Top Tent Camping near Craters of the Moon National Monument

Looking for tent camping near Craters of the Moon National Monument? Find the best information on tent camping near Craters of the Moon National Monument, including sites, reviews, and tips for getting the most out of your camping experience. Whether you're looking for a quiet, dispersed site or an established camgpround with amenities, The Dyrt makes it easy to find the perfect place to pitch your tent.

Best Tent Sites Near Craters of the Moon National Monument, ID (19)

Showing results 1-10 of 19 campgrounds

Recent Tent Reviews In Craters of the Moon National Monument

191 Reviews of 19 Craters of the Moon National Monument Campgrounds


  • Camper-submitted photo from Craters of the Moon Wilderness — Craters of the Moon National Monument
    October 3, 2024

    Craters of the Moon Wilderness — Craters of the Moon National Monument

    Beautiful spot in a hidden gem

    We came to Craters of the Moon early, ended up being there most of the day. Instead of going on and trying to find dispersed camping, we treated ourselves to a site in the park. Sites are $15, and you must have the American the Beautiful Pass or pay park entry fee. The sites are dry camping with toilet facilities and water (no dump station). The sites are right in amongst lava field and is quite unique.
    Campground was very quiet at night and very dark. Could see the sky and stars wonderfully. Definitely a great park and place to stay.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Silver Creek Public Access Dispersed
    August 10, 2024

    Silver Creek Public Access Dispersed

    Creekside!

    Delightful creekside free campsites! Turn at the BLM sign and take a little gravel road to several free creekside spots! There are at least two pit toilets, one at a spot with two picnic tables, each has a great shade, fire pit, and a place for a camp stove! One has a flat raised gravel spot for a tent, which was good because we actually saw a couple mice. The second pit toilet was further down the road at a more separated spot, it looked like it was ADA accessible and also had a picnic table, etc. Close enough to Carey to get gas/ice. Only giving it 4 stars because of the mice (pack out your own trash guys! It isn’t hard!) and the complete lack of trees, the covers over the picnic tables did proved shade, but it still got crazy hot.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Craters of the Moon-Arco KOA
    July 20, 2024

    Craters of the Moon-Arco KOA

    Disappointing and " unique"

    We arrived with a reservation for a rental RV, smooth and friendly check-in. But then... Small site, no shade at all. Nicely flat though. Firepit/BBQ filled with cigarettes, non-usable. Pool was as small as can be, 10 pax= overcrowded. Toilets and showers outdated, broken and terribly dirty. The neighbour will play a loud national anthem at 9 p.m. and an even louder reveille at 9 a.m. One can see as far as possible, but the scenery consists of old trailers and mess.

    Pro's: The showers were for free and nicely warm. 4 washing machines ($1,75 half an hour) 4 dryers ($1,50 half an hour) Free wafles and coffee between 9a.m. and 10 a.m. Friendly staff.

    Overall: nearly good enough for a one night stay. Never saw something like this before.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Craters of the Moon-Arco KOA
    July 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.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Silver Creek Public Access Dispersed
    July 18, 2024

    Silver Creek Public Access Dispersed

    Great night on Silver Creek

    Arrived later than I wanted and was thrilled to find site 1, I believe this was the North entrance, was available. Great spot with a pit toilet and table. Plenty of room to park and level. Loved listening to the creek all night. Wet a fly the next morning and caught a great brown trout. Lots of little dinkers, too.

  • Camper-submitted photo from North Fork Campground - Sawtooth National Forest
    July 6, 2024

    North Fork Campground - Sawtooth National Forest

    Great Place to get away

    It’s a quiet place. It is dusty. The camp host was awesome. He was quick to tell us what sites were still available on a holiday weekend. He even alerted the campers that a bear was spotted a few miles down. There is no power and no cell service.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Hayspur Hatchery
    July 1, 2024

    Hayspur Hatchery

    Free, beautiful, a little buggy

    Free (donation box) camping. I have a hard time imagining this place filling up, plenty of field to park in. Most RVs were under a row of trees. Two vault toilets, on either end of camping. Not the cleanest or freshest I’ve used, but not the worst. Great scenery and birdwatching. Good stop on the way to/from Craters.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Picabo Angler Silver Creek RV Park
    June 9, 2024

