping within Joshua Tree National Park. This site is designed for larger gatherings, accommodating between 10 to 60 people, making it perfect for family reunions or group adventures.
The campground features spacious sites nestled among impressive rock formations, providing a unique backdrop for your stay. Visitors have noted the convenience of having pit toilets and dumpsters nearby, which helps keep the area tidy. As one camper mentioned, “The group sites are big and spacious,” allowing for plenty of room to spread out and enjoy the natural surroundings.
For those looking to explore, Sheep Pass is centrally located, giving easy access to popular attractions like Ryan Mountain and Geology Tour Road. Campers have enjoyed stargazing at night, with the clear desert skies offering stunning views of the cosmos. Just remember to pack your own water and firewood, as these aren’t available on-site.
While the campground can get windy and lacks some shade, the unique rock formations provide natural enclosures that add to the charm. If you’re planning a group outing, make sure to reserve well in advance to secure your spot in this beautiful desert setting.
Description
National Park Service
Joshua Tree National Park
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.
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 nights recreation fee for a campsite. *Note: the entire reservation will be cancelled for no-shows.
Location
Sheep Pass Group Campground — Joshua Tree National Park is located in California
Directions
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.
Address
74485 National Park Dr
Twentynine palms, CA 92277
Coordinates
33.9991667 N
116.1180556 W
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Stay Connected
- WiFiUnknown
- VerizonUnknown
- AT&TAvailable
- T-MobileGood
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Reservable
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 34 min from El Centro
- 2 hrs 48 min from Lake Havasu City
- 2 hrs 53 min from San Diego
- 3 hrs 29 min from Yuma