Craters of the Moon National Monument features Lava Flow Campground as the primary developed camping option within park boundaries. This first-come, first-served campground offers 42 sites suitable for both tents and RVs amid a distinctive volcanic landscape. Beyond the monument, nearby accommodations include the Craters of the Moon-Arco KOA and Mountain View RV Park in Arco, both offering cabin rentals alongside traditional camping. Silver Creek Public Access area provides dispersed camping options on public lands approximately 20 miles southwest of the monument, while Honeys Park offers free dry camping with electric hookups.
Seasonal considerations directly impact camping availability in this high desert region. Most campgrounds operate from spring through fall, with Lava Flow typically open April through November, weather permitting. "We went here in the off season and it was a nice inexpensive place to stay. As with many campgrounds the water was off but it was expected," noted one visitor about Lava Flow Campground. Limited water access is common during shoulder seasons, with flush toilets sometimes replaced by vault toilets. Summer temperatures can be extremely hot with little natural shade, while nights remain cool year-round. Cell service is spotty throughout the area, with Verizon showing the most consistent coverage near developed areas.
The volcanic terrain creates a uniquely stark camping experience unlike typical forested settings. Campers consistently mention the extraordinary night sky viewing opportunities, as Craters of the Moon is designated as a Dark Sky Park. "An absolutely beautiful place to camp. Black lava rock everywhere. No cell service," reported one camper about the experience at Lava Flow Campground. Sites are generally well-spaced among volcanic features, though privacy varies. Most developed campgrounds offer basic amenities like picnic tables and fire rings, but shade is minimal throughout the region. Several visitors recommend exploring the monument's caves and lava tubes during your stay, which requires obtaining a free permit from the visitor center. Water conservation is essential as natural sources are scarce, and campers should arrive with adequate supplies.
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Round 1 of 5
"Great base camp location for anyone interested in exploring Craters of the Moon National Monument. Rangers were very helpful. Toilets were clean. No showers. No cell coverage."
"Scenic and cool campsite smack in the middle of the lava beds of Craters of the Moon National Monument."
$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'."
$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."
"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."
$52 - $58 / night
"Very convenient to town, and only some 15 miles from Craters of the Moon National Monument. Plan you visit for spring or fall, because this area can get HOT in the summer."
"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."
"I got a spot right by the creek but a ways away from the bathrooms."
"Nobody was around when i was there so i just parked next to the bathroom on the northernmost site, not sure if thats the intended area but it worked for me."
"I love this area of Idaho."
"There are ample trails that are available kicking off straight from the campground into the wilderness, for hiking, walking, snowmobiling, mountain biking, etc."
"Got a nice spot, “lake” side views. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring. Not sure about any other amenities as we didn’t use them. But it’s a really cool spot and worth at least a nights visit!"
ScoutPulled in early afternoon on a Sunday and had the choice of almost every spot. Well organized sites that can fit various set-ups. Limited shade options. Cell reception spotty.
GuideWe stayed at the most northern spot (where Google says 'Silver Creek (North and South)') Perfect spot, with toilet, picnic table, plenty of room and creek access. Somebody built a little dam, so you can take a dip in the creek without too much current. Very nice! We had the whole place for ourselves. A bit further on the road, on the other spots, there were a few other campers.
RangerIt's July; I was tired of driving and looking for a place to camp for a few days. This area is 5 miles North of Ketchum. The road takes you through a residential area then becomes a washboard dirt road. I drove by a few spots that were spacious enough for a 40' rig. The spaces are far enough apart where you can barely see the other campsites. There isn't any shade. Some light traffic, kicking up dust as people drive to Taylor canyon trailhead. No amenities, but you're very close to town. Good ATT signal. There is a 3 day limit.
GuideThe spaces are around lava rocks, so you might have a hard time fitting if you're a big rig. It's so peaceful. No hookups but there is a water spigot where you can fill jugs. $7.50 per night with a senior pass. $15 without. Lots of spaces still available when we came in at 4:30 PM.
