Details
Black Canyon Road, Essex, CA, 92332
National Park ServiceLast Updated: December 5, 2025
Table Of Contents
Campground Overview
Introduction
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.
Campsite Details
Operating Hours
Mid-Hills Campground is open year-round.
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.
Amenities
Trash & Recycling Collection
Toilets
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.
Rates & Fees
Mid Hills Campground Fee
Beginning January 1, 2025, campsites will cost $20 nightly.
Rules & Regulations
Fire/Stove Policy
Fires are limited to provided fire rings. Visitors must bring in their own wood. Wood cannot be collected in the Preserve.Regulations Overview
The Superintendent's Compendium is a compilation of designations, closures, permit requirements, and other restrictions made by the superintendent, in addition to what is contained in Title 36 of the Code of Federal Regulations (Chapter 1, Parts 1 through 7 and 34), and other applicable federal statutes and regulations. Park management is also guided by National Park Service Management Policies 2006.Accessibility
Wheelchair Access
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.
Internet Information
Public Wi-Fi is available 11 miles away at Hole-in-the-Wall Information Center.
Cell Phone Information
Cell phone service is unreliable.
RV Allowed
Yes
RV Information
Sites are smaller and cannot accommodate standard-length RVs and trailers. Access roads are unpaved and not recommended for these vehicles.
RV Maximum Length
20
Trailer Maximum Length
15
ADA Information
There are no designated ADA camp sites.
Trailer Allowed
Yes
Access Roads
Unpaved Roads - All vehicles OK in good weather
Classifications
Limited Development Campground
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