Lava Flow Campground - Craters Of The Moon National Monument Camping

The Lava Flow Campground is placed directly on top of a lava bed, giving it an out-of-this-world experience.

Lava Flow Campground

Camping at the Lava Flow Campground makes me imagine camping on the moon. There's a reason the park's Junior Ranger Program has a lunar Junior Ranger Badge.

It is hard to believe that this barren landscape filled with lava flows, cinder cones, and sagebrush is in South Central Idaho!

Make sure to take the loop drive and experience hiking up a volcano at Inferno Cone and exploring one of the caves, such as Buffalo Cave, Indian Tunnel, or Boy Scout Cave.

Camping here is something to prepare for, as there are not many facilities right near the park. Also, be prepared, as the weather can change quickly. Expect cool mornings and hot days, especially being surrounded by black lava rock.

Craters of the Moon National Monument Entrance Fee

Remember that Craters of the Moon National Monument has an entrance fee separate from camping fees.

Lava Flow Campground Camping Fees

Individual Campsite Cost: 

Regular Season 

$15.00

This fee is charged during the regular season when water is available, typically from May through October

Shoulder Season

$8.00

This fee is charged during the regular season when water is available, typically from May through October

Winter

$0.00

In winter (typically December through March), the campground is walk-in only. No fee is charged at this time. RVs and other vehicles cannot access the campground, and no water is available.

You can also snow camp in the winter with a free permit from the visitor center. 

Senior/Access Camping Fee: 

Regular Season (with Senior or Access Pass)

$7.50

Shoulder Season (with Senior or Access Pass)

$4.00

Campground Fee - Winter

$0.00

You can also snow camp in the winter with a free permit from the visitor center. 

Campground Reservations

Reservations: There are no reservations taken at Lava Flow Campground. It is a first-come, first-serve campground.

Are Campground Reservations Available? No

Phone Number? (208)527-1335

First Come, First Served? Sites are only available on a first come - first served basis.

Pay with a credit card at any time on the automated fee machine located near the campground entrance.

Credit card payment is accepted for camping fees, no cash or check.  Since there are no reservations you will need to claim your campsite and then go back to the pay station to pay for the site. Make sure you leave something in the campsite to designate that it is taken. The last thing you want is to walk back to the pay station and then find that someone else has decided they also love that site.

Lava Flow Campground Map

 

General Information about Lava Flow Campground

Number of Sites: 42

Season: The campground is normally open from May through November, depending on the weather. During the winter months, visitors are allowed to snow camp by walking into the Lava Flow Campground.

Location in the park: The Lava Flow Campground is located near the visitor center and popular trails within the Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve in central Idaho.

Campground Address:

Craters of the Moon National Monument

Lava Flow Campground

1266 Craters Loop Road

Arco, ID 83213

Craters of the Moon phone number: (208)527-1335

Latitude/Longitude: 43° 27' 38.5200" N 113° 33' 32.8752" W

Campground Elevation: 5,800'

Accessible Sites: Sites #34, 35, 42 & 3 are fully accessible. Site #34 contains an electrical outlet for use by those with medical needs.

There is an amphitheater with ranger programs.

 

Campground Amenities

Potable Water? Potable Water - Seasonal 

Water supply is inadequate for filling water tanks. You are welcome to fill jugs but please fill RV tanks elsewhere.

Bear Boxes/ Food Storage Lockers: Yes, Year-Round

Restrooms:  Flush Toilets  Seasonally, Vault Toilets are available year-round

Laundry/Showers: No, The Arco Mountain View RV Park has showers 18 miles from the campground.

Is WIFI available? No

Is Cellular Phone Service Available? No

Is a camp host available on-site?  There is a camp host available during the summer months at site #42

Is firewood available for purchase? No, There is no firewood available for purchase as there are no fires allowed.

Amenities at each campsite

Fire pit in the site? No wood fires are permitted. Charcoal fires are permitted in the grills.

Picnic Table in the site? Yes

 

RV Camping at Lava Flow Campground

Hookups: No

Are there any pull-through sites: Yes, there is a mix of pull-through and back-in sites available.

RV Length: The campground offers a variety of site sizes, including some with pull-through parking spaces that can accommodate  Large RVs and vehicles up to 100 feet in length. For more detailed information, you can pick up a campground flyer at the visitor center. However, due to size limitations, it is not recommended to take RVs and trailers beyond site 15.

Dump Station: No

Generators:  Generators are allowed between 6:00 am-10:00 pm

How to get to Lava Flow Campground

From Idaho Falls (ID), take Interstate 15 to exit 118 (W Broadway Street) and go west for 67.6 Miles. Turn left onto W Grand Ave (US-20/US-26/US93) and go 19.1 Miles. Turn Left onto Craters Loop Road.

The campground is located on Loop Road, ¼ mile past the visitor center.

From Boise (ID), take Interstate 84 and drive approximately 40 miles to exit 95 toward US-20/I-84-BLMountain Home/Fairfield.

Drive .3 miles, then turn left onto American Legion Blvd. (I-84-BL) toward Fairfield/Sun Valley/ US-20.

Drive 101 miles, then turn onto Main St. (US-20/US-26/US-93).

Drive for 25.2 miles, then turn left onto Craters Loop Road.

The campground is located on Loop Road, ¼ mile past the visitor center.

 

Campground Regulations

The maximum number of people in a campsite: 8 people, 2 tents

The number of cars per campsite: 2

Checkout time: 12 pm

Quiet Hours:  from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. 

Pets Allowed: Pets are allowed in the campground. Pets must be on a leash at all times and you are required to clean up after your pet.

