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Established Camping

Indian Well Campground — Lava Beds National Monument

Indian Well Campground, near Tulelake, California, is a unique spot right in the heart of Lava Beds National Monument. This campground offers a simple yet enjoyable experience, with spacious sites that come equipped with picnic tables and fire rings, perfect for evening gatherings under the stars.

Visitors rave about the stunning night sky, which is ideal for stargazing and astrophotography due to minimal light pollution. The nearby lava tubes and caves are a major highlight, with many campers recommending a visit to Skull Cave for an unforgettable adventure. As one camper put it, “Explore the largest concentration of lava tubes in the whole world? Yes please!”

While the campground lacks showers and electric hookups, it does provide drinking water and clean restrooms. The area is known for its quiet atmosphere, making it a great escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Some campers have even reported waking up to deer wandering through their sites, adding to the charm of the experience.

If you’re looking to explore, the campground is conveniently located near hiking trails that lead to more caves and historical sites, including petroglyphs and remnants of Modoc history. With its affordable rates and beautiful surroundings, Indian Well Campground is a fantastic choice for those seeking a peaceful retreat in nature.

Description

National Monument

Lava Bed National Monument

Lava Beds has one campground, Indian Well Campground, located 1/2 mile (0.8 km) from the Visitor Center and cave loop. There are 43 sites available on a first-come, first serve basis. Sites can accommodate tents, pickup campers, small trailers and motor homes up to 30 feet. Note: not all sites can accommodate motor homes.

Reservation Info

here are 43 sites available on a first-come, first serve basis.

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Location

Indian Well Campground — Lava Beds National Monument is located in California

Detail location of campground

Directions

Indian Well Campground is located 1/2 mile (0.8 km) from the Visitor Center and cave loop.

Address

1 Indian Well HQ
Tulelake, CA 96134

Coordinates

41.717471 N
121.504145 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Hike-In
    Backcountry sites.

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Available
  • Verizon
    Unknown
  • AT&T
    Unknown
  • T-Mobile
    Unknown

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Tent Cabin

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Phone Service
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol

For Vehicles

  • Big Rig Friendly

Reviews

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5.0

out of 5

13 Reviews

Reviewed Jul. 12, 2023

Simple campground - Close Quarters

We came here in the early spring which was super cold - got hailed on for a few hours. But overall the campsite was good.

We have never been to the lava beds and it was cool to experience. Hard to say how much of the weather played a factor in our review, but the campsite was just okay.

Caves were dope though! Highly recommend Skull Cave! Pictures don't do it justice.

Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Indian Well Campground — Lava Beds National Monument by Devon L., July 12, 2023
  • Review photo of Indian Well Campground — Lava Beds National Monument by Devon L., July 12, 2023
  • Review photo of Indian Well Campground — Lava Beds National Monument by Devon L., July 12, 2023
  • (7) View All
Reviewed Oct. 14, 2022

Loved it!

This campground and area was such a huge surprise for us. We chose it because it was located about where we needed to rest for the night, but instead got a wonderful experience. Super quiet. The lava beds/caves were amazing. The night sky was surreal.

Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Indian Well Campground — Lava Beds National Monument by C S., October 14, 2022
  • Review photo of Indian Well Campground — Lava Beds National Monument by C S., October 14, 2022
Reviewed Aug. 24, 2022

Great Find

After a long drive, we visited the Lava Tubes and found a campsite at Indian Wells. The open sky and views were gorgeous. The night sky with very minimal light pollution was even better. If you like astrophotography or star gazing, this is a great location. Just remember when you hear a rustle in the tumbleweeds, and your headlamp catches the reflection of eyes low to the ground, it's likely deer munching on ground covering and not something that makes you grab your gear and back away from the road. When we returned to our site, we saw tons of deer rummaging through campsites.

Month of VisitJuly
Reviewed Jul. 15, 2022

At the heart of the lava beds

A very unique spot to camp! If you want to get the full experience of the lava beds I would suggest staying a night or 2 here. You’re in walking distance of caves while camping! There isn’t any shade. There are bathrooms. There is a “plague” warning due to ground rodents having the plague… so be warned!

Month of VisitApril
  • Review photo of Indian Well Campground — Lava Beds National Monument by Autumn O., July 15, 2022
  • Review photo of Indian Well Campground — Lava Beds National Monument by Autumn O., July 15, 2022
  • Review photo of Indian Well Campground — Lava Beds National Monument by Autumn O., July 15, 2022
  • (8) View All
Reviewed Apr. 8, 2021

Quiet Island

This is undoubtedly the quietest campground we have ever visited.  Not just because there were few campers, but its location so far from any highway or city.  I would also like to give kudos to the the fire crews who saved this area from the fire last year.  The visitor center and campground are an island of green in the middle of a charcoal land. 

I would categorize it as a tent and teardrop campground.  There are some sites where larger RVs can park, maybe around 25', but most campground spaces will only hold the car.  They have a lot parallel RV parking and that requires you sign up for two spaces, one for your trailer, the other for your car.  The lower campground, A, is more open, great if you have solar.  The upper campground, B, has more spaces and some for larger RVs.  

