Mid Hills Campground
Open — Open year-round. Reservations required via Recreation.gov starting January 1, 2025. Fire restrictions currently in place: wood and charcoal fires prohibited, camp stoves permitted.
Kelso Depot Visitor Center Closed
Kelso Depot Visitor Center is closed for rehabilitation of the heating and cooling system. We expect to reopen the depot in 2026. The restrooms beside the depot are open.
Delays up to 1 hour are possible at Kelbaker Road Railroad Crossing near Kelso Depot
In the event there are train siding operations at the crossing near Kelso Depot, delays may be up to one hour. Please plan accordingly for this possibility with extra fuel and drinking water. Union Pacific Contact: 1 800 848-8715
Rough and Damaged Roads
Drive slowly and exercise due caution when driving in Mojave National Preserve. Rough and damaged roads exist on both paved and unpaved roads. Watch for potholes. Aiken Mine Rd. is now 4WD only due to soft sand and mudholes. Rocks and debris on Zzyzx Rd.
Fire restrictions in place
Fire restrictions are in place at Mojave National Preserve and Castle Mountains National Monument. Wood and charcoal fires are not permitted. Most camp stoves are. See fire restriction order for additional restrictions and details.
Use Caution on Roads with Debris
Flooding has resulted in debris along Cima Road as well as shoulders being washed out. Please use caution when driving and watch for road crews at work. Be aware that unimproved and dirt roads may be impassible due to washouts, so plan accordingly.
About
Mid Hills Campground is located in the heart of Mojave National Preserve at 5,600 feet elevation, providing a cooler retreat from the desert heat below. The campground features 26 sites, approximately half of which remain surrounded by pinyon pine and juniper trees following the Hackberry Fire that swept through in June 2005. Each campsite includes 1-2 vehicle parking spots, a picnic table, fire ring, and tent area, with vault toilets distributed throughout the campground. The campground serves as an excellent base for exploring over 1.6 million acres of preserve lands, including the world's largest Joshua tree forest, Kelso Dunes, and numerous hiking trails. Access requires 9 miles of unpaved roads, making it unsuitable for large motorhomes and standard-length trailers. The remote location offers no cell coverage, and campers must bring all necessary water and supplies as none are available on-site. Located in a region where three of North America's four major deserts converge, Mid Hills provides access to diverse ecological habitats ranging from cactus gardens to relict plant communities. Winter commonly brings freezing temperatures and occasional snow, while late summer can produce strong monsoonal storms. Spring offers pleasant temperatures and wildflowers, making it a popular season for visits.
Directions
From Interstate 40: Exit Essex Road and drive north 10 miles, turn right at Black Canyon Road junction. Continue 16 miles and turn left at Wild Horse Canyon Road. Continue 2.5 miles to campground. From Interstate 15: Make your way to Kelso-Cima Road, turn east onto Cedar Canyon Road. Continue 6 miles, turn right onto Black Canyon Road for 3 miles, then right onto Wild Horse Canyon Road for 2.5 miles. Roads are unpaved and not recommended for motorhomes or trailers.
Nearby Campgrounds
- Hole-in-the-wall Campground 5.9mi
- Black Canyon Group And Equestrian Campground 5.9mi
- Providence Mountains Sra Campground 13mi
- Big Bend Of The Colorado State Recreation Area Campground 44mi
- Cottonwood Cove Rv Park 49mi
- Katherine Landing Rv Park 50mi
- Katherine Landing Campground 50mi
- Spring Mountain Ranch State Park Group Campground 65mi
- Big Pine Flat 64mi
Location
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | No |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $20 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 20ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 15ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| moja_campgrounds@nps.gov | |
| Phone | +1 (760) 252-6100 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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