Campsites at MId Hills feature fire pits and picnic tables
Photo: NPS Photo
About
The Hackberry Fire swept through the Mid Hills area in June 2005, burning much of the vegetation. About half of the 26 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 not recommended for large motorhomes or trailers. Water is not available at this campground.
Campsites
Location
Black Canyon Road
Essex, CA 92332
Fees
Hours
Mid-Hills Campground is open year-round.
Reservations
Reservations are required beginning January 1, 2025
Make a Reservation →Directions
Roads leading to Mid Hills are unpaved and not recommended for motorhomes and trailers. Mid Hills Campground is located at the north end of Wildhorse Canyon Road and can be reached from the north via Cedar Canyon Road or from the south via Black Canyon Road. The nearest NPS contact station is at Hole-in-the-Wall Information Center, approximately 10 miles away.
Weather
At 5,600 feet in elevation, Mid-Hills provides a much-needed respite for visitors in the hot summer months. Late summer can bring strong monsoonal storms that can make access roads hazardous or inaccessible. Fall brings cooler temperatures and marks the start of hunting season. Winter commonly means freezing temperatures, and snow is often seen at this location. Spring is pleasant, with warm days and cooler evening temperatures. Wildflowers are generally seen later in spring than in lower elevation areas.
Accessibility
Mid Hills Campground is unpaved, consisting of gravel and packed dirt. There are no facilities other than vault toilets. The nearest wheelchair-accessible restroom is 10 miles away at the Hole-in-the-Wall Visitor Center.
Public Wi-Fi is available 11 miles away at Hole-in-the-Wall Information Center.
Cell phone service is unreliable.
Fires are limited to provided fire rings. Visitors must bring in their own wood. Wood cannot be collected in the Preserve.
1
Sites are smaller and cannot accommodate standard-length RVs and trailers. Access roads are unpaved and not recommended for these vehicles.
20
15
There are no designated ADA camp sites.
1
Unpaved Roads - All vehicles OK in good weather
Limited Development Campground