Within Mojave National Preserve, Mid Hills Campground sits at higher elevation among juniper trees and pinyon pines, offering a cooler alternative to the desert floor below. The National Park Service maintains this 26-site campground at $20 per night, with water hookups available for RVs up to 20 feet. Campers can reserve sites in advance or arrive first-come, first-served.
The campground loops through terrain shaped by a 2005 fire, creating distinct zones for different camping preferences. Northern sites retain more tree cover and wind protection, while southern sites offer more open exposure. Nikki found "privacy, fire rings, standing grills, table, but most importantly quiet" during her stay. Sites on the loop's outer edge provide views across surrounding mountain ranges, with some campers reporting temperature drops of 10 degrees compared to lower elevations.
Access requires navigating rough dirt roads that can challenge low-clearance vehicles, though Torrance notes "a freaking Prius made it" during dry conditions. The washboard sections of Cedar Canyon and Black Canyon roads create bumpy approaches. Cell service remains spotty throughout the area, with Verizon users finding 2-3 bars near site 24 on higher ground. Wildlife sightings include deer, jackrabbits, kangaroo rats, and various lizard species.
The campground's remote location places it an hour from the nearest gas and food services, requiring campers to arrive well-stocked. Water availability has been intermittent due to system repairs, making it essential to bring backup supplies. Sites accommodate both tent and RV camping, with spacious layouts that can fit multiple vehicles and tents. For those exploring the broader preserve, campsites near Mojave National Preserve include the more exposed Hole-in-the-Wall Campground 6 miles southeast.
Mid Hills works best for self-sufficient campers who value cooler temperatures, tree cover, and minimal crowds over convenient amenities.
Description
Overview
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. The Hackberry Fire swept through the Mid Hills area in 2005, burning much of the vegetation. About half of campsites were left unburned and remain surrounded by pinyon pine and juniper trees. At 5,600 feet in elevation, Mid Hills is much cooler than the desert floor below. The access road is unpaved and somewhat steep and is therefore not recommended for large motor homes or trailers. Water is not available at this campground.
Recreation
There are over 1.6 million acres to explore. The popular main attractions are accessible by paved and unpaved roads and more remote areas of the park will require a high clearance, 4WD vehicle. Check out the must see highlights: Mojave National Preserve Must See Highlights Explore the preserve off the beaten path! Take your street legal vehicle along the historic Mojave Road or visit the multitude of canyons and mining roads. Be sure to have high clearance and 4WD. Do not enter mines. 4WD Routes Mojave offers many hikes to choose! Hiking Visit Zzyzx and learn about its history. It is also a great birding location due to its pond.
Facilities
Each campsite contains 1-2 vehicle parking spots, picnic table, fire ring, and tent area. Vault toilets are available around the campground. No water is available.
Natural Features
Three of the four major North American deserts are found at Mojave National Preserve: the Mojave, Great Basin, and Sonoran. Dozens of seeps and springs coupled with varied elevations and soil types create microhabitats that support a diversity of plant and animal life. Cactus gardens, relict plant communities of white fir and chaparral and the densest, largest Joshua tree forest are all found here. Geologically, the region is just as diverse as it is ecologically. Mountain ranges, dry riverbeds, great mesas, towering sand dunes, striking cinders cones, domes and lava flows define Mojave. Ancient rocks that date back to 2.5 billion years old have been discovered in the Clark Mountains. Set out to search for the blooms across the preserve: Wildflowers Visit the worlds largest Joshua Tree forest around the Cima Dome area.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (760) 252-6100.
Nearby Attractions
Popular Hikes: Kelso Dunes - Hike to the top of our most popular sand dune! Rings Loop 1.5 miles, Discover how Hole-in-the-Wall got its name as you ascend narrow Banshee Canyon with the help of metal rings mounted in the rock. Barber Peak - This loop trail encircles Barber Peak just west of Hole-in-the-Wall Campground. Lava Tube - Explore an underground wonder! High clearance vehicle recommended. Teutonia Peak - A mixed Joshua tree forest and Joshua tree graveyard beckon en route to a rocky peak with expansive views of Cima Dome and beyond! This area burned in August 2020.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Private CampgroundMid Hills Campground — Mojave National Preserve is located in California
Directions
From 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.
Coordinates
35.123425 N
115.433098 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
Features
For Campers
- Reservable
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Water Hookups
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 13 min from Las Vegas, NV
- 3 hrs 7 min from Lake Havasu City, AZ
- 3 hrs 41 min from St. George, UT
- 4 hrs 54 min from El Centro, CA
