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The Arco, Idaho area encompasses diverse camping areas from primitive to full-service sites. Craters of the Moon-Arco KOA provides tent, RV, and cabin accommodation options with amenities including full hookups, pool access, and laundry facilities. Approximately 20 minutes southwest lies Craters of the Moon National Monument, home to Lava Flow Campground and Group Campground where camping occurs amid unique volcanic landscapes. Several campgrounds offer year-round operation while others maintain seasonal availability, primarily from April through November when weather conditions are most favorable.
Road access varies significantly throughout the region, with paved routes serving established campgrounds and rougher terrain leading to dispersed sites. "The campground is well maintained and had friendly staff. Amenities included showers, restrooms, laundry, small store that sells firewood and propane among other necessities," noted one visitor about the Arco KOA. Summer temperatures typically reach 85-95°F during daytime hours, while nights remain cool even in midsummer. Most established campgrounds require reservations, particularly during peak summer months when Craters of the Moon National Monument attracts numerous visitors. Cell service can be spotty throughout the area, especially at more remote locations, making advance planning essential.
Campers consistently mention the stark landscape contrasts around Arco as particularly noteworthy. The volcanic formations at Craters of the Moon provide unique scenery not found elsewhere, with basalt flows, cinder cones and lava tubes creating an otherworldly camping environment. The area also offers interesting historical context, with Arco being the first nuclear-powered city in the United States. Honey's Park, a free dry camping area, receives positive reviews for its generous amenities despite being dispersed camping. One review indicated: "This is a great location. The owner of the property is very generous in offering his property for free to stay at to complete strangers." Most mixed-use campgrounds in the area accommodate both tent and RV camping, with varying levels of amenities from primitive sites with vault toilets to full-service RV parks with hookups, showers and laundry facilities.
"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)."
"Tucked directly into a young volcanic landscape, this park lets you pitch camp surrounded by jagged, pitch-black basalt rock formations that feel more like the surface of the moon than south-central Idaho"
"We like staying here while traveling through Idaho. It’s a short drive to Craters of the Moon National Monument, and Arco, Idaho is a neat little town."
"Beautiful countryside nearby but not much going on in the town of Arco. Only 20 minutes to the Craters of the Moon visitors center."
from $25 - $55 / night
Check Availability"We stayed at Mountain View RV Park in Arco, Idaho, and it proved to be an outstanding, budget-friendly home base packed with convenience and unique local history."
"View is in the small city of Arco ID, close to Craters of the Moon National monument. Reserving space was easy on line and making a change to our reservation was easy via email."
from $52 - $58 / night
Check Availability"This is a great location. The owner of the property, Scar, is very generous in offering his property for free to stay at to complete strangers. This is dry camping, no water or sewer."
"He has 2 rules to stay on his property, you need to speak to him before you enter, and you need to come outside and join all the campers at dusk and stand for the Star Spangled Banner."
"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."
"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%."
from $15 - $30 / night
Check Availability"That is what you can do on the Crater of the Moon National Monument's Wilderness Trail. Sleep in the bottom of Echo Crater. "
"Take the scenic drive through the entire park until you get to the parking lot and trailheads for 'Tree Molds', 'Broken Top' and 'Wilderness'."
"This is a dirt road directly off Highway across from the Craters. Private spot, wide grassy meadow. There’s several spots down this road, enough to spread out; this is the largest spot."
"There is access to a toilet across the road and there is a fire ring with a picnic table. We would go back there again."
from $40 / night
Check Availability
GuideDefinitely a unique campground. Sites are FCFS and this campground was very busy for this time of year, even with bathrooms closed (pit toilets only) and water shut off for the season. Sites are very close together but everyone was very respectful and relatively quiet. Lots of cool hikes in the nearby lava fields. International Dark Sky Park so great for stargazing too!
GuideWe pulled in early afternoon and grabbed a pull through with Southern shade. You have to pay daily at an automated kiosk. Wifi at visitor center. Nice loop to drive with multiple hikes. Good info. Provided.
RangerReviewed by: The Crew at Hitched4fun.com
If you are looking for one of the most surreal, otherworldly camping experiences in North America, Lava Flow Campground inside Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve is an absolute gem. Tucked directly into a young volcanic landscape, this park lets you pitch camp surrounded by jagged, pitch-black basalt rock formations that feel more like the surface of the moon than south-central Idaho.
Rig Size Advisory: Tents & Small Campers Only
First and foremost, know what to expect before towing into the monument:
An Educational Masterpiece for Families
If you have school-aged kids or grandkids who are currently learning about earth science, geology, or volcanoes, camping here is an absolute must.
