Best Tent Camping near Arco, ID

Searching for the perfect place to pitch your tent near Arco? The Dyrt can help you find the best tent campsites for your next trip. Each spot offers quick access to one or more of Arco, Idaho's most popular destinations.

Best Tent Sites Near Arco, Idaho (15)

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Showing results 1-10 of 15 campgrounds

Recent Tent Reviews near Arco, Idaho

152 Reviews of 15 Arco Campgrounds


  • C
    Camper-submitted photo from Little Wood River
    Jul. 5, 2018

    Little Wood River

    Best kept secret!

    Well cared for, easy access, fishing, green grass for day use and tent camping, private dock, wonderful folks!

  • Philip D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Silver Creek Public Access Dispersed
    Aug. 8, 2023

    Silver Creek Public Access Dispersed

    Modern Primitive Glory (N. Site)

    Paved parking spot, with access for a smaller camper; a few tent sites. Drop toilet, fire pit, picnic bench, Disabled parking spot. True tranquility and bliss, and skies for days.

  • Evgeniy D.
    Camper-submitted photo from Craters of the Moon-Arco KOA
    Aug. 2, 2021

    Craters of the Moon-Arco KOA

    Quiet, clean, free coffee and waffles

    We staid here one night. Rolled up around 7 and there were three tent sites remaining. We took T4 which was big enough to pitch two tents. Yeah he site was clean and quiet. The facilities clean. Hot water in the shower in the morning. There is a little bit of construction around the pool but it wasn’t active when we were here. The hosts are friendly. Would stay again

  • Annie C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Lava Flow Campground — Craters of the Moon National Monument
    Jul. 26, 2019

    Lava Flow Campground — Craters of the Moon National Monument

    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.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Lava Flow Campground — Craters of the Moon National Monument
    Nov. 2, 2021

    Lava Flow Campground — Craters of the Moon National Monument

    A place like no-other- camping in Lava Fields!!

    This place was so cool, I mean... not temperature cool, but so amazing to see! It was, however, pretty hot. There is little to no shade, so if you are not in a trailer and are tent camping (or roof top tent camping like we did), be prepared to cook a little bit outside. There also was a decent amount of wind, so that'll cool you down a bit.

    With the temperature out of the way, let's talk about how incredible this place is. You are literally camping around lava boulders and lava fields. A decent hike leads you to the "tree molds." You have to kind of know what you're looking for, but once you find them (see pictures below), you are just blown away. There are also smaller hikes that take you to lava tubes (some still have snow in them!) This is a must see if you are looking for something that you generally won't see anywhere else. 

    The visitor center is at the top of the entrance road and has a good amount of gifts/ stuff to buy as well as information about the park. If it's hot, they also have AC... so... take your time a browse!

  • j
    Camper-submitted photo from Lava Flow Campground — Craters of the Moon National Monument
    Sep. 5, 2019

    Lava Flow Campground — Craters of the Moon National Monument

    Quaint and convenient

    Really cute private campground right off I30 near Lava Springs, Idaho

    Some highway noise. Very clean sites. Vault toilets, clean and decorated nicely. Really wish they had a bathhouse and place to wash dishes. Firepit. Picnic table with flower pot was really a nice touch. Level, gravel, back in sites. Prices a bit high for just water and electric $40 to $55 They also rent tiny trailers, $55 a night. Lots of tent sites as well. Grass playground. Creek nearby. No camp store but they do sell firewood. Owner Annie, super friendly and accommodating. Refunded two nights since we wanted a shower. Only charged $5. 9/5/19

  • Always C.
    Camper-submitted photo from Mackay Reservoir Access Area - IFG
    Jun. 20, 2021

    Mackay Reservoir Access Area - IFG

    Breath taking BLM Campground!

    This BLM campground has 26 paved sites with water and electric and trash bins throughout, dump site up the hill. First come first serve with a $14 nightly fee $7 with senior pass. Tent camping in a separate area. Boat launch and covered picnic day use area. 2 camping areas, one offers some shade the other has beautiful views. We picked the views! Can be a bit windy I'm told by the host. Would rate this a 10 if I could!

  • Shariah T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Lava Flow Campground — Craters of the Moon National Monument
    Jun. 1, 2019

    Lava Flow Campground — Craters of the Moon National Monument

    Cute and quaint, perfect for a night!

