Sheep Pass Group Campground

California's Best Camping

Joshua Tree National Park, CA
Joshua Tree National Park, CA

Sheep Pass Group Campground

Joshua Tree National Park


Sheep Pass Group Campground

Sheep Pass Group Campground is near the center of Joshua Tree National Park. It is the only campground in the park dedicated entirely to groups. All sites are tents-only. Sites 1 and 2 can accommodate up to 50 people each, site 3 holds 20, and the other sites have a maximum of 30. A minimum of 7 people is required for any group camp. As in many of the campgrounds in Joshua Tree National park, there is no water. Towering rock formations and the iconic Joshua Trees are found throughout the area.

Nearby is one of the outstanding hikes within the park, the 1.4-mile climb to the summit of 5,461-foot Ryan Mountain. Spectacular views reward those who reach the top. A connector trail leads from the campground to the Ryan Mountain trail. Also nearby is the California Riding and Hiking Trail.

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Sheep Pass Group Campground Basics
Sheep Pass Group Campground Location: Central part of Joshua Tree National Park, off Park Boulevard
Elevation: 4,500 feet
Mileage/Driving Time: Joshua Tree - 19 miles, 40 minutes
Riverside - 96 miles, 2;00
Number of Sites: 6
Open - Closed: Open year-round
Max. People per Site: 50, 50, 20, 30, 30, 30
Max. Vehicles per Site: 15, 15, 5, 8, 8, 8
Pets: On leash, always attended
Operated by Joshua Tree National Park
Park information: (760) 367-5500

Reservations for Sheep Pass Group Campground
Reservations available: up to 1 year in advance
Camping Limit: 14 nights from October through May with 30 days total per year
Maximum RV/Trailer Length: None designated
Accessible Sites: None designated
Fees: $40 - $50
Campground Photos and Map: Sheep Pass Group Campground Photos and Map
Reservations: Sheep Pass Group Campground Reservations
Check-in, check-out: Noon, Noon

Sheep Pass Group Campground Amenities
Campsites: Picnic table, fire grate; no hook-ups
Campground: Vault toilets, no drinking water
Potable water is available at the Oasis Visitor Center or West Entrance, 13 miles away.
Showers and laundry: Twentynine Palms, 32 miles
Dump station: No
Attractions near Sheep Pass Group Campground: Hike up the Ryan Mountain Trail. Take advantage of the nearby California Riding and Hiking Trail. Enjoy the informative Cap Rock Nature Trail.


General Camping Information for
Joshua Tree National Park

Opening and closing dates of campgrounds are only estimates, usually dependent on weather conditions. Not all campsites can accommodate trailers or RVs of all lengths.

Water is not available at all campgrounds. Plan ahead and carry plenty of water.

Accessible Sites

Designated Accessible sites are usually reserved for people with disabilities who have a vehicle displaying an accessible parking placard or license plate.




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Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park
Attractions and Activities

Visitors to Joshua Tree National Park enjoy exploring the massive rock formations, viewing the desert landscape, and hiking along scenic trails. Groups camping at Sheep Pass Group Campground enjoy the quiet of a tents-only campground close to most of the park's main attractions.

  • Stroll through Black Rock Canyon with its magnificent Joshua Tree forest.
  • Visit Cottonwood Springs and discover its cultural history. Find good hiking and birding there.
  • Indian Cove has enjoyable nature trails featuring the Wonderland of Rocks.
  • Keys View offers panoramic views of the Coachella Valley, the San Andreas Fault, and the high peaks of San Jacinto and San Gorgonio.
  • Skull Rock is certain to make you pull out your camera.
  • Wildflower viewing is best from February through June.
  • Ranger-led Programs include nature walks and campfire programs. See the- Joshua Tree Calendar of Events.
  • Enjoy the 18-mile geology motor tour.
  • Take a guided ranger tour of historic Keys Ranch.

Important Sheep Pass Group Campground Regulations

  1. RVs and habitable trailers are prohibited in tents-only Sheep Pass Group Campground.
  2. All tents, tarps, and other camping equipment must be set up within 25 feet of the picnic table or fire grate.
  3. Campfires may only be lit in existing fire rings or grades in developed campgrounds. Bring your own firewood.
  4. Towed Vehicles are counted as one of the two vehicles permitted per campsite.
  5. Secure food and scented items in a safe place that will prevent access by wildlife.
  6. Generators may only be operated from 7 AM to 9 AM, Noon to 2 PM, and 5 PM to 7 PM.

    Check Joshua Tree National Park Camping for any park and campground updates.

Joshua Tree National Park Campgrounds


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