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)."
"This is what you would expect in the wilderness of Idaho! A unique location, and an experience worth having!"
$25 - $55 / night
"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."
$52 - $58 / night
"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."
"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."
$15 - $30 / night
"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%."
"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'."
"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."
"This is an amazing secluded spot deep into the Sawtooth Mountains of Central Idaho. We've been coming here for years and my fathers been coming here since the 60's. "
"We enjoyed the nearby creek and beautiful wildflowers that were blooming. Port-a-potties were there when we first set up camp but they were later taken by forest staff which left us without a toilet."
TravelerWe stayed in a dry site. There are tent sites in the only grass area where kids play. Showers and laundry are on a raised trailer (non ada accessible) lots of cottonwood falling so watchout for allergies. We stayed in a dry site but it was close enough to the light pole that we could get to power. There are other power/sewer/wet sights available elsewhere in the CG
GuideStayed up here for a couple months while working in the bellevue hailey Ketchum Area. Stayed there June-August. Management was always super helpful. I moved from C4 (Larger spot towards the center) to C10 (Smaller spot towards in the back) because i had a 18ft trailer. Neighbors were super nice. Wifi was spotty but worked most nights.
GuideThe site was fairly level. It had some shade and full hookups. There was a picnic table at the site. There’s a nice dog run area. They have An outdoor games area with corn hole etc. At this time they’re not selling propane. They have laundry and showers, that both are costly. $2.50 for a small washer load, and another $2.50 for dryer. Our site did not have grass, and our dogs ended up with pitch stuck in their fur from the conifers. It’s not too far from Craters of the Moon NM.
GuideMaybe one other person out camping. Was able to get a spot right along the water.
Ranger40 sites that are a mix of rent and RV sites. Clean pit toilets. Water spigots but off when I was here. Overall I recommend visiting.
GuideWe did not camp as we had already booked someplace. But it is beautiful.
RangerGreat little RV park. Reasonably priced, fantastic staff, pull thru sites, and great view of the mountains. Bathrooms and laundry were spotless. Main office also has a good bar and restaurant.
TravelerI am visiting in the off season but beautiful campgrounds right in volcanic rocks! Very quiet and peaceful this time of year! Only $8 a night!
LegendWe stayed a couple of nights while doing hikes in the area. Off season was $4 a night with NP senior pass. No water but there were restrooms and trash receptacles available. Clean facilities.
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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