The drinking water faucets are irregularly dispersed and few.  You cannot hook up to them to fill your RV, so be sure to bring some 5 gallon containers to haul water to your RV.  There are flush toilets and sinks with cold water, no showers.  Bring all your supplies, as the nearest town is about a 40 minute drive.  There are very solid metal fire rings and picnic tables.  The closest dump station is in Tule Lake, but is excellent, with water and good drain positioning - and its free.

We had excellent Verizon service and were able to surf the internet, load and download pictures without using any booster.  I was also pleased to get a staff member directly when I called for information.  There is a lot to see at this park and I highly recommend it.

PS The helmet they sell ($8) saved my head many a time during cave exploring.

SiteB27&B28
Month of VisitApril
  • Review photo of Indian Well Campground — Lava Beds National Monument by Bill T., April 8, 2021
Reviewed Jan. 11, 2021

Caves, caves, caves!

The campground is standard fair, firepit/grill, lots of room. I've been up a few times and never had anyone next to our site given how remote it is. Great Nat'l Monument to visit during the winter because the caves stay the virtually the same temperature year round.

Explore the largest concentration of lava tubes in the whole world? Yes please!

Headlamp and helmet are musts. Gloves and kneepads recommended if you're planning on crawling around.

Nice hikes and petroglyphs to check out if you want some sunlight.

Month of VisitNovember
  • Review photo of Indian Well Campground — Lava Beds National Monument by Dan X., January 11, 2021
  • Review photo of Indian Well Campground — Lava Beds National Monument by Dan X., January 11, 2021
  • Review photo of Indian Well Campground — Lava Beds National Monument by Dan X., January 11, 2021
Reviewed Aug. 13, 2020

The History and Caves & Eagles Bring Me Back!

Caution. It is very hot and dry here in the summer!!!

We go here in the spring and fall to avoid the heat. Open sparse cover campground but the regular amentiites are there - table, locker, fire ring.  Flush bathrooms but no showers.  First come first serve sites but I have never seen it full.  Some RVs will not fit so check if you are using one.

You can also do back country camping but I have never done that here.

The best reasoen to go are the caves.  There are caves of every type and every kind.  Some you walk thru and others you crawl through - caves for all ages and all abilities.  Try to get a reservation for the Ice Cave before you go (if you can).

We also always look at the petroglyphs and watch the raptors there.

Captain Jack's Stronghold and the Modoc history sites are fun and facinating as well.

You are a short ride from the flyway and a reserve where you can always see eagles.

You are also near the Tule Lake Japaneses Internment Camp,as well as a German POW camp. Small museuem at the fairgrounds at Tule Lake.

Lots of birding in the area and you are close to some fun sites in Oregon as well.

Month of VisitApril
  • Review photo of Indian Well Campground — Lava Beds National Monument by MarinMaverick , August 13, 2020
  • Review photo of Indian Well Campground — Lava Beds National Monument by MarinMaverick , August 13, 2020
  • Review photo of Indian Well Campground — Lava Beds National Monument by MarinMaverick , August 13, 2020
  • (6) View All
Reviewed Nov. 3, 2019

Fantastic

This well-maintained campground is within the national monument and steps from the visitors center. We were there offseason (October), so there were only 3 other campsites taken. SItes A6 and A7 definitely have the best views. There are no hookups for RVs, but there is a water spigot at most sites, along with picnic tables and fire pits. The bathroom was super clean. The $10 camping fee is half priced if you have an annual national park pass. Staying at this campground makes it easy and possible to stay late exploring the lava tubes and getting right back to it in the morning. There’s also a hiking path that leaves right from the campground that takes you to more caves to explore (Three Sisters).

These are the ancestral lands of the Modoc people who were forcibly removed by settlers. The museum and park has excellent education and information about the horrific battle between the Modoc people and the white settlers.

  • Review photo of Indian Well Campground — Lava Beds National Monument by The School for  Y., November 3, 2019
  • Review photo of Indian Well Campground — Lava Beds National Monument by The School for  Y., November 3, 2019
  • Review photo of Indian Well Campground — Lava Beds National Monument by The School for  Y., November 3, 2019
  • (12) View All
Reviewed Jul. 31, 2019

Scenic campground off the beaten path.

Indian Well Campground is the only campground inside the Lava Beds National Monument Park. It is a first come, first serve camp at an affordable $10 a night.  Go during the week to avoid not getting a spot. Has everything you need except showers. The campgrounds are maintained and have beautiful views of the surrounding area.

Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Indian Well Campground — Lava Beds National Monument by Bob S., July 31, 2019
  • Review photo of Indian Well Campground — Lava Beds National Monument by Bob S., July 31, 2019
Reviewed Sep. 6, 2018

Great Campground

Great campground at the center of the monument.  Really close to the visitor’s center and the entrances to some of the more popular lava tubes.  Only downside is that it is first come first serve, so get there early!

  • Review photo of Indian Well Campground — Lava Beds National Monument by Jack L., September 6, 2018
Reviewed Jul. 15, 2016

Love the view!

Had a great stay here with our family! HOT in the summer but perfect for off season camping.

  • Review photo of Indian Well Campground — Lava Beds National Monument by Tess S., July 15, 2016

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Does Indian Well Campground — Lava Beds National Monument have wifi?

    No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Indian Well Campground — Lava Beds National Monument does not have wifi.