    Picabo Angler Silver Creek RV Park

    Just okay

    Spent two nights here so we could visit nearby Craters of the Moon. Spaces are long and level at least. Fire pits are shared with 1-2 other spots. Our table was completely leaning over. Neither of the bathroom toilets would flush. The sprinklers came on in the middle of camp and soaked everything with no warning. Okay if you need a quick stop for the night.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Antelope Creek
    February 22, 2024

    Antelope Creek

    Great

    This site was pretty easy to find. There were a couple of campers camped closer to the road from the turn-off but we managed to find a spot that was secluded and perfect for us right next to the creek. Tons of space, especially since we were by ourselves. Had a real fire pit! This was a cold stay and our tent was covered in frost in the morning, but a good spot to be. Close enough to town, close enough to hiking.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Craters of the Moon-Arco KOA
    October 30, 2023

    Craters of the Moon-Arco KOA

    Nice quiet camping

    Stopped at Craters of the Moon on our trip home from Mt Rainer. It’s not a large campground, and it off the main road. A little hard to find. (Behind Pickle’s Place). Convent to Craters of the Moon !

  • Camper-submitted photo from Lava Flow Campground — Craters of the Moon National Monument
    October 22, 2023

    Lava Flow Campground — Craters of the Moon National Monument

    It's a site

    Prices are 28$ a night unless you have the America the beautiful pass then it's 4$ they have caves that are free to access but you have to get a permit from the visitor center the spots are small and people get there late sometimes so it was a bit noisy at night we stayed for 4 days the hole attraction is because of lava formations over all a very nice stay

  • Camper-submitted photo from Corral Creek Canyon Dispersed
    October 2, 2023

    Corral Creek Canyon Dispersed

    Nice location, campsites spreadout

    Quiet, private campsites. Close to Sun Valley. Place to turn around if unable to fine a campsite. No cell coverage. Only 3 day limit.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Antelope Creek
    October 2, 2023

    Antelope Creek

    Close in to Sun Valley

    Nice location, close to town. Close to road but not much traffic. Access can be difficult with steep access from main road and tricky spots along the access road. There are three access spots. Would pick the first or second. The road is difficult between the second and third access roads. Would recommend walking down to see if safe for you and your vehicle. There is more dispersed camping farther up the road but you begin to lose cell coverage.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Lava Creek
    September 11, 2023

    Lava Creek

    Rough field with fire pits with view of water

    Accesible by any car. Giant desert field with fire pits. No shade . No one there when I was there. Sunday evening Some broken glass around fire pit

  • Camper-submitted photo from Murdock Creek Dispersed
    August 27, 2023

    Murdock Creek Dispersed

    Quiet spot near Ketchum

    This is a fee based campground with a host that offers a first come first serve camping experience. We got in late in the day and were happy to find a spot. The ground was a bit limited for tent camping but we ended with a great location near moving water. The sound of water created a very serene environment for rest. The real treat came when we saw the beauty of the night sky unencumbered by city lights; the Milky Way was on full display.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Silver Creek Public Access Dispersed
    August 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.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Big Lost River Dispersed
    August 7, 2023

    Big Lost River Dispersed

    Surprisingly easy access. Clean and ADA accessible

    I selected this campground after missing out on a nearby first come first serve that was fully booked. I am just thrilled with the campsites and cleanliness of the pit toilets and nearby stream and fishing.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Lava Creek
    August 5, 2023

    Lava Creek

    Peaceful gem

    After a lil ways down from the road. We found this gem Beautiful scenery and no one else around

  • Camper-submitted photo from Stanton Crossing
    July 24, 2023

    Stanton Crossing

    Pretty crowded for a Sunday

    I was excited to pull in, but didn’t feel safe. This is a pretty good-sized area and lots of cars and rvs. I drove through and saw several open spaces, but I didn’t feel great about the neighbors. I have nothing to back this up, but my gut. I pulled into one of the few shady spots to camp overnight and leave in the morning. But, I decided to move on after about 20 minutes. You can hear a creek from the site and tons of bugs that come with water.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Lake Creek Rd Dispersed
    July 24, 2023

