Indian Well Campground offers glamping accommodations within Lava Beds National Monument at an elevation of 4,800 feet, where volcanic terrain combines with high desert climate conditions. Located near Tulelake, California, campsites remain relatively uncrowded during weekdays and off-season periods, even with their first-come, first-served status. The campground sits within minutes of the visitor center and cave entrances.
What to do
Cave exploration year-round: Indian Well Campground provides ideal access to the monument's lava tubes, which maintain consistent temperatures regardless of season. "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," notes Dan X. at Indian Well Campground.
Seasonal wildlife viewing: Camping at Lower Rush Creek positions visitors for spring and fall bird migrations along the nearby Pacific Flyway. "The campground is standard fair, firepit/grill, lots of room. We've been up a few times and never had too many people there given how remote it is," shares Christopher at Lower Rush Creek Campground.
Petroglyphs and cultural sites: The Modoc ancestral lands contain significant rock art and historical locations. "Captain Jack's Stronghold and the Modoc history sites are fun and fascinating as well. You are a short ride from the flyway and a reserve where you can always see eagles," explains MarinMaverick at Indian Well Campground.
What campers like
Affordable glamping options: The region offers budget-friendly glamping near Modoc National Forest with basic amenities. "Only $10 a day with spacious camp sites, water, bathrooms, and peace," reports Mack S. about McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park Campground.
Off-season tranquility: Fall and spring visits avoid summer heat while providing relatively empty campsites. "We go here in the spring and fall to avoid the heat. Open sparse cover campground but the regular amenities are there - table, locker, fire ring. I have never seen it full," shares MarinMaverick about Indian Well.
Wildlife encounters: Campers frequently spot local wildlife right in their campsites. "Woke up to deer in my camp," reports Mack S. at Indian Well Campground, highlighting the undisturbed nature of the area.
What you should know
Water system limitations: Several campgrounds have seasonal or unreliable water access. "There are water spigots, but no water comes out - we later saw a sign posted saying that the water system was shut off," notes Alex P. at Lower Rush Creek Campground.
Summer temperatures: The high desert location means extreme heat during summer months. "Caution. It is very hot and dry here in the summer! We go here in the spring and fall to avoid the heat," warns MarinMaverick about the Lava Beds area.
Highway noise concerns: Some campsites experience traffic noise disruptions. "The trucks on the adjacent highway were ridiculously loud. I think there was a particularly loud period from midnight to 1am, and then they started back up again around 5:30am," reports Jessica F. about McArthur-Burney Falls.
Tips for camping with families
Cave difficulty ratings: When glamping close to Modoc National Forest with children, use the cave rating system at Lava Beds. "There are caves of every type and every kind. Some you walk through and others you crawl through - caves for all ages and all abilities," advises MarinMaverick at BLM Gerber Reservoir Campground.
Weather preparation: Pack for significant temperature fluctuations, especially in spring and fall. "It was chilly even in June," notes goose10091203 about Lower Rush Creek Campground, highlighting the area's unpredictable weather patterns.
Insect precautions: Ticks and other insects can be prevalent near water sources. "There are quite a few ticks that like the grass near the waters edge. We were careful and still ended up pulling a few off that night, so use caution," warns Jordan B. about Lower Rush Creek.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger vehicles: Many campgrounds have size limitations for RVs. "Site #5 fit our 22 foot travel trailer and truck really well. The loop around is tight, but you could probably get through with a 24 or 25 foot trailer if you were careful. I wouldn't try anything bigger than that though," advises Jordan B. at Burney Falls Resort.
Electrical considerations: Some resorts offer hookups while most forest service sites don't. "This place accommodates for larger RVs with 50amp," notes Emerald C. about Burney Falls Resort, an important distinction for those needing reliable power.
Level site availability: Many volcanic terrain campsites require leveling equipment. "Most are level or have slight slope which need a few leveling blocks," reports Leonard H. about Indian Well Campground, important information for RV stability.