    Right along the river, not too far but not too close to all other campgrounds and town. Some tent sites didn’t have any grass/shade, but still very put together. Had man made port-a-potty’s which were very nice. Renovated old time trailers are for rent per night/weekend also. We were located right by the river so the water blocked out much of the freeway noise however not certain about other sites. There is also a trail leading right to the hot springs from the campground.

  • Jeremy H.
    Camper-submitted photo from Craters of the Moon-Arco KOA
    Jul. 5, 2022

    Craters of the Moon-Arco KOA

    Fun holiday camping

    Great little campground with full hook ups, 30 or 50 Amp. Spaces for tent camping up to Class A motor homes. Several pull through spots, a few back in spots. The campground is well maintained and had friendly staff. Amenities included showers, restrooms, laundry, small store that sells firewood and propane among other necessities, ice cream social (for a donation) in the evening, free waffle breakfast in the morning, pet friendly with dog park, playground, and pool (although not super warm). Good activities in the area if you enjoy the high desert. We stayed on 4th of July weekend and even with a full park it didn't feel crowded.

  • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from BLM Skull Canyon Road Dispersed
    Oct. 28, 2024

    BLM Skull Canyon Road Dispersed

    Dispersed Camping in a Canyon

    Coordinartes: 44.16547,-112.90392. Beautiful views. Large dirt and gravel site, right along side to Skull Canyon Road, about a mile from ID Hwy 28. Canyon walls on each side. Rough narrow rocky track to the site from the highway; recommend high clearance. High humps on this track. Small rock fire ring. Grass and sagebrush all around site. Some leveling may be required. Tent camping possible. Very peaceful; can hardly hear road noise from highway. The only vehicle that drove by was a national forest truck. No cell service. There are several boondocking sites, some with vault toilets nearby, along Hwy 28 in the Birch Creek Recreation Area.

  • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Corral Creek Designated Dispersed
    Oct. 31, 2024

    Corral Creek Designated Dispersed

    Large dispersed site near creek

    Free designated dispersed campsite along Sawtooth Nation Forest Road 137. Camped here at the end of September 2024. Very large designated dispersed site set downhill from the forest road; no issues with dust from this road. The area is level. May be able to park 3 rigs. Tent camping is possible back from the parking area toward the metal firering. This area can accommodate 3 or 4 tents, or one big hot tent. Corral Creek is just down a short path from the campsite. The sound of the creek can be heard at the site. Very quiet area. Mountains on either side of the site. The parking area is dirt and gravel. The "tent" area is grass and dirt. Don't see opportunities for hammock camping. No cell service. No shade; solar recharging and Starlink possible. 3 day limit. Hiking trailheads and vault toilet at the end of the forest road.

  • Debra M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Lava Flow Campground — Craters of the Moon National Monument
    Oct. 23, 2021

    Lava Flow Campground — Craters of the Moon National Monument

    Great Campground and Park

    We stayed here in October when the water was turned off and the sites were half price.  There were no services at all including water, electric or dump station.  Regardless the sites are all amazing.  The park is very fun and interesting.  Depending on how much hiking your want to do will determine how long you stay.  We did limited hiking, arrived early in the day and only stayed one night,   We took the full auto tour and saw so much.  We had no cell service at all, even at the visitor's center and no WiFi.  Campfires are strictly prohibited.  If you tent camp, you will be laying on a lot of crushed lava rock so bring padding.  It was FCFS in October but plenty of spaces were available.  I would definitely come again in shoulder season, I think it would be very hot in summer.

  • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Iron Bog Campground
    Oct. 29, 2024

    Iron Bog Campground

    Pretty location - peaceful stay

    $10 ($5 with interagency pass). First-come, first-served. Camped one night in site #13 on Sept 24, 2024. Gravel road to this out-of-the-way campground was in good condition. Pretty part of the Challis National Forest. Nothing remarkable about the campground itself. Looks like some of the sites have not been maintained in a while; overgrown with weeds, grass and sagebrush. Sites have tables and fire rings; some had shade-awnings over the tables. The vault toilets were clean. The hand water pump did not pump water; water was probably turned off for the season. No payment envelopes were provided - maybe because it was the end of the season. No hiking trails. Most sites are in the open with no shade; a few were shaded near the creek. Gravel campground road and site driveways. Site sizes varied. No privacy between sites. Tent camping possible. Solar recharging possible at my site. Great views of the mountains around the campground. Very quiet, peaceful evening; only one other site was occupied during my visit. No T-Mobile and AT&T cell service. There were several boondocking sites on the way to the campground.

