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Camping near Craters of the Moon National Monument

261 Reviews

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.

Map showing campgrounds near Craters of the Moon National Monument, IdahoExplore the Map

Best Camping Sites Near Craters of the Moon National Monument (68)

    1. Lava Flow Campground — Craters of the Moon National Monument

    60 Reviews
    Arco, ID
    0 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 527-1335

    "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."

    2. Group Campground — Craters of the Moon National Monument

    11 Reviews
    Craters of the Moon National Monument, ID
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (208) 527-1300

    $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%."

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

    9 Reviews
    Craters of the Moon National Monument, ID
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 527-1300

    "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'."

    4. Craters of the Moon-Arco KOA

    24 Reviews
    Arco, ID
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 527-8513

    $25 / 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."

    5. Honeys Park

    7 Reviews
    Arco, ID
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 309-1678

    "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."

    6. Mountain View RV Park

    4 Reviews
    Arco, ID
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 527-3707

    $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."

    7. Silver Creek Public Access Dispersed

    15 Reviews
    Picabo, ID
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 886-2206

    "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."

    8. Fish Creek Reservoir

    1 Review
    Craters of the Moon National Monument, ID
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 886-2206

    "I love this area of Idaho."

    9. Iron Bog Campground

    2 Reviews
    Craters of the Moon National Monument, ID
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 588-2224

    "There are ample trails that are available kicking off straight from the campground into the wilderness, for hiking, walking, snowmobiling, mountain biking, etc."

    10. Little Wood River

    3 Reviews
    Picabo, ID
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 678-0461
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Recent Camping Photos near Craters of the Moon National Monument

62 Photos of 68 Craters of the Moon National Monument Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Craters of the Moon National Monument

261 Reviews of 68 Craters of the Moon National Monument Campgrounds

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 20, 2025

    Hayspur Hatchery

    Hatchery is a nice stop over

    We wanted to fish nearby at the preserve, so decided to camp at the hatchery. Quiet campground and was able to park under shade trees. Walked over to the Hatchery, it was interesting to see the fish. Cute fishing lake at the campground (perfect for kids), my husband had some fun with his fly rod. Campground cost is donations only. Glad we stopped here.

  • Alisa P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 14, 2025

    Lava Flow Campground — Craters of the Moon National Monument

    Great place to stay

    We stayed just one night, but had a great experience. The ranger at the camping booth was super helpful. We had The America the Beautiful pass so it was only $7.50 to camp. We were able to unload our side by side and travel the paved paths of the park. Be sure to get the cave permit from the camping booth ranger before heading out to explore. They are free but you have to have one to enter the lava tubes. The camp sights and bathrooms are super clean and well taken care of.

  • Raime B.
    Aug. 24, 2025

    Stanton Crossing

    Good for