## Overview

This secluded camping area at Craters of the Moon National Monument is the perfect spot for organized groups. It is available by reservation only for groups of up to 30 people (May-September) for tent camping only.

## Recreation

The Visitor Center and scenic 7-mile Loop Drive are located 1.5 miles from the group campground on the south side of U.S. Highway 20/26/93. Climbing Sunset Cone is a strenuous activity but the views from the top are outstanding. Obtain an additional day-use permit for venturing north of the campground on Goodale's Cutoff. This historic trail was an alternative route used by pioneers travelling to the Oregon Territory. This dirt and gravel double-track road is a great place for riding a mountain bike. Obtain a map at the Visitor Center.

## Facilities

The group campground accommodates up to 30 people for tent camping only. The site has picnic tables, one large campfire ring, drinking water and a vault restroom. A large barbecue is also onsite for grilling with briquettes. The parking area will accommodate eight vehicles maximum (no RVs or trailers).  
Please be aware the campground has an accessible picnic table and vault toilet, but paths to these are not accessible.  


## Natural Features

Craters of the Moon is known for its extensive lava flows and well-preserved volcanic features. The group campground is located on the north side of U.S. Highway 20/26/93 at the base of Sunset Cone, a 12,000 year old cinder cone. A grove of Douglas fir trees grows on the shady north side of the volcano surrounding the group campground. 

## Nearby Attractions

The Peaks to Craters Scenic Byway links the high peaks of the Lost River Range to the volcanic craters of Craters of the Moon. Restaurants, groceries and supplies are available in nearby Arco, Idaho (18 miles east).

Group Campground — Craters of the Moon National Monument

But, a convenient place to camp if you are visiting and exploring the park. Ranger led programs, lava tunes, volcanic landscape.

Basalt, hot, windy...

I loved this campground! it feels like you are staying in the middle of the lava beds. it has easy checkin if you arrive after hours, reservations are not required and you can pay on site any hour of the day or night! It is clean and quiet. The facilities are well kept up. The Ranger station and visitor center are nearby. the campground is at the start of the drive through the Monument. It is open so you can do stargazing without difficulty! it was wonderful!  

Great Campground!

It was like another planet.  We really enjoyed this park &amp; campground.  We were told it fills up fast but we got there early enough and then went exploring.  The weather was cool &amp; rainy so we didn’t explore as much as we would have liked. 

Very cool place

This place is so unique that I imagine it'd be hard to have a bad camping spot. That being said, it felt like they really tried to cram as many camp spots into one area as possible.  It left me not wanting to sit outside my van as much, which maybe is my own issue, but dampened the experience for me as there were other campers very close by. And for the price it was (I actually can't recall if I paid $20 or $30) but it was expensive. Also, due to COVID, on-site bathrooms were closed, which they failed to make clear before buying a site for the night.

Amazing views, but sites close together

This experience is a must! The campsite is in the lava fields. Like amongst piles of volcanic rock and mounds of lava flows. It’s unreal! If you like rocks, plan to stay a few days. We almost went back after we left! 

Out of this world camping! 

Unlike anywhere else to camp! Amazing stars, easy access to trails and beautiful volcanic landscapes. My only complaint is the lack of privacy and sound carries a little too well so hopefully you’ll have respectful neighbors. We moved sites when more people left-Very little trees and rock piles separate each site. The facilities were super clean with flushing toilets and sinks-no showers. Water pumps throughout the sites, and a very convenient self pay station per night for the campsites. 

Unique Campground 

Standard profit maximized government campground with some unique sites. Super clean bathrooms, easy self pay, accessible sites and a lot of walking and driving activities available. Will definitely feel crowded when full. Sat/sun night at the end of oct was maybe 25%. Excellent stargazing 

Fantastic landscapes

Thank you Elon for Starlink else I could not stay here. Zut Verizon or Cricket ( cricket sometime showed 1 bar but not usable)

Great campground, friendly staff. No hookups but potable water available.

The National Monument is so different. The stark, barren countryside is so rugged it’s beautiful

Not that many big rig sites, so pity it’s only fcfs, especially as it is so remote.

Loved the visit

Did not use facilities so cannot comment on them

$$$$. If you do not have a pass ( like, America the Beautiful  which you can apparently buy onsite ) there will be a daily access fee. 