Mid-Hills Campground

4.28

32 reviews

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

Stargazing

Quick Facts

5,600 ft

Price

$12/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

26 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Opens booking site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

February 2026

Quick Facts

5,600 ft

Price

$12/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

26 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Opens booking site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

February 2026

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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Provider

MOJA_Superintendent@nps.gov

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What Campers Say

4.28

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

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.

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.

Best Time to Camp at Mid-Hills Campground

At 5,600 feet, Mid-Hills enjoys a delightfully different climate from the scorching desert valleys below, with temperatures often 15-20 degrees cooler than the Mojave floor. Mountain breezes frequently sweep across the campground, bringing welcome relief but also reminding visitors to secure their gear. While the elevation provides natural air conditioning, summer visitors should note that water sources can become scarce during peak heat months, making it essential to arrive well-prepared with ample supplies.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.5 / 5

Cooler than Mojave floor making summer more pleasant, but still exposed and windy.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Visitors recommend cooler months; fall likely offers very pleasant conditions.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.5 / 5

Spring likely comfortable as a cooler-season pick; reviews generally favor cooler months.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.0 / 5

Higher elevation implies colder temps; no info on snow or closures, road issues possible.

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

Perched at 5,600 feet above the desert floor, Mid-Hills Campground offers a refreshing mountain retreat where cooler breezes replace the intense heat of the Mojave below. This secluded sanctuary features 26 thoughtfully spaced campsites, with half nestled beneath the protective canopy of resilient pinyon pines and junipers that weathered the transformative 2005 Hackberry Fire. Here, primitive camping meets profound tranquility, creating an authentic wilderness experience where the loudest sounds come from wind whispering through ancient trees and your own campfire crackling under star-filled 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 SignificanceThe landscape surrounding Mid-Hills tells a dramatic story of resilience and renewal following the 2005 Hackberry Fire, which swept through these mountains and forever changed the ecosystem. Today, the campground stands as a testament to nature's remarkable ability to heal and adapt, with new growth emerging alongside fire-scarred veterans. Situated within the vast Mojave National Preserve, the site serves as an ideal base camp for exploring nearby wonders like the volcanic cinder cones of Cima Dome and the singing sands of Kelso Dunes, each holding their own chapters in the desert's geological autobiography.

Weather and SeasonsAt 5,600 feet, Mid-Hills enjoys a delightfully different climate from the scorching desert valleys below, with temperatures often 15-20 degrees cooler than the Mojave floor. Mountain breezes frequently sweep across the campground, bringing welcome relief but also reminding visitors to secure their gear. While the elevation provides natural air conditioning, summer visitors should note that water sources can become scarce during peak heat months, making it essential to arrive well-prepared with ample supplies.

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 SceneryDespite bearing the artistic scars of the 2005 Hackberry Fire, Mid-Hills reveals a hauntingly beautiful landscape where charred sentinels stand alongside thriving pinyon pines and aromatic junipers. The fire's legacy has opened spectacular vistas that veteran campers describe as offering 'stellar views of the sky' - an understatement for the jaw-dropping celestial display that unfolds nightly above this beautifully situated refuge. The interplay of weathered wood, resilient greenery, and expansive views creates a photographer's paradise where every angle tells a story of destruction, survival, and renewal.

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.

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 campground consists of 26 well-spaced sites, offering privacy for visitors. Some sites are sheltered by pinyon pine and juniper trees.

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

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.

HikingUser reviews and the official content mention opportunities for hiking in this area. A reviewer shared, 'the possibility of exploring, there are hikes available within the Mojave Preserve.'

ClimbingClimbing opportunities may be available in nearby natural areas such as rocky outcrops, boulders, or cliff faces. Visitors should bring appropriate gear and check local regulations or park guidelines before attempting any climbs.

Wildlife viewingThe campground is in a region where visitors might observe desert wildlife, although no specific animals were highlighted.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

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

Reviews

4.3

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