Mid Hills Campground
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.
More like this: reservable in California · pets allowed in California
Check availability on Recreation.gov ↗
Site mix
| Standard, no hookups | 25 |
| Host/management | 1 |
Site guide
Will my RV fit
The longest site here provides 20 feet of vehicle capacity. Most sites are shorter.
25 sites. Tap a filter to narrow the list; the map follows.
| Site | Entry | Fits, ft | Surface | Shade | Water / sewer | People / vehicles | Fires | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Back-in | 20 | Gravel | None | No / – | 8 / 1 | Yes | Standard |
| 2 | Back-in | 20 | Gravel | None | No / – | 8 / 2 | Yes | Standard |
| 3 | Back-in | 20 | Gravel | None | No / – | 8 / 1 | Yes | Standard |
| 4 | Back-in | 20 | Gravel | None | No / – | 8 / 2 | Yes | Standard |
| 5 | Back-in | 20 | Gravel | None | No / – | 8 / 1 | Yes | Standard |
| 6 | Back-in | 20 | Gravel | None | No / – | 8 / 2 | Yes | Standard |
| 7 | Back-in | 20 | Gravel | None | No / – | 8 / 2 | Yes | Standard |
| 8 | Back-in | 20 | Gravel | None | No / – | 8 / 1 | Yes | Preferred |
| 9 | Back-in | 20 | Gravel | None | No / – | 8 / 2 | Yes | Standard |
| 11 | Back-in | 20 | Gravel | None | No / – | 8 / 2 | Yes | Standard |
Per-site records as published by the managing agency on Recreation.gov. Blank cells mean the agency listed nothing for that site. Check-in 01:00 PM, checkout 12:00 PM.
Amenities & rules
| Hookups | None |
| Max vehicle length | 20 ft |
| Equipment | RVs & trailers, Tents |
| Pets | Allowed |
| Campfires | Allowed, subject to restrictions |
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.
Individual sites vary. Confirm on Recreation.gov or with the managing office.
Weather by month
Getting there
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.
| Nearest town | Barstow, California |
| Coordinates | 35.1234° N, 115.4331° W · Directions ↗ |
Good to know
- Water is not available at this campground.
Supplies & services
| Dump station | Dump station ↗ | 5.9 mi |
| RV sales & service | RV sales & service ↗ | 47.7 mi |
Locations © OpenStreetMap contributors. Call ahead; hours change seasonally.
Explore
Video
Where to camp in the Mojave Desert. Mid Hills Campground, Best place to camp in Southern C
Public land it sits in
Mojave Trails National Monument begins about 4.8 miles away, and it is the closest of these.
- 4.8 miMojave Trails National Monument ↗National Monument · Bureau of Land Management · 1,754,786 acres
- 10.2 miMojave Wilderness ↗Wilderness · National Park Service · 695,200 acres
- 14.4 miAvi Kwa Ame National Monument ↗National Monument · Bureau of Land Management · 509,447 acres
Each unit is published as a centre point and an acreage rather than a boundary, so this section stands it in for a circle of the same area. Whether a campground is inside, and how far it is from one it is outside, are both approximate.
Other campgrounds nearby
On the National Register nearby
- Thomas Place CorralStructure · Cima · 4 mi
- Government HolesStructure · Cima · 4.5 mi
- 8 Mile CorralStructure · Cima · 6.2 mi
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 world’s largest Joshua Tree forest around the Cima Dome area.
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.
Nearby
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.
Guidebooks for California
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Reference
Questions people ask
Do I need a reservation at Mid Hills Campground?
Sites at Mid Hills Campground are reservable on Recreation.gov. Any walk-up sites are listed on the booking page.
Source: Recreation.gov
What time is check-in at Mid Hills Campground?
Check-in 01:00 PM, checkout 12:00 PM.
Source: Recreation.gov
How many sites does Mid Hills Campground have?
26 sites, including 25 standard sites without power.
Source: Recreation.gov
Will my RV fit at Mid Hills Campground?
The longest site here provides 20 feet of vehicle capacity. Most sites are shorter. The sidebar tool checks a trailer or motorhome length against every site.
Source: Will my RV fit
Are pets allowed at Mid Hills Campground?
Yes, pets are allowed at Mid Hills Campground. Leash rules apply.
Source: Recreation.gov
Can I have a campfire at Mid Hills Campground?
Fires are allowed in the provided rings under normal conditions.
Source: Recreation.gov
What is there to do at Mid Hills Campground?
There are over 1.6 million acres to explore. The Recreation section on this page has the rest.
Source: Recreation
What is the nearest town to Mid Hills Campground?
Barstow, California. Popular Hikes: Kelso Dunes - Hike to the top of our most popular sand dune!
Source: Getting there
What if Mid Hills Campground is full?
The nearest public campgrounds are Hole-In-The-Wall Campground (5.9 mi), Black Canyon Group And Equestrian Campground (5.9 mi), and Cottonwood Cove RV Park (49.1 mi, first-come).
Source: Campgrounds nearby
Which national park is Mid Hills Campground in?
Mid Hills Campground is a Mojave National Preserve campground. Entrance fees, alerts, and hours are on Park Atlas.
Source: Mojave National Preserve