How much does camping cost at Mid-Hills Campground?

Camping fees at Mid-Hills Campground range from $12/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

Can I see photos of campsites at Mid-Hills Campground before I book?

Yes! Mid-Hills Campground has 9 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.

Are there showers at Mid-Hills Campground?

Mid-Hills Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Mid-Hills Campground have?

Mid-Hills Campground has 26 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Mid-Hills Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Mid-Hills Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Mid-Hills Campground?

Mid-Hills Campground offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Mid-Hills Campground?

Popular activities at Mid-Hills Campground include Hiking, Wildlife Viewing, Climbing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Mid-Hills Campground

Q: Is Mid-Hills Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Mid-Hills Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. All campsites are first-come-first-served, with no reservations accepted. Users should arrive early, especially during weekends and peak holiday times.

4.03

32 reviews

P.O. Box 56, Essex, CA, 92332, USA

Stargazing

Featured in:Hidden Gem Campgrounds California

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

5,600 ft

Price

$12/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

26 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Book Online Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

5,600 ft

Price

$12/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

26 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Book Online Official Website

Get Directions

Mid-Hills Campground

$12.00 - $12.00 / night

Campsite Fees

The campsite fee is $12 per night, as mentioned in user reviews. Firewood and other amenities are not included in the fee.

Standard Site Fee$12.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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What Campers Say

4.03

Satisfactory

Based on 32 reviews

30 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peacefulcleansites

"Campers consistently praise the quiet and secluded nature of Mid-Hills Campground. The lack of water and poor road conditions are common complaints. Despite these challenges, users highlight the stellar skies and spacious campsites as major draws."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

P.O. Box 56, Essex, CA, 92332, USA

Mid-Hills Campground

P.O. Box 56, Essex, CA, 92332, USA

Nearby places

Essex, CA: Approximately 10 miles away (location of nearest contact station at Hole-in-the-Wall).

Nearby supplies

Water is not available at the campground. Visitors are advised to bring their own water and supplies. Firewood is also not available for purchase.

Driving directionsMid-Hills Campground is located at the north end of Wildhorse Canyon Road and can be reached from the north via Cedar Canyon Road or from the south via Black Canyon Road. Roads leading into the campground are unpaved and not recommended for motorhomes and trailers.

Road access is unpaved and somewhat steep, making it unsuitable for large motorhomes or trailers. It is recommended to drive cautiously due to rough and damaged roads.

Best Time to Camp at Mid-Hills Campground

Fall brings mid-60s to low-70s°F days and 30s to 40s°F nights, making it the most comfortable season for hiking and wildlife viewing. The elevation keeps summer temperatures 15-20 degrees cooler than the valleys below, but water becomes scarce during peak heat. Wind is common year-round and can gust hard enough to flatten poorly secured tents. Crowds stay light to moderate in fall, improving stargazing and campsite availability.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 11% in CA

Fall described as most comfortable: mid-60s to low-70s days and 30s–40s nights for hiking.

Planning Tips

Current Alerts: Alerts include rough and damaged roads within the Mojave National Preserve and the closure of the Kelso Depot Visitor Center until 2026.

About Mid-Hills Campground

Mid-Hills Campground sits at 5,600 feet in Mojave National Preserve, where pinyon pines and junipers provide shade and cooler temperatures than the desert floor below. The 26 primitive sites are spread out for privacy, with fees at $12 per night. No water on-site, and the access road is rough, but campers return for the quiet and the night skies.

Mid-Hills Campground offers primitive camping, primarily catering to tent campers and smaller vehicles. Sites are not reservable and operate on a first-come, first-served basis.

Historical Significance

The 2005 Hackberry Fire swept through Mid-Hills, leaving charred trees alongside new growth. The campground now sits in a landscape shaped by that event, with fire-scarred pinyons standing next to thriving junipers. The preserve's broader geology tells an older story: volcanic cinder cones at Cima Dome and the singing sands of Kelso Dunes lie within day-trip distance.

Weather and SeasonsFall brings mid-60s to low-70s°F days and 30s to 40s°F nights, making it the most comfortable season for hiking and wildlife viewing. The elevation keeps summer temperatures 15-20 degrees cooler than the valleys below, but water becomes scarce during peak heat. Wind is common year-round and can gust hard enough to flatten poorly secured tents. Crowds stay light to moderate in fall, improving stargazing and campsite availability.

