How much does camping cost at Sheep Pass Group?

Camping fees at Sheep Pass Group range from $55/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Sheep Pass Group first-come first-served or reservation?

Sheep Pass Group accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Sheep Pass Group before I book?

Yes! Sheep Pass Group has 10 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Sheep Pass Group?

Sheep Pass Group is open January 01 to December 31. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Sheep Pass Group?

Sheep Pass Group does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Sheep Pass Group have?

Sheep Pass Group has 6 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Sheep Pass Group?

Yes, pets are allowed at Sheep Pass Group. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Sheep Pass Group?

Sheep Pass Group offers: Restrooms, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Sheep Pass Group?

Popular activities at Sheep Pass Group include Hiking, Climbing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Sheep Pass Group

Q: Can I have a campfire at Sheep Pass Group?

Fire policies at Sheep Pass Group: Don’t Move Firewood : Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood near the park and burning it on-site, and do not use park vegetation, living or dead, for fuel.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.62

283 reviews

74485 National Park Dr, Twentynine Palms, CA 92277, USA

Featured in:Joshua Tree#1 Camping Near Joshua Tree National Park#2 Southern California

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

4,500 ft

Price

$55/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

6 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Book on National Park Service Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

4,500 ft

Price

$55/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

6 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Book on National Park Service Official Website

Get Directions

Sheep Pass Group

$55.00 - $55.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP TENT ONLY AREA NONELECTRIC-206524: $55.00; GROUP TENT ONLY AREA NONELECTRIC-206527: $55.00; GROUP TENT ONLY AREA NONELECTRIC: $55.00. Plus...

Group Site Fee$55.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

760-367-5554cynthia_lasala@nps.gov

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Sheep Pass Group

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Campground Map

74485 National Park Dr, Twentynine Palms, CA 92277, USA

Sheep Pass Group

74485 National Park Dr, Twentynine Palms, CA 92277, USA

Nearby places

Joshua Tree (approximately 8 miles, 15-minute drive), Twentynine Palms (13 miles, 20-minute drive), Palm Springs (approximately 50 miles, 1-hour drive).

Weather at Sheep Pass Group

Current alerts(12)

$30 per vehicle entrance fee is in addition to camping fee. Passes can be purchased ahead of time here.
All organized events require a special use permit and must be held in designated areas; contact the Special Park Use Coordinator , jeannie_wilson@nps.gov
Download the NPS app prior to visiting the park – trail maps and more!
Each visitor may only reserve 3 group sites for a specific date.

Best Time to Camp at Sheep Pass Group

Best season: fall. Fall offers the most comfortable desert conditions — daytime highs are typically in the 70s–low 90s°F and nights drop into the 40s–50s°F, ideal for scrambling over warm boulders and overnight group camping. Joshua trees and rock formations are at their most pleasant to explore without the summer heat, and wildlife viewing (kit foxes at dusk, birds of prey) is excellent. Crowds are generally moderate — quieter than winter holiday weekends but busier on pleasant fall weekends — making it easy to享e Peak months: October, November, March, April Avoid: June, July, August

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Spring is favorable with mild temps and high visitation Oct–May for outdoor activities.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: January 01 to December 31. Book 2-3 months ahead.

About Sheep Pass Group

Sheep Pass Group sits in the high desert of Joshua Tree National Park, operated by the National Park Service near Twentynine Palms. This primitive group campground offers vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables among signature boulder formations and Joshua tree groves. Climbers and hikers use it as a basecamp for scrambling routes and backcountry exploration during the cooler months when the park operates seasonal sites.

Sheep Pass Group Campground is exclusively for group tent camping and prohibits RVs and trailers. It offers six large tent-only sites suited for group bookings.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the most comfortable desert conditions — daytime highs are typically in the 70s–low 90s°F and nights drop into the 40s–50s°F, ideal for scrambling over warm boulders and overnight group camping. Joshua trees and rock formations are at their most pleasant to explore without the summer heat, and wildlife viewing (kit foxes at dusk, birds of prey) is excellent. Crowds are generally moderate — quieter than winter holiday weekends but busier on pleasant fall weekends — making it easy to享e Peak months: October, November, March, April Avoid: June, July, August

Elevation4500 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryAncient volcanic rock formations dominate the landscape here, their weathered surfaces creating towers and outcroppings that glow gold and purple at sunrise. Joshua trees twist skyward between the boulders, flanked by chollas and barrel cacti adapted to the Mojave's extremes. Kit foxes move through camp after dark. Ravens circle overhead during the day. Rattlesnakes emerge in evening cool. When winter rains come, wildflowers briefly carpet the sandy washes between rock piles. The elevation keeps things a few degrees cooler than lower desert camps, but the exposed sites catch wind.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe campground does not offer any hotel-style lodging or alternative accommodations.

