Mid Hills Campground

Star2.69
52 reviews
Mid Hills Campground

Quick Facts

5,600 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

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Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

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Opens Mojave National Preserve (National Park Service) site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

February 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

February 2026
Mid Hills Campground
No fees available
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
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
(760) 252-6100
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What Campers Say

2.69

Mixed Reviews

Based on 52 reviews

30 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanshadesites

"Reviewers overwhelmingly love Mid Hills Campground for its seclusion, desert scenery, and spacious, quiet sites, with most ratings at 4–5 stars. Campers describe it as beautiful, open, and peaceful, though remote access, lack of water, and windy conditions are recurring challenges."

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Campground Map

Mid Hills Campground

Mid Hills Campground

35.1234, -115.4331

Driving directionsFrom Los Angeles, Barstow, and Joshua Tree via Interstate 40: Exit Essex Road and drive north for 10 miles and turn right at the junction to Black Canyon Road. Continue for 16 miles and turn left at Wild Horse Canyon Rd. Continue for 2.5 miles to the campground. Roads leading to Mid Hills after Hole-in-the-Wall Information Center are unpaved and not recommended for motorhomes and trailers. From Death Valley and Las Vegas via Interstate 15: From the Kelbaker Road, Cima Road, or Nipton Road entrances, make your way to Kelso-Cima Road and turn east onto Cedar Canyon Road. Continue onto Cedar Canyon Road for 6 miles and turn right onto Black Canyon Road for 3 miles. Turn right onto Wild Horse Canyon Road for 2.5 miles.
Access via Interstate 40 (Essex Road) or Interstate 15 (via Kelbaker/Cima/Nipton routes) with the final roads to Mid Hills unpaved and somewhat steep. Roads after Hole-in-the-Wall Information Center are unpaved and not recommended for motorhomes and trailers; high-clearance/4WD is recommended for more remote routes.
Nearby places
Los Angeles
Barstow
Joshua Tree
Las Vegas
Death Valley (distances not provided)

Best Time to Camp at Mid Hills Campground

The campground's lofty elevation of 5,600 feet creates a dramatically different climate than the desert valleys below, offering a welcome respite from extreme heat. While the desert floor shimmers in triple-digit temperatures, Mid Hills remains noticeably cooler, making it an ideal retreat during warmer months. Visitors should check current conditions and seasonal accessibility before planning their trip, as specific opening and closing dates vary.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.5 / 5

Elevation offers respite from valley heat, but wind and remoteness remain issues.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Mild temps and good hiking/wildlife viewing make fall favorable for visits.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Seasonal wildflower displays and pleasant temps make spring a top season.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
3.0 / 5

Cooler conditions at elevation; winter camping possible but colder and windier.

Planning Tips

    About Mid Hills Campground

    Perched at 5,600 feet in the heart of Mojave National Preserve, Mid Hills Campground offers a refreshing escape from the scorching desert floor below. This remote sanctuary sits beneath a canopy of pinyon pine and juniper, where winding unpaved roads lead adventurous travelers to a cooler, quieter corner of the Mojave—though you'll need to bring your own water for this off-grid desert experience.
    Campsites include tent areas and parking for 1–2 vehicles; the site is remote with minimal services and an unpaved, somewhat steep access road. No on-site water is provided.
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    Amenities available

    Fire rings
    Picnic tables
    Vault toilets

    Activities you can enjoy

    The preserve offers extensive opportunities for desert recreation including numerous hikes, historic route driving (4WD/high-clearance recommended), wildlife viewing, and seasonal wildflower viewing. Several named hikes and attractions are highlighted for visitors.
    HikingMojave National Preserve offers many hikes and popular trails/attractions are noted (examples in nearby areas include Kelso Dunes, Rings Loop — 1.5 miles, Barber Peak loop, Lava Tube, and Teutonia Peak). Some routes require high-clearance or 4WD vehicles.
    Wildlife viewingThe preserve supports diverse plant and animal life across multiple desert habitats; Zzyzx is specifically noted as a great birding location due to its pond. Wildflower viewing across the preserve is also highlighted.
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    Policies & Safety

    Hazards & AlertsUnpaved, somewhat steep access roads; sections not suitable for motorhomes or trailers. Some areas burned in past wildfires (Hackberry Fire 2005; Teutonia Peak area burned in August 2020). Remote roads and routes may require high-clearance/4WD. Mines are hazardous—do not enter. No potable water at the campground.
    No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

    Weather at Mid Hills Campground

    Reviews

    2.7
    52 reviews
    Mixed Reviews
    Mixed Reviews
    Mid Hills Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
    Reviewers overwhelmingly love Mid Hills Campground for its seclusion, desert scenery, and spacious, quiet sites, with most ratings at 4–5 stars. Campers describe it as beautiful, open, and peaceful, though remote access, lack of water, and windy conditions are recurring challenges.
    Review Summaries
    Based on 52 reviews

    What Campers Love

    Campers praise the spectacular desert and valley views, dark skies for stargazing, and the sense of solitude—many report having the campground largely to themselves. Sites are described as large,...
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    Based on 52 reviews

    Common Concerns

    The most common complaints are about the road in: multiple reviewers describe it as washboarded, bumpy, or sketchy for passenger cars, with one warning it’s not suitable without 4x4 and noting a...
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    Based on 52 reviews

    Pro Tips & Recommendations

    Reviewers strongly advise bringing all the water you’ll need, as there is no running water in camp; some note the nearest water is at Hole-in-the-Wall visitor center. They recommend driving in slowly...
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    Based on 52 reviews

    Camper Quotes

    "Beautiful camping in the middle of nowhere. Only bad thing is the water near our camp was not working." "Very very quiet and peacfull… Views of the sky were stellar… Very Clean bathrooms… Would...
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    Based on 52 reviews

    Accessibility Features

    Road access is a significant issue: several reviewers describe a poor washboard or bumpy dirt road, one calls it “sketchy for passenger cars,” and another reports a sign advising not to attempt the...
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    Based on 52 reviews

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    Last updated February 2, 2026
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