1 campground with availability this weekend
Full hookup sites for RVs are actually limited near Craters Of The Moon National Monument, with most options located in nearby towns rather than within the monument itself. The monument's Lava Flow Campground has 51 sites but no hookups, though it can accommodate RVs up to 35 feet long on its paved pads. For RVs needing electric, water, and sewer connections, Arco KOA is about 18 miles away with pull-through sites that fit rigs up to 40 feet. The gravel pads at most nearby RV parks require some leveling, especially at the smaller family-run campgrounds in the area. Cell service varies dramatically - decent coverage exists in Arco and Carey, but signals weaken considerably inside the monument boundaries. Most RV campgrounds in this region maintain dump stations, though they're sometimes shared with multiple campgrounds. The roads to the monument handle large RVs well, but some of the scenic loops inside have tight turns that bigger motorhomes should avoid. Quiet hours typically run from 10pm to 7am, with generator use restricted during these times. Picnic tables and fire rings come standard at most sites, though fire restrictions are common during dry summer months. RV supplies and groceries are available in Arco, about 20 minutes from the monument entrance. Winter camping for RVs is extremely limited due to harsh conditions, with most facilities closing from October through April.
"Location, Convenience & Price
- The Value: The nightly rate here was exceptionally reasonable, delivering full hookups and wide pull-through sites without the inflated destination markups"
"Nice campground, large fenced dog run, game area, restaurant & bar. Older but clean restrooms; downside was pay showers, but they're exceptionally large! "
Available this weekend
from $52 - $58 / night
from $45 - $65 / night
"Small campground right next to the road but it wasn’t super busy. Most sites are back in and are huge. Water and electric are in most sites."
"All the amenities and clean and safe. Not so much a destination if your not into world class flyfishing."
from $55 - $65 / night
"Nice & level pull thru and back in sites. Restrooms are key coded thus nice and clean. Great area for ATV/UTV riding!"
"I love this place I was a little stressed out because I was driving quite a distance and wasn't sure if I was gonna make the cut off time but I did and they were supernice superfriendly dog friendly"
from $40 - $140 / night
"My partner and I were in a bind this winter and stayed a couple of nights here."
"Showers and laundry are on a raised trailer (non ada accessible) lots of cottonwood falling so watchout for allergies."
"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."
"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."
from $25 - $55 / night
"Great views, very clean facilities"
"If you’re looking for a simple stay, close to all, including a gorgeous bike path, this will do the trick."
"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."
"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."
"Some spaces have shade trees, some do not. Many provide nice views of the lake. Sites are all paved as are the roads (no dust). They all have fire pits and picnic tables - some with shade covers."
"The reservoir is great year round. Fun ice fishing in the winter and big enough for boating in the summer. Just beware that it is almost ALWAYS windy there."
from $20 - $50 / night
"I 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!"
"Gravel parking areas that are mostly level. Pit toilet on site.
Fire rings in most sites.
Have ok Verizon coverage and super fast Starlink.
Definitely worth a stay."
GuideCamped in the grassy area by the river south of the main camp spots. Quiet and peaceful hearing the water next to us. In the morning spotted approximately 12 horses across the river. Not sure if they're wild or belong to a nearby rancher. Would stay here again.
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.
LegendLooks like it hasn't been maintained in a while unfortunately. There was somebody here in the tent. And i'm assuming the campground host with an electric pole and a water pole and look like they had been there for a while.
Discovering RV camping near Craters of the Moon National Monument in Idaho offers a unique blend of stunning landscapes and convenient amenities for travelers. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a base for adventure, there are several options to consider.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find RV camping near Craters of the Moon National Monument?
Several RV-friendly options are available near Craters of the Moon National Monument. Craters of the Moon-Arco KOA is a popular choice in nearby Arco with full hookups (30 or 50 amp), pull-through spots, and spaces suitable for everything from tent camping to Class A motorhomes. Another excellent option is Mountain View RV Park, also located in Arco, featuring roomy sites with plenty of trees. Both provide convenient access to the monument and serve as great base camps for exploration. For those looking to venture slightly further, RV parks can be found in surrounding communities like Mackay, Ketchum, and Carey, all within reasonable driving distance to the monument.
What amenities are available at Craters of the Moon RV campgrounds?
RV campgrounds near Craters of the Moon offer varying levels of amenities. Craters of the Moon-Arco KOA provides full hookups, clean bathrooms, showers, laundry facilities, a swimming pool, a well-stocked store with deli, and friendly staff. For those seeking a more rustic experience, Group Campground — Craters of the Moon National Monument offers potable water but no hookups. Most campgrounds in the area provide basic facilities like picnic tables and fire rings. While cell service can be limited within the monument itself, some private RV parks nearby offer WiFi. Amenities typically include restrooms, potable water access, and waste disposal stations, with private parks offering more extensive services than those inside the monument.
Are there campgrounds inside Craters of the Moon National Monument for RVs?
Yes, there are campgrounds inside Craters of the Moon National Monument suitable for RVs. Lava Flow Campground — Craters of the Moon National Monument is the primary option, located right by the entrance station with 42 sites. While not all sites can accommodate larger RVs or fifth wheels, there are select spots suitable for bigger rigs. This campground offers no hookups but does provide potable water, restrooms, and scenic camping surrounded by lava formations. For groups, the Group Campground — Craters of the Moon National Monument is another option within the monument. All monument campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-served basis and tend to fill quickly during peak season.
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