Arco, Idaho camping offers diverse options from volcanic landscapes to river settings. Located at 5,325 feet elevation, the area experiences temperature fluctuations of up to 40 degrees between day and night, even in summer months. Most dispersed camping locations near Arco require high-clearance vehicles due to unpaved access roads.
What to do
Cave exploration: 20 minutes from Arco at Craters of the Moon National Monument, where visitors can explore lava tubes with proper equipment. "If you enjoy the high desert, plan to stay a few days. We almost went back after we left! The campsite is in the lava fields. Like amongst piles of volcanic rock and mounds of lava flows. It's unreal!" reports Taylor L. about Group Campground — Craters of the Moon National Monument.
Stargazing: Best during new moon phase when sky darkness reaches exceptional levels. "It is open so you can do stargazing without difficulty! It was wonderful!" mentions Angie W. about camping at Craters of the Moon.
ATV riding: Multiple trail systems accessible from Mackay, about 30 minutes north of Arco. "Great area for ATV/UTV riding!" notes John H. about his stay at Wagon Wheel Motel & RV Park. The trails connect to extensive backcountry routes through the surrounding mountains.
Alpine fishing: Several high-elevation lakes within an hour's drive of Arco. "This is a good spot to ride around on your motorcycle or ATV and get some pristine alpine fishing in!" says Alan B. about Bear Creek Dispersed Campground.
What campers like
Unique volcanic landscapes: The lava field terrain creates distinctive camping environments. "The campground is right in the park. Unlike anywhere else to camp! Amazing stars, easy access to trails and beautiful volcanic landscapes," writes Morgan M. about Craters of the Moon Wilderness.
Free camping options: Several no-cost sites available near Arco. "It's a free campground ran by a disabled vet. He can't and won't charge anyone, though lately has been allowing donations to pay it forward and help with things like recovering the power installation etc," explains Scar S. about Honeys Park.
Wide, spacious RV sites: Several campgrounds offer ample room between sites. "The sites are very wide and spacious with grass in between. Full service. Very good cell phone service. The bathrooms are spotless and very large. The showers are about 5 ft by 5 ft!" writes Marty S. about Mountain View RV Park.
Unexpected amenities: Some areas offer surprising facilities. "Dude put in many power stations, wifi etc all on his own and only wants people to act decent to stay. Lots of room. Old buses for hostels. Shower, water sewer garbage a few feet away," reports Dan C. about his experience at Honeys Park.
What you should know
Early arrival recommended: Most first-come, first-served campgrounds fill quickly, especially from June through August. "We parked at site 7. Get there early (2pm) it looked very full by 6pm," advises Lexine H. about camping at Craters of the Moon.
Fire restrictions: Many campgrounds near the lava flows prohibit open fires year-round due to safety concerns. "No fires are permitted, so make sure to bring a stove," notes Dare To Everywhere about their stay at Craters of the Moon Wilderness.
Limited cell service: Coverage varies dramatically throughout the area. "Thank you Elon for Starlink else I could not stay here. Zero Verizon or Cricket (cricket sometime showed 1 bar but not usable)," shares Kevin H. about his experience at Group Campground.
Wildlife awareness needed: "We saw some wildlife, but nothing that was bothersome, or an issue. Also, it definitely gets chilly at night," explains Dare To Everywhere. "These forests are pretty wild still so definitely keep an eye out for black bears," warns Alan B. about camping in the mountains near Arco.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly features: Several campgrounds offer amenities specifically for children. "We got to enjoy the pool before it closed for the evening. In the morning they offer FREE waffles, so after packing up the car, we enjoyed breakfast before heading over to the National Monument," shares Bobby B. about Craters of the Moon-Arco KOA.
Educational opportunities: Many sites provide learning experiences about volcanic formations. "Ranger led programs, lava tunes, volcanic landscape," mentions Lynda K. about Group Campground at Craters of the Moon.
Temperature preparation: Pack for significant temperature variations, especially when camping with children. "It definitely gets chilly at night," notes one camper, while another mentions, "Summer temperatures typically range from 85-95°F during daytime hours with rapid cooling after sunset."
Free camping with facilities: Some unexpected options exist for budget-conscious families. "Beautiful city park that offers free dry camping. They only ask for a donation. Tree'd grassy park with picnic tables & fire pits at each site," explains Lori about Mackay Tourist Park.
Tips from RVers
Big rig accessibility: Limited options for larger rigs in the Craters of the Moon area. "Not that many big rig sites, so pity it's only fcfs, especially as it is so remote," notes Kevin H. about Group Campground.
Dump station locations: Plan waste management carefully. "There's a dump station with water close by off the main highway," advises Rocio C. about camping near Arco at Honeys Park.
Connectivity options: For those needing internet access, research alternatives to cellular. "Thank you Elon for Starlink else I could not stay here. Zero Verizon or Cricket," mentions Kevin H., highlighting the importance of satellite options for remote work needs.
Navigation warnings: GPS systems may provide incorrect directions to some sites. "Beware google maps doesn't map properly to this campground and may take you down an old dirt road. You should turn in town at 'pickles place'," warns Ben H. about reaching the KOA near Arco.