LegendHot and dry but that’s to be expected in July. Very peaceful and cooled off beautifully as the sun set. The were so many stars out once it was dark and the light layer of clouds moved on. A local came by this morning to say hi and remind us that if we see smoke-leave immediately as the vegetation will burn fast! We camped at the last one on the road.
RangerWe stayed here for 2 nights in July 2025. We were on the way back from Yellowstone and planned a stop here so we could go to Craters of the Moon. It's a lovely park, very clean, nice people. The only thing that was disappointing was that there is a BBQ restaurant on-site that had fantastic reviews and it happened to be closed on the days we were there. This is right on a main road, but Arco is a quiet town and I did not notice any traffic noise at all. There were fields around the rest of the park and horses in one of them so we visited them one night on a walk.
GuideI pull a 30 foot toy hauler. This place was easy in and easy out. Dirt road with bumps but no potholes. We were lucky and got the site in the middle next to the restrooms right on the river! Dogs had a blast and we got an awesome view!
GuideAmazing! We decided to stay two nights here on our road trip and it was the greatest decision ever. You feel like you are on another planet here. The wind came in a little crazy in the evening, but settled at night. There is a very strict no fires allowed policy due to the ancient pines that are there, but they do have charcoal grills at each site. The bathrooms were relatively clean with flush toilets and running sinks, and were beside a water spigot (seasonal), all were very close to our site. Because of the natural landscape each site is unique, with significant size variation. #37 was a great choice and right beside a hiking trail which made for a great night walk. I will say that you can easily get up that trail and do some nice stargazing, and wait for the moon to rise. The moon rising here was something I will never forget, as well as a rare late morning visit by a fox, truly an amazing place!
ScoutBeautiful and large treed spots up and down the campground. There is river access but you have to bushwhack a bit. DOGS ARE ALLOWED!! The description says no dogs and that gave us heart palpitations. Wrong, just have to be on leash like every other campground.
Camping opportunities near Craters of the Moon National Monument sit at elevations between 5,000-6,000 feet, creating distinct temperature patterns throughout the year. This high desert region experiences temperature swings of 30-40 degrees between day and night. Most accessible camping options remain open from late spring through mid-fall, with limited services during shoulder seasons when temperatures regularly dip below freezing overnight.
Cave exploration: Get free permits at the visitor center before exploring lava tube caves at Lava Flow Campground. "Very clean, in a unique setting. Only the most basic of support utilities are available," notes Douglas S. Proper footwear and headlamps required for safe exploration of these volcanic features.
Night sky photography: Set up tripods after sunset for exceptional astrophotography. "Wonderful campground. Great for star gazing. Sites are scattered across a lava field and represent a unique camping experience," shares Christoph R. about Lava Flow Campground. The monument's Dark Sky designation means minimal light pollution for optimal viewing.
Cycling the loop road: Bring bikes to experience the 7-mile scenic drive. "Great sites nestled in the lava rocks. Great hiking or biking the 7mi loop road," reports Mark F. from Group Campground. Most cyclists complete the route in 1-2 hours, allowing stops at key viewpoints.
Volcanic landscape immersion: Campsites positioned among ancient lava flows create a geologically unique experience. "I have never been to a campground like this. Considering all they have to work with are rocks, it is a good campground right next to the visitor center," explains Hannah C. about Lava Flow Campground.
Diverse wildlife viewing: Despite the seemingly barren terrain, many species thrive here. "Nice campground within the park, awesome scenery with little chipmunk visitors," Georgia L. shares about camping at Lava Flow Campground. Early mornings offer the best wildlife viewing opportunities.
Accessibility to trails: Many trails connect directly to campgrounds. "There are ample trails that are available kicking off straight from the campground into the wilderness, for hiking, walking, snowmobiling, mountain biking, etc," notes Allison W. about Iron Bog Campground, located about 30 miles from the monument.
Weather extremes demand preparation: Pack for significant temperature fluctuations. "Weather was prime. Only think that bothered me were the number of flies that bombarded my van!" reports Hayden G. about Lava Flow Campground. Summer daytime temperatures regularly exceed 85°F, while nights can drop below 40°F.