ElevationRising 5,600 feet into the crisp desert air, Mid-Hills Campground occupies a sweet spot where the harsh Mojave Desert yields to cooler mountain environments. This elevation creates a unique microclimate that feels worlds away from the baking lowlands, offering campers a chance to experience the desert's gentler side where morning mists occasionally drift through camp and evening temperatures invite cozy campfire gatherings.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies high desert terrain where volcanic formations, limestone peaks, and granite mountains converge. Pinyon pines and junipers dot the landscape, some bearing scars from the 2005 Hackberry Fire. The elevated position opens up views across the preserve's diverse geology. At night, the skies are exceptional. Reviewers mention stellar stargazing, and the lack of light pollution makes the Milky Way visible on clear nights. Wind moves through the pines regularly, sometimes strong enough to require heavy-duty tent stakes.

Geological RegionMid-Hills Campground rests within the magnificent tapestry of the Mojave National Preserve, where ancient geological forces have sculpted a high desert wonderland at 5,600 feet. This elevated desert ecosystem supports a surprising diversity of life, from the aromatic pinyon pines and twisted junipers to the unique flora that emerges after fire. The campground's position offers glimpses into the Mojave's complex geological personality - a place where volcanic formations, limestone peaks, and granite mountains converge to create one of the most diverse desert landscapes in North America.

Scenic ViewsThe campground offers 'spectacular views' and is praised for its clear, starry skies, making it an ideal spot for stargazing.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere are no hotel-style lodges at this campground, as indicated in both user reviews and official documentation.

Programs & ActivitiesThere is no mention of cultural or educational programs in the authoritative content or user reviews.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Groups

No information about group camping features is provided.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutThe 26 sites spread out across the campground, giving good separation between neighbors. Some sites sit under pinyon pine and juniper canopy, others are more exposed. Spacing is generous enough that reviewers mention privacy as a consistent feature.

Walk-in AvailabilityAll campsites are first-come-first-served, with no reservations accepted. Users should arrive early, especially during weekends and peak holiday times.

Cancellation PolicyReservations are not accepted at this campground, so no formal cancellation policy applies.

AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are mentioned in the authoritative content or user reviews.

Site SizeThe campsites are described as large and spacious. One review stated, 'The spaces are large and have plenty of privacy from other campers.

PrivacyThe campsites offer good privacy due to being spread out. A reviewer noted, 'The camping spots are spread out giving you some privacy.

Total Campsites26 campsites

Recommended SitesSites on top of the hill are recommended for the best views, according to user reviews.

Amenities available

Mid-Hills Campground is a secluded site located in Mojave National Preserve. The campground offers a peaceful environment with 26 campsites, some of which are surrounded by pinyon pine and juniper trees that survived the 2005 Hackberry Fire. Lack of on-site water availability and a remote location make it necessary for visitors to come prepared. The campsites include fire pits/grates and picnic tables, and the campground is noted for its serene environment and stellar night skies.

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

The Mid-Hills Campground offers a variety of activities suitable for nature enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy stellar night skies, hiking, and exploring nearby desert and forest environments.

Hiking

Climbing

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsThe campground is accessed by rough, unpaved roads that can be challenging for non-4x4 vehicles. Additionally, there is no water available at the campground, and firewood must be brought in by visitors.

Active AlertsAlerts include rough and damaged roads within the Mojave National Preserve and the closure of the Kelso Depot Visitor Center until 2026.

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

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Emergency ServicesThe nearest National Park Service contact station is at Hole-in-the-Wall, approximately 10 miles away. There is no detailed information on nearby hospitals or police stations.

Trash & RecyclingNo trash or recycling facilities are explicitly mentioned, but visitors are urged to 'pack in what you pack out.'

Water FeaturesNo water features are directly mentioned in the source materials.

Weather at Mid-Hills Campground

Trip Planning Tools

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

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.0

32 reviews

Satisfactory

Mid-Hills Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

Campers consistently praise the quiet and secluded nature of Mid-Hills Campground. The lack of water and poor road conditions are common complaints. Despite these challenges, users highlight the stellar skies and spacious campsites as major draws.

Review Summaries

Based on 32 reviews

What Campers Love

Secluded and peaceful campsites, beautiful night skies, clean bathroom facilities, and respectful fellow campers.