  • Kelly H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Lava Flow Campground — Craters of the Moon National Monument
    May. 18, 2021

    Lava Flow Campground — Craters of the Moon National Monument

    Could spend a month here!

    One of best places I’ve been to. I’d definitely recommend several days if you can as some of the trails are pretty challenging though definitely see the spatter cones and the one before it (can’t remember the name but big black hill you can climb even if not in great shape by taking a break every 50 feet or so. Most unique and gorgeous campground with helpful staff. Most spots have at least a couple sides completely blocked off from other spaces. No designations so you can take as big or little of a spot as you want with everything from pull-through s to tent sites with just parking for a car. Recommend to arrive between noon and 3pm for most options to pick your spot. Planning to go back for maybe even a month later on though have to switch spaces after 14 days. Off-season has no running water but vault toilets are clean. If you have handicap/senior access pass, only $4/night off season. If not, you have to also pay park access fee daily. Payment is one-day only so have to go get new receipt from machine every day but close enough for easy walk to entrance.

  • Tim M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Craters of the Moon-Arco KOA
    Sep. 26, 2022

    Craters of the Moon-Arco KOA

    Nice KOA campground

    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. The Showers and Laundry facilities at this park were not used by us during this visit. Staff was very friendly during the check in process. There is limited shade in the park.

  • Jeff P.
    Camper-submitted photo from Craters of the Moon-Arco KOA
    Jul. 15, 2018

    Craters of the Moon-Arco KOA

    Pretty typical KOA, which is a good thing!

    We stayed here on our way to Yellowstone. Has most of the usual KOA amenities: clean bathrooms, pool, cabins, full hookup RV spots, and a few tent spots. Even has a couple of teepees. Very friendly staff and a well stocked store/deli. Near Craters of the Moon National Monument. The town of Arco was charming and has an interesting history as the first nuclear-powered city in the US. If our travels take us this way in the future we'll camp here again!

  • Corvid C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Craters of the Moon-Arco KOA
    Oct. 23, 2024

    Craters of the Moon-Arco KOA

    Adequate for a quiet night with full hook-ups

    We stayed here 1 night in mid-October, 2024. Bulletin board directed us to our reserved site. never saw any of the staff and received our welcome email at 9 a.m. the next day as we were departing. Poor trees are half dead. Stay was OK except for the racket from a neighboring property with massive loudspeakers blasting reveille in the a.m. and an annoying, caterwauling rendition of the Star-Spangled Banner at sunset. Nutty Arco.

  • Zach H.
    Camper-submitted photo from Craters of the Moon-Arco KOA
    Aug. 8, 2020

    Craters of the Moon-Arco KOA

    Great spot to see Craters

    We passed through here heading from the Tetons to Oregon. Looks a lot like several other small town KOAs we’ve stayed at. Free waffles for breakfast was a nice touch. We got a site with a large shade tree but many were totally exposed to the sun. Beautiful countryside nearby but not much going on in the town of Arco. Only 20 minutes to the Craters of the Moon visitors center. Great location to stay to check out this remote and amazing NPS site.

  • andrew N.
    Camper-submitted photo from Craters of the Moon-Arco KOA
    Jul. 20, 2024

    Craters of the Moon-Arco KOA

    First family vacation gone wrong

    For our family's first vacation in our new travel trailer, we foolishly chose to visit the KOA campground in Arco, Idaho. We had informed them of our late arrival around 11 PM. Upon arrival, they handed us a map and pointed to a campsite number. None of the spots were properly marked, but surrounded by other trailers, we assumed we were in the right place. The next morning, we discovered the bathrooms were absolutely revolting, clearly not cleaned for days, despite a sign claiming daily cleaning. Mud on the floors, mold and mildew in the showers, overflowing trash, and toilet paper strewn about—it was utterly disgusting. When we returned later that day, a staff member immediately confronted us, accusing us of lacking a reservation. We provided the requested documentation, and they disappeared. Then the owner or manager approached us aggressively, violently pointing out our supposed error on the map and ordering us to move everything to the correct spot—right behind where we had parked, already occupied by another family they had mistakenly placed. In a menacing tone, he begrudgingly decided to relocate the incoming family to our original spot. This whole scene unfolded in front of numerous families at the KOA, with no regard for our embarrassment or the other campers' discomfort. After this disgraceful ordeal, we decided to just pack up and leave, not even bothering to request a refund. As we were packing, the manager approached, still not apologizing, but handed me a receipt for a refund that I never asked for nor wanted. I informed him firmly that this was not about money but about their appalling mismanagement. I intend to dispute the refund because this KOA should not be associated with such incompetence and filth and I will not accept hush money.