World-Class Dark Sky Stargazing
Because Craters of the Moon is a certified International Dark Sky Park, the night experience is just as spectacular as the daytime geology:
The Hitched4fun Verdict
Lava Flow Campground is a rare national park treasure that puts you right in the center of the action. While it lacks hookups and won't accommodate large RVs, its unique volcanic setting, incredible educational value for children, and world-class dark skies make it one of the coolest dry-camping stops in the West.
Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars— Highly Recommended by the Hitched4fun.com crew!
RangerReviewed by: The Crew at Hitched4fun.com
If you are exploring Central Idaho or routing past Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve, finding the right campground can make all the difference—especially if you pull a long setup. We stayed at Mountain View RV Park in Arco, Idaho, and it proved to be an outstanding, budget-friendly home base packed with convenience and unique local history.
Location, Convenience & Price
Scenic Views & The Famous "Number Hill"
The campground lives up to its name with sweeping views of the surrounding rugged mountain ranges.
BIG-RIG PRO TIP: Stay Here Instead of Craters of the Moon
If you are planning to visit Craters of the Moon National Monument, take our advice as seasoned big-rig travelers: Stay at Mountain View RV Park and day-trip into the park with your tow vehicle or passenger car.
The Hitched4fun Verdict
Mountain View RV Park delivers everything an RVer needs: fair pricing, spotless utilities, great mountain backdrops, and an on-site dining option that saves you time and cooking cleanup. It is easily the smartest staging point in the region for anyone pulling a mid-to-large rig. We will definitely be back!
Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars— Highly Recommended by the Hitched4fun.com crew!
TravelerWe didn’t get to stay here, but drove thru on our way through the monument. Really unique campsites in the middle of the lava flows. Would have comfortably stayed had the timing worked to do so…
TravelerWe opted for the slightly more expensive on paper RV park in this town as this appeared quite run down and lacking maintenance. Was not at all inviting to stay. And quite expensive considering the conditions.
TravelerThis campground had all the amenities we needed… electric and water hook-ups, picnic table, clean restrooms, warm showers, and laundry facilities. Could have played cornhole and other yard games too. Bar with lots of tvs to watch Sunday football, while it rained was a bonus. Showers are coin operated but provided a ridiculously generous time limit… we were very comfortable staying an extra night due to the weather and some issues we needed to troubleshoot in our van.
LegendMost are pretty exposed and they close most services up early in the fall. I am in a spot close to the visitor center side of the park and get the wifi from the office. Otherwise with Verizon you have no services.
GuideBeautiful landscape among sage and lava, quite, along the road a few spots to park. We enjoyed privatness
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the best campgrounds near Arco, Idaho?
Arco, Idaho offers several excellent camping options. Big Lost River Dispersed provides incredible views with water and fishing access in more private spots. It's a peaceful area with some paved spots near the entrance. For those seeking free dry camping, Honeys Park is a generous private property option with no water or sewer, though there is a dump station with water nearby off the main highway. Other notable options include Mountain View RV Park in Arco itself, and several campgrounds within Craters of the Moon National Monument. The surrounding area also offers dispersed camping opportunities in the beautiful Idaho wilderness.
Is Craters of the Moon National Monument camping accessible from Arco?
Yes, Craters of the Moon National Monument camping is easily accessible from Arco, Idaho. Lava Flow Campground — Craters of the Moon National Monument is just a short drive from Arco, offering a unique camping experience on volcanic terrain. The campground is arranged in two loops that provide privacy for most sites despite the barren landscape. Camping fees are typically $20, though they may be reduced to $8 during off-season when water is turned off. For those preferring more amenities, Craters of the Moon-Arco KOA is located in Arco and serves as a convenient base for exploring the monument, just a short drive away.
What amenities are available at Arco, Idaho camping sites?
Camping sites around Arco offer varying levels of amenities. Mountain View RV Park provides spacious sites with plenty of trees, 24-hour laundry facilities, and easy online reservations. The owners are known for being friendly and helpful. Nearby, Mackay Tourist Park offers basic amenities including water and toilets with both drive-in and walk-in access. For those wanting more facilities, KOA campgrounds in the area typically feature clean bathrooms, swimming pools, cabins, full hookup RV spots, tent sites, a well-stocked store/deli, and some even offer free breakfast waffles. Dispersed camping options around Arco are more primitive, generally offering beautiful scenery but few or no facilities.
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