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Free Camping Collection

Dispersed Camping

Sheephole Valley Wilderness

Sheephole Valley Wilderness, near Mojave National Preserve, is a unique location for those seeking a true escape from civilization. This area offers free camping with no amenities, making it perfect for adventurers who appreciate the raw beauty of the desert.

Visitors have noted the stunning sunsets and panoramic views that this wilderness provides. The landscape is dotted with remnants of past visitors, like fire rings and the occasional graffiti, but it’s the natural surroundings that truly shine. One camper remarked, “Sunsets are gorgeous, however desert winds are harsh,” so be prepared for some breezy evenings.

Accessing the area can be a bit tricky, especially if you’re not in a 4x4 vehicle. Some campers have shared their experiences navigating sandy roads, with one stating, “I made it in and out with a 2 wheel drive truck but I almost got stuck.” Keep this in mind as you plan your trip, and be ready for a bit of adventure.

For those who enjoy hiking and wildlife, this location offers plenty of opportunities to explore the rugged terrain. Just remember, it’s a no-frills experience, so pack in what you need and leave no trace behind. If you’re looking for a place to unwind and connect with nature, Sheephole Valley Wilderness might just be the spot for you.

Description

Bureau of Land Management

Mojave National Preserve

The Sheephole Valley Wilderness now contains a total of 187,516 acres and is managed by the Bureau of Land Management. All of the Wilderness is in the state of California. In 1994 the Sheephole Valley Wilderness became part of the now over 109 million acre National Wilderness Preservation System. In wilderness, you can enjoy challenging recreational activities and extraordinary opportunities for solitude. In an age of "...increasing population, accompanied by expanding settlement and growing mechanization,..." you play an important role in helping to "...secure for the American people of present and future generations the benefits of an enduring resource of wilderness" as called for by Congress in the Wilderness Act of 1964. Please follow the regulations in place for this area, and use Leave No Trace techniques when visiting to ensure protection of its unique natural and experiential qualities. (BLM)

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Location

Sheephole Valley Wilderness is located in California

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

34.23890619 N
115.71348467 W

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Access

  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Hike-In
    Backcountry sites.

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Unknown
  • Verizon
    Good
  • AT&T
    Available
  • T-Mobile
    Fair

Site Types

  • Dispersed

Features

For Campers

  • Phone Service
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

DISPERSED CAMPING

Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.


PERMIT might be REQUIRED

We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Sheephole Valley Wilderness needs a permit.

Contact

General Info


Reviews

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5 Reviews

Reviewed May. 19, 2022

A Great Free Spot (If it's on your way)

This was a great place to post up for the night on the way to Joshua tree, and I had no issues getting there. There is some sand to drive through, but I don't think you'll need a 4wd vehicle tbh. I stayed closer to the mountains on the edge of the dropoff, and there were lots of shattered bottles and large appliances dumped - so it was rather unclean. But if you're in a pinch, this is certainly a choice! Pretty at sunset.

Month of VisitApril
  • Review photo of Sheephole Valley Wilderness by Jack W., May 19, 2022
  • Review photo of Sheephole Valley Wilderness by Jack W., May 19, 2022
  • Review photo of Sheephole Valley Wilderness by Jack W., May 19, 2022
  • (5) View All
Reviewed May. 24, 2021

Amazing, never been so far from civilization

Came in from the South, 10 miles in bear Left (stay to the Sheephole wilderness boundary).  Several dispersed sites along the way.  I went in without the camper another 10 miles and did turn about when the sand began getting deep (WK2 Trailhawk), I think the other comments came in from the North.

Have you ever walked into the desert naked?  if you so desire this is the place...

Sitethe last one.
Month of VisitMay
Reviewed May. 4, 2020

Very nice!

To begin please be careful of the roads as they very sandy and you can get stuck easily if you don't have a 4x4, that being said I made it in and out with a 2 wheel drive truck but I almost got stuck. If come in by cell tower there are two roads to the right one goes south one goes east towards the mountain we went east and camped in the dry riverbed where the road first gets close, much past that you really need a 4x4 I went down the road but barley made it out by where the graffiti is the parking area on Amboy rd.

So this is a beautiful area with plenty of wildlife and areas to hike. Due east the cell tower behind a small hill is a camper trailer that looks like it's been there for quite some time, there is somebody that lives there so don't approach it because I believe his cheese slid of the cracker. He would come out at random times and just laugh in a very creepy manner. If you look on google earth you can see it. I think it was his way of telling us to stay away. So we did. This is dispersed camping so there are no amenities.

  • Review photo of Sheephole Valley Wilderness by Eric F., May 4, 2020
  • Review photo of Sheephole Valley Wilderness by Eric F., May 4, 2020
  • Review photo of Sheephole Valley Wilderness by Eric F., May 4, 2020
  • (31) View All
Reviewed Mar. 13, 2020

Windy, sparse, with panoramic views.

Easy to access dirt road off of Amboy leads you to BLM land. Left over fire rings mark sites, however many sites are covered in glass and bullet casing from people using this area for target practice. Sunsets are gorgeous, however desert winds are harsh. Wouldn’t go back but free camping doesn’t hurt.

Month of VisitMarch
  • Review photo of Sheephole Valley Wilderness by Kayla H., March 13, 2020
  • Review photo of Sheephole Valley Wilderness by Kayla H., March 13, 2020
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  • (5) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the elevation of Sheephole Valley Wilderness?

    Sheephole Valley Wilderness is located at 2562 feet.

  • Are fires allowed at Sheephole Valley Wilderness?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Sheephole Valley Wilderness, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Is there cell phone reception at Sheephole Valley Wilderness?

    According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is good, AT&T is available, and T-Mobile is fair.