Lava Flow Campground — Craters of the Moon National Monument
Annie C.The Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Jul. 26, 2019

Camping on the moon

Holy Cow! It really was like camping on the moon(except the wind) or on a volcano. This is a barren place due to the volcanic nature of the land, but it was very pretty and the campground was set up in an almost ingenious way to provide privacy for most sites. There were essentially two loops, but the loops had lots of twists and turns and ups and downs in order to squeeze in the most number of sites with the most privacy. I ended up with a deep site where I could set my tent up between some lava rocks to get some semblance of a wind break. From inside my tent I could not see any other sites(which was really nice), but I could see my neighbors from my picnic table. No fires are allowed(which I found interesting since we were camped on a lava flow), and there are no showers(someone told me that maybe I could get a shower at the KOA in Arco, but I didn’t bother). In fact, water is somewhat restricted- there were signs stating RV’s could not fill up, but all were welcome to fill personal water jugs. Even the dish washing station was closed at the restrooms. Speaking of which, the restrooms had flush toilets and sinks with cold water and were fairly clean if a bit outdated. Definitely get some hiking in while you are here. There is a nice trail from the campground that connects to the North Crater Flow trail, and if you have some stamina climb the Inferno Cone for great views(watch the ground for cinders that look like glass!). Get a permit at the visitors center to go into the lava tube caves(its free but required). I only hiked in Indian Cave as I wasn’t comfortable with the pitch black dark of Boy Scout and Beauty Caves by myself. Definitely check out the town of Arco, the first in the nation to be powered by nuclear energy. Not far from Arco is the nuclear power plant, decommissioned, where you can take a free tour. Back at the campground there is one last important note- you have to pay the electronic ranger for your campsite, and NO cash is accepted. Only credit cards.

Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Lava Flow Campground — Craters of the Moon National Monument by Annie C., July 26, 2019
  • Review photo of Lava Flow Campground — Craters of the Moon National Monument by Annie C., July 26, 2019
  • Review photo of Lava Flow Campground — Craters of the Moon National Monument by Annie C., July 26, 2019
  • Review photo of Lava Flow Campground — Craters of the Moon National Monument by Annie C., July 26, 2019
  • Review photo of Lava Flow Campground — Craters of the Moon National Monument by Annie C., July 26, 2019
  • Review photo of Lava Flow Campground — Craters of the Moon National Monument by Annie C., July 26, 2019
  • Review photo of Lava Flow Campground — Craters of the Moon National Monument by Annie C., July 26, 2019
  • Review photo of Lava Flow Campground — Craters of the Moon National Monument by Annie C., July 26, 2019
  • Review photo of Lava Flow Campground — Craters of the Moon National Monument by Annie C., July 26, 2019