 

Craters of the Moon Camping

Winter Camping

 During the winter months, visitors are allowed to snow camp by walking into the Lava Flow Campground, Devil's Orchard parking area, and Tree Molds parking area.

A free permit is required from the visitor center for safety and monitoring purposes.

The road to Tree Molds is not groomed. Vault toilets are available year-round at all snow camping locations, but snow drifts may prevent access.

It is recommended that snow campers bring a shovel and follow the leave-no-trace principles by packing out all waste.

Craters of the Moon Group Campground

Available May 26 - September 30, this camping area is available for larger groups (maximum 30 people).  The group campground is located .75 miles up a gravel road on the north side of U.S. Highway 20/26/93

Available by reservation only. Tent camping only, no RV's.  Cost:$30 per group. Payment is by credit card only.

Check-in at the visitor center during business hours in order to gain access to this gated area.

The group campground has picnic tables, drinking water, a vault restroom, a campfire ring, and charcoal grills. While the campground does have an accessible picnic table and vault toilet, the path to reach these may be difficult for individuals with mobility restrictions.

Craters of the Moon Wilderness and Backcountry Camping

Camping is also permitted in the Craters of the Moon Wilderness, the NPS Preserve, and the BLM Monument for those properly outfitted. Fewer than 100 campers do this each year, so this is an opportunity to experience something truly unique! Make sure to read more on the backpacking page on the Craters of the Moon Page.

 

Camping near Craters of the Moon

These campgrounds and campsites are located outside the park but are within a reasonable driving distance.

Arco- Mountain View RV Park
Located 18 miles from the park
Address - 705 West Grand Avenue, Arco
Facilities - full hookups, pull-thru sites, 90' max trailer, dump station

Moore- Moose Crossing RV
Located 27 miles from the park
Address - 3798 Highway 93 Moore, at milepost 100 on N US HWY 93
Facilities - full hookups, pull-thru sites, 50’ max trailer, dump station

Craters of the Moon KOA

Arco- Arco KOA
Located 18 miles from the park
Address - 2424 North 3000 West, Arco
Facilities - full hookups, pull-thru sites, 90' max trailer, dump station

Where to stay when visiting 

There are no glamping tents, yurts, cabins, or National Park Lodges within the park.

Nearby Lodging includes:

 Koi Paradise -  This is a lovely home with three bedrooms and two bathrooms. It has a gorgeous fenced backyard with a Koi pond where you can relax and watch the birds and fish. You can also entertain guests on the large deck and have a BBQ. Pets are welcome too! If you're feeling adventurous, you can go hiking or fishing in the beautiful Lost River Range. Or you can visit the Craters of the Moon!

Arco Inn - Arco Inn is a motel located in close proximity to Bottolfsen Park and Devil Boat, making it a convenient choice for travelers who want to explore the area. The motel offers free WiFi in public areas, free self-parking, smoke-free premises, and secured bicycle storage. Guests can also enjoy the barbecue grills and bicycle parking. The guest reviews speak highly of the overall value and quiet location of the motel.

The 12 rooms at Arco Inn are comfortable and well-equipped with amenities such as air conditioning and WiFi. Guests can enjoy the quiet and comfortable rooms at the property. The rooms also come with bathrooms with shower/tub combinations and shampoo, refrigerators, microwaves, and cable channels, which are extra conveniences that guests can take advantage of.

King Mountain Ranch - The King Mountain Ranch pioneer home provides a comfortable stay with several amenities such as two king beds, a queen bed, and two full beds, along with a pull-out hydabed. Visitors can also hook up to the electric RV and water supply. Tents are also allowed on the ranch. As the pioneer home is situated in the middle of the ranch, the guests appreciate the peace and tranquillity it offers. The pioneer home dates back to the 1880s and has been constructed using hand-hewn logs. While the amenities have been upgraded, the rustic antique log cabin retains its historical charm, taking visitors back in time. Guests can enjoy staying in this historical location and experience the peacefulness and comfort that the pioneer home offers. Overall, it is an excellent choice for visitors looking for a serene and intimate getaway.

Click on the map below to see current vacation rentals and lodges near the park.

Check out all the things to do in Craters of the Moon!

National Park Sites near Craters of the Moon National Monument

Grand Teton National Park - Your complete guide to exploring Grand Teton National Park, including camping, lodging, points of interest, hiking, wildlife viewing, and more!

Yellowstone National Park—This is your complete guide to exploring Yellowstone National Park, including camping, lodging, points of interest, hiking, wildlife viewing, and more!

Great Basin National Park - This is your complete guide to exploring Great Basin National Park, including camping, lodging, points of interest, hiking, wildlife viewing, and more!

Minidoka National Historic Site - Complete guide to Minidoka National Historic Site, where over 120,000 Japanese Americans were removed from their homes and incarcerated only based on their ancestry and no due process of law!

Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument  - Come discover what this area once looked like during the Pliocene, including mastodons and saber-toothed cats!

 City of Rocks National Reserve - Emigrants of the California Trail described the rocks here "A city of tall spires" and "Steeple Rocks.) Today, rock climbers call this world-class destination home to over 600 climbing routes, with climbs varying from 300-600 feet and ratings from relatively easy to extremely difficult.

Golden Spike National Historic Site—This site marks one of the biggest achievements in the US in the 19th Century. It is where the last spike was placed for the first transcontinental railroad across the United States. This guide will help you plan your visit and learn about this incredible event.

Fossil Butte National Monument - Plan a visit to explore an area where some of the world's best-preserved fossils are found!

Check out all of the great Idaho National Parks, along with neighboring Washington National Parks, Montana National Parks, and Utah National Parks.

Additional Craters of the Moon Campsite Photos