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.

Facilities

Natural Features

Recreation

Important Notices

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

• Reservations required and can be made the day of visit on Recreation.gov depending on availability. Please claim a site only if a reservation has been made and be prepared to show your reservation confirmation via screenshot or printout.

• 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. 

• Each visitor may only reserve 3 group sites for a specific date. 

• For changes, cancellations or refunds call Recreation.gov at 888-448-1474. For specific campground questions call 760-367-5554. For additional park information visit www.nps.gov/jotr

• This campground is limited to tent camping only; recreational vehicles and habitable trailers are prohibited.

• There is no overflow parking. You are responsible for reading the details for the campsite you reserve. The number of vehicles allowed in group sites varies depending on the space available.

• $30 per vehicle entrance fee is in addition to camping fee. Passes can be purchased ahead of time here.  

• Potable water is available at the Oasis Visitor Center or West Entrance, 13 miles away.

• Pets are not allowed on trails but are welcome in the campground, on any dirt road or within 100 feet of any road. Pets must be on a leash no more than 6 feet long at all times. Pets may not be left unattended or tied to an object; leaving pets in unattended vehicles is strongly discouraged – especially on warm days.

• 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.

• 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

• FIRE BAN fire restriction are currently in effect that prohibit charcoal fires, wood-burning fires, and charcoal grills. NO Fires! Only gas or propane stoves are permitted. Starting June 15, ending October 1st of every year.

Notifications and Alerts

• Due to ongoing construction at the new West Entrance Station in the town of Joshua Tree, the West Entrance will be closed from December 3 through December 5.

  During this time, please use one of the following alternative entrances:

  • North Entrance in the City of Twentynine Palms

  • Cottonwood Entrance off the I-10 Freeway

  We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to improve park facilities.

  Thank you.

• Please be advised that from December 3 through December 19, the restrooms and water fill station at the West Entrance will be temporarily closed due to ongoing maintenance.

  We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding as we work to improve visitor services.

  Thank you for your continued support.

Available Activities

• PICNICKING - Picnic Tables
• HIKING - Hiking
• CAMPING - Camping
• CLIMBING - Rock Climbing

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.

Cancellation Policy

<p><strong>Reservation Cancellations & Changes</strong></p> <p>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).</p> <p><strong>Changing an Existing Reservation:</strong> </p> <p>When changes are made prior to the cut-off window:</p> <p>If a customer wants to switch dates that are entirely outside of the original reservation dates, there is a $10 change fee.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>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. </p> <p><strong>Late Cancellations or Cancellations within the Cut-off Window </strong></p> <p>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. </p> <p>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).</p> <p><strong>No-Shows</strong></p> <p>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. </p> <p>No-shows are assessed $20.00 service fee and forfeit the first night’s recreation fee for a campsite. </p> <p>*Note: the entire reservation will be cancelled for no-shows. </p>

Contact Information

Phone: 760-367-5554

Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip