Mid Hills Campground
Open year-round with reservations required via Recreation.gov. Fire restrictions are in place: wood and charcoal fires are prohibited; most camp stoves are permitted. Access requires 9 miles of unpaved roads. Delays up to 1 hour possible at Kelbaker Road railroad crossing near Kelso Depot.
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 occupies a scenic high-elevation setting at 5,600 feet within Mojave National Preserve, where the cooler temperatures offer respite from the desert floor below. The Hackberry Fire swept through in 2005, burning much of the vegetation, though about half of the 26 campsites remain surrounded by pinyon pine and juniper trees. The campground serves as the northern trailhead for the Mid Hills to Hole-in-the-Wall Trail. Each site includes a picnic table, fire ring, and parking for 1-2 vehicles, with vault toilets distributed throughout the campground. Water is not available on site; the nearest potable water fill stations are at Hole-in-the-Wall Information Center (approximately 10 miles south) and Kelso Depot. Gas, food, and supplies are not available within the preserve. The access road is unpaved and somewhat steep, making it unsuitable for large motorhomes or trailers. Sites accommodate a maximum of 8 people with a 14-night stay limit. Generator hours are 8am to 7pm, and quiet hours run 9pm to 7am. There is no cell coverage at the campground.
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 onto Wild Horse Canyon Road for 2.5 miles to the campground. From Interstate 15: Take Kelbaker Road, Cima Road, or Nipton Road to Kelso-Cima Road, turn east onto Cedar Canyon Road for 6 miles, right onto Black Canyon Road for 3 miles, then right onto Wild Horse Canyon Road for 2.5 miles.
Nearby Campgrounds
Location
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | No |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| 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
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