  • Hayley K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Lava Flow Campground — Craters of the Moon National Monument
    Oct. 22, 2021

    Lava Flow Campground — Craters of the Moon National Monument

    Cute Little Private Campground

    Super cute little campground with nice custom touches for the bathrooms. It sits down in a valley near one of the main roads in Idaho so it's not super quiet during the day but they are really good about enforcing quiet hours and people are very respectful. 

    It has a creek that runs by it and it has easy access to Lava Hot Springs in town. This is a great site for families with kids with easy access to local restaurants and fun at the springs water park. 

    The sites are part of a large field and are ideal for RV privacy but tents are more exposed. I didn't end up setting up a tent in my site, I slept in my car so I had more privacy.

  • Lee F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Silver Creek Public Access Dispersed
    May. 2, 2023

    Silver Creek Public Access Dispersed

    Pleasant surprise

    Use satellite view to see the sites. One site had a picnic table, tent pad and pit toilet, but was already occupied. The second location had two picnic tables with awnings, two tent pads and one pit toilet, complete with a mouse. We took the further site and a couple arrived at the other site around 7pm. It was very pleasant and quiet, but might not be if there were several campers in the large parking lot. Great, clean spot by the creek.

  • Hayley K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Lava Flow Campground — Craters of the Moon National Monument
    Oct. 22, 2021

    Lava Flow Campground — Craters of the Moon National Monument

    HOT HOT HOT but beautiful

    This is a super cool campground. Made up on entirely lava rock, you need to have some serious stakes or your tent will end up in the middle of the lava field next door like we saw with MULTIPLE tents. 

    Lava rocks are lightweight so you can’t use them to weigh it down, you can have it tied off and to the table and grill if possible. 

    All sites are exposed to sun for most of the day. There are coveted tucked away sites to protect from wind and some sun but then you don’t get the view of the incredible night sky. 

    Sites are first come first serve and the sites turn over at 2 pm so arrive during that time and you will be golden for your pick of views. The farthest loop is not advised for large RV’s, you won’t be able to make the turn. This means it is the perfect loop for tent spots. 

    The bathrooms are clean, reservations are on an automated machine, and the campground is surprisingly quiet for being super compacted in one area of the field to protect the rock.

    We were here for Labor day weekend and easily got a site. Plenty of hikes nearby and a great long and hot bike ride around the park from the campground.

  • G
    Camper-submitted photo from Craters of the Moon-Arco KOA
    Jul. 15, 2022

    Craters of the Moon-Arco KOA

    Roomy Sites, typical KOA

    The Rv spots were pretty roomy. There’re gravel and pretty level. WiFi is hit and miss, pretty typical for a Koa. Rest rooms are dated but clean but also heavily used when I was here from big tent groups. It’s pretty dusty but that’s a function of the location. Very convenient to Craters of the Moon.


Guide to Arco

Tent camping near Arco, Idaho offers a serene escape into nature, with a variety of campgrounds that cater to outdoor enthusiasts looking for adventure and tranquility.

Tent campers like these nearby activities

  • Enjoy hiking and exploring the wilderness directly from the Iron Bog Campground, where trails lead into the stunning Challis National Forest.
  • Experience fishing and primitive camping at Little Wood River, a well-reviewed spot known for its spacious sites and beautiful surroundings.
  • Take advantage of the ample trails for hiking, snowmobiling, and mountain biking at Broad Canyon Campground, which serves as a great trailhead for outdoor adventures.

Campgrounds with essential amenities

Unique features of local campgrounds

  • Wildhorse Campground allows pets, making it a great choice for those traveling with furry friends, while providing a rustic camping experience.
  • Campers at Sawmill Campground can enjoy a peaceful environment without the distractions of modern conveniences, perfect for a true back-to-nature experience.
  • Federal Gulch Campground is a no-frills option that emphasizes the beauty of the surrounding landscape, ideal for those who appreciate simplicity in their camping trips.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular tent campsite near Arco, ID?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Arco, ID is Iron Bog Campground with a 4-star rating from 2 reviews.

  • What is the best site to find tent camping near Arco, ID?

    TheDyrt.com has all 15 tent camping locations near Arco, ID, with real photos and reviews from campers.