Water access varies seasonally: Many campgrounds shut off water systems during shoulder seasons. "The water was shut off due to the colder weather but still had pit toilets available, however this meant the price was only $8 for the night," notes Georgia L. about camping at Lava Flow Campground.
Free camping options exist nearby: For budget travelers, Honeys Park in Arco provides free camping with some amenities. "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," explains Scar S. The owner has two main rules: speak to him before entering and join other campers at dusk for the national anthem.
Choose shaded sites when possible: Limited tree cover makes summer heat management important. "Sites are generally well-spaced but privacy varies. Most developed campgrounds offer basic amenities like picnic tables and fire rings, but shade is minimal throughout the region," explains a park visitor about Lava Flow Campground.
Pack plenty of water: Natural water sources are scarce throughout the volcanic terrain. "Very dry heat. If you are planning on camping here in the summer, be prepared for extreme dry heat," Hannah C. warns about Lava Flow Campground. Plan for 1 gallon per person per day minimum.
Consider nearby water features: For families wanting water recreation, Silver Creek Public Access offers creek-side camping about 20 miles from the monument. "Nice river is right by parking. Not a crowded location. Superrrrr windy. Accessible for most vehicles/flat parking," describes Taylor A. The creek provides fishing opportunities and relief from summer heat.
Limited size accommodations: Many campgrounds have space restrictions for larger rigs. "National Park campground is non/reservable and first come first served. Sites for RV on asphalt. No showers or laundry facilities but there are restrooms," explains Elizabeth S. about Lava Flow Campground.
Arrive early for best site selection: First-come, first-served policies mean midday arrivals work best. "Recommend to arrive between noon and 3pm for most options to pick your spot," advises Kelly H. about Lava Flow Campground, noting that "no designations so you can take as big or little of a spot as you want with everything from pull-throughs to tent sites with just parking for a car."
Hook-up options in nearby towns: For those needing electrical connections, Mountain View RV Park in Arco offers full hookups about 18 miles from the monument. "The sites are very wide and spacious with grass in between. Full service. Very good cell phone service," shares Marty S. Their restaurant receives positive reviews from many campers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Lava Flow Campground at Craters of the Moon like?
Lava Flow Campground offers a unique camping experience surrounded by volcanic landscapes. The sites are relatively small but feature the dramatic backdrop of lava beds. Located within walking distance of the visitor center, campers have easy access to ranger programs and information. The campground provides clean vault toilets but no showers or cell service. Sites can accommodate most camping setups, though space may be limited. The area can get quite windy due to its exposed position. Despite the stark surroundings, the campground gives visitors the exceptional opportunity to sleep among ancient lava flows and experience the monument's otherworldly environment up close.
Where can I camp at Craters of the Moon National Monument?
You can camp within Craters of the Moon at Lava Flow Campground — Craters of the Moon National Monument, the main campground located inside the monument with sites nestled among lava formations. For a more adventurous experience, obtain a free backcountry permit to camp in the Craters of the Moon Wilderness, where you can sleep in unique locations like Echo Crater. The wilderness camping involves hiking a few miles into the backcountry and following Leave No Trace principles. Both options provide an immersive experience in this otherworldly landscape.
Is group camping available at Craters of the Moon?
Yes, Group Campground — Craters of the Moon National Monument offers dedicated facilities for larger parties. This separate campground provides amenities including water and toilets, making it suitable for organized groups, family reunions, or educational outings. For those needing alternative group accommodation near the monument, Mountain View RV Park in nearby Arco offers spacious sites that can accommodate multiple vehicles. Group camping requires advance planning, especially during peak season, to ensure availability and proper accommodation of your party size.
Do I need reservations to camp at Craters of the Moon?
Lava Flow Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no advance reservations accepted. During peak summer months (June-August), arriving early is recommended as the campground can fill up, especially on weekends. For those seeking guaranteed accommodations, nearby options include Craters of the Moon-Arco KOA, which does accept reservations. The group campground at Craters of the Moon requires reservations. For backcountry camping within the wilderness area, a free permit is required but cannot be reserved in advance—these are issued at the visitor center on a first-come basis.
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