Based on 32 reviews

Common Concerns

No water availability on-site, rough and steep access roads, lack of cell phone service, and exposure to winds.

Based on 32 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring your own firewood and plenty of water, as these are not available on-site. Use heavy-duty tent stakes to stabilize tents due to potential high winds. Travel in a vehicle suited for unpaved...

Based on 32 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Visitors recommend camping during cooler months due to the desert setting. Reviews frequently highlight the pleasant weather at 5,600 feet elevation compared to the hotter desert floor.

Based on 32 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Very very quiet and peaceful. Has fire pits/grates and a picnic table. Views of the sky were stellar.' - Keiana Lopez 2. 'The camping spots are spread out giving you some privacy. It also has...

Based on 32 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Multiple users mentioned that the best campsites are located on top of the hill, offering better views and privacy.

Based on 32 reviews

Accessibility Features

No reviews specifically addressing accessibility features were provided.

Based on 32 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No specific reviews related to pet policies or experiences were provided.

Based on 32 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Nearby Campgrounds

Mojave National Preserve

Mid Hills Campground sits at 5,600 feet in Mojave National Preserve, tucked beneath pinyon pine and juniper that survived the 2005 Hackberry Fire. The campground draws visitors looking for solitude and dark skies, with sites scattered across both wooded and open terrain. No water is available on site, and the unpaved access roads require careful driving.

Hole-In-The-Wall Campground

P.O. Box 56, Essex, CA, 92332, USA

Hole-in-the-Wall Campground sits at 4,400 feet in the heart of Mojave National Preserve, surrounded by volcanic rock formations carved from ancient tuff. The 35 sites accommodate RVs up to 33 feet and tents, with two walk-in sites for added seclusion. Fees run $6-12 per night. The campground's location where three deserts converge creates access to trails through volcanic canyons and natural rock amphitheaters.

$6.00 - $12.00 / night

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Hole-In-The-Wall Campground

Mojave National Preserve

Hole-in-the-Wall Campground sits at 4,400 feet in Mojave National Preserve, surrounded by sculptured volcanic rock walls. The campground has 38 tent sites with basic amenities and offers quiet, remote camping with dramatic desert scenery and access to hiking trails. Fees run around $12 per night.

Black Canyon Group And Equestrian Campground

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Black Canyon Group and Equestrian Campground accommodates groups of 15 to 50 people in the heart of Mojave National Preserve. The campground has six sites with fees ranging from $15 to $50 per night. Horse owners get six corrals measuring 18x18 feet each, and the group area includes eight covered picnic tables. At 4,318 feet elevation, the site stays cleaner and cooler than lower desert campgrounds.

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10.385 km

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Black Canyon Group And Equestrian Campground

Mojave National Preserve

Black Canyon Group and Equestrian Campground sits remote and quiet in the Mojave Desert at 4,318 feet, offering two large group sites built for parties and horse campers. Rangers keep the facilities clean, the pit toilets well-maintained, and the atmosphere peaceful. Reservations for the equestrian site go through the Kelso office.

Providence Mountains State Recreation Campground

Providence Mountains State Recreation Area, PO Box #1, Essex, CA 92332

Five tent sites sit at 4,300 feet in the Providence Mountains, accessible via the rough Essex Road. The campground is base camp for Mitchell Caverns tours, the main attraction here. Sites cost $20 per night. No water on-site. Cell service is spotty to nonexistent.

$20.00 - $20.00 / night

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Campgrounds

Mojave National Preserve

Mid-Hills Campground

About Mojave National Preserve

Context for the broader area surrounding Mid-Hills Campground, sourced from the federal Recreation.gov rec-area record.

Mojave preserves a diverse mosaic of ecological habitats and a 10,000 year history of human connection with the desert. Offering extensive opportunities to experience desert landscapes, the preserve promotes understanding and appreciation for the increasingly threatened resources of the Mojave Desert. This remote preserve encourages a sense of discovery and a connection to wild places.

Directions

Note: There is no fuel inside the Preserve. Please fill up with gas BEFORE you enter. Park headquarters in Barstow, California is 60 miles from the Preserve, and offers maps, a bookstore and information. Our main visitor center, Kelso Depot, is located inside the Preserve, 95 miles east of Barstow, and 90 miles west of Las Vegas, at the intersection of Kelso-Cima and Kelbaker Roads.