Programs & ActivitiesNo information is provided regarding cultural or educational programs.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Group camping requirements include at least 7 campers per site.

Groups

Group sites can accommodate larger gatherings, with space for multiple tents. There is a minimum camper requirement per site. Specific reviews mention groups of up to 15 tents fitting comfortably.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made at Recreation.gov or via the call center at 888-448-1474.

AccessibilityThe campground itself does not provide specific accessibility features, and the uneven terrain with boulders may present challenges for individuals with mobility impairments.

Site SizeThe sites are described as spacious, with groups of 12-15 tents commonly accommodated.

PrivacySites are well-spaced and provide a reasonable level of privacy, though noise from neighboring groups can occasionally be an issue.

Total Campsites6 campsites

Recommended SitesSites near hillsides (e.g., Sites 1, 2, or 3) are suggested to avoid stronger winds. "If we camped here again, we would try for one of the sites closer to the hillside.

Best CampsitesGroup Site #1 earns frequent praise for isolation and views. Campers call it the spot to escape crowds within the campground itself. The other five sites sit closer together among the rock formations, offering less separation but similar access to boulders and trails.

Need help booking Sheep Pass Group?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

This campground is limited to tent camping only; recreational vehicles and habitable trailers are prohibited. Electrical hookups and drinking water are not provided. Potable water is available at the Oasis Visitor Center or West Entrance, 13 miles away.

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Group Sites

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Visitors to Sheep Pass Group Campground can enjoy a variety of activities, including hiking, rock climbing, and stargazing. The campground is centrally located for easy access to popular trails and rock formations.

Hiking

Climbing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available at Sheep Pass Group Campground. Only vault toilets are provided.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Fire PolicyDon’t Move Firewood : Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood near the park and burning it on-site, and do not use park vegetation, living or dead, for fuel.

Trash & RecyclingTrash bins are available at the sites, and campers are encouraged to use them to maintain the cleanliness of the area.

Cell CoverageCell phone reception is sparse throughout the park, with limited pockets of service reported by campers.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.6

283 reviews

Top-Rated

Sheep Pass Group is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

Overall, Sheep Pass Group Campground is highly regarded for its scenic beauty, cleanliness, and spacious group sites. However, some visitors have raised concerns about noise levels due to lack of ranger oversight.

Review Summaries

Based on 283 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 283 reviews.

site #1Loved
Group site #1 is highlighted as spacious and ideal for avoiding crowds.
Site #3Loved
Site #3 is praised for its proximity to climbing spots but noted for occasional foot traffic through the site.

What Campers Love

Visitors frequently praise the stunning views, clean facilities, and ample space for group camping. Stargazing is often cited as a highlight due to low light pollution.

Based on 283 reviews

Common Concerns

Key complaints include noise from neighboring campsites, occasional overcrowding, and the lack of potable water. Some visitors also noted issues with unauthorized individuals intruding on their sites.

Based on 283 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing sufficient water, warm clothing for chilly nights, and shade structures for hot daytime temperatures. Early booking is advised due to high demand.

Based on 283 reviews

Seasonal Insights

High visitation occurs from October to May due to favorable temperatures. Summer months see fewer visitors because of extreme heat. Winds are reported to be strong in winter.

Based on 283 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The stars are amazing! Facilities are close by and the site was very clean." - Chris Cumpian. "Great campground for family or a large group. We managed to fit about 15 tents plus have plenty of room...

Based on 283 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific reviews mention accessibility features or issues.

Based on 283 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed but must be leashed. Reviewers caution against leaving pets unattended and emphasize the importance of proper pet management to avoid disturbances.

Based on 283 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You're organizing a group climbing trip and want a primitive basecamp under dark skies in Joshua Tree.

Skip if

You need ranger oversight for quiet hours or want protection from strong desert winds.

Nearby Campgrounds

Ryan Campground, Park Boulevard, Twentynine Palms, CA 92277

Ryan Campground sits in the heart of Joshua Tree National Park, operated by the National Park Service near Twentynine Palms. This mid-sized campground offers tent, RV, and primitive sites among striking desert rock formations at mid-elevation, with vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables. Campers use it as a base for hiking, rock climbing, and wildlife viewing throughout the park's iconic landscape.