    Lake Creek Rd Dispersed

    Wow! Gorgeous

    The first part of the road allows for 3-day max camping, but a little further in, you’ll hit 16-day max stay! The sites further up are away from the others and run along a stream. Still further in, you’ll hit a Y in the road. The right side leads you to a small parking lot with bathrooms and access to a small pond, the left leads you up to more sites. Not too far past the pond, the dirt road is less smooth and has tall grass growing in the middle of the road. I scored a gorgeous site, with a campfire pit already established. The site overlooks the pond, with the Sun Valley Ski Resort seen in the distance and has a gorgeous Mountain View on the opposite side. Absolutely stunning! Plenty of ground squirrels and butterflies and have only seen 2 cars all day.



Guide to Craters of the Moon National Monument

Camping near Craters of the Moon National Monument, Idaho, offers a unique experience surrounded by stunning volcanic landscapes. Whether you're pitching a tent or parking an RV, there are plenty of options to enjoy the great outdoors.

What to do:

  • Explore the Lava Formations: The area is famous for its unique geological features. As one camper noted about the Lava Flow Campground, "The whole attraction is because of lava formations." It's a must-see for anyone visiting.
  • Hiking and Biking: There are trails for both hiking and biking. One visitor mentioned, "Great hiking or biking the 7mi loop road" while staying at the Craters of the Moon Wilderness.
  • Stargazing: The clear skies make for excellent stargazing. A reviewer at the Group Campground shared, "Could still see the Milky Way despite the bright moon."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms. One reviewer at the Craters of the Moon-Arco KOA said, "Clean bathrooms and water. Easy card payments for campsites."
  • Unique Setting: Many enjoy the distinctive environment. A camper at the Lava Flow Campground described it as "a very nice stay" due to the unique volcanic landscape.
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often mention the helpfulness of campground staff. A visitor at the Mountain View RV Park noted, "The owners are friendly and accommodating."

What you should know:

  • First-Come, First-Served: Many campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-served basis. A camper at the Craters of the Moon Wilderness advised, "Get there early (2pm) it looked very full by 6pm."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds lack certain amenities. A reviewer at the Craters of the Moon-Arco KOA mentioned, "Toilets and showers outdated, broken and terribly dirty."
  • Wildlife Encounters: Be prepared for wildlife. One camper at the Silver Creek Public Access shared, "We were visited by a moose as we packed up camp."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with amenities for kids. A reviewer at the Mountain View RV Park highlighted, "Fabulous large off-leash dog area available," which can be great for families with pets.
  • Plan for Activities: Bring bikes or hiking gear to keep everyone entertained. One camper at the Group Campground suggested, "Next time spend an extra day or two, riding the bikes through the loop."
  • Pack Snacks and Drinks: Having food on hand can make family camping easier. A visitor at the Craters of the Moon-Arco KOA appreciated the "easy card payments for campsites," making it simple to grab supplies.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check for Hookups: Not all campgrounds have electric hookups. A camper at Kraay's Market & Garden noted, "There is only 1 hook up near the barn."
  • Be Mindful of Space: Some sites can be tight for larger RVs. A reviewer at the Craters of the Moon-Arco KOA mentioned, "Small site, no shade at all."
  • Stay Connected: Cell service can be spotty. A visitor at the Craters of the Moon Wilderness said, "No cell service," so plan accordingly.

Camping near Craters of the Moon National Monument, Idaho, offers a mix of adventure and relaxation. With unique landscapes and a variety of campgrounds, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular tent campsite near Craters of the Moon National Monument?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Craters of the Moon National Monument is Little Wood River with a 4.7-star rating from 3 reviews.

  • What is the best site to find tent camping near Craters of the Moon National Monument?

    TheDyrt.com has all 19 tent camping locations near Craters of the Moon National Monument, with real photos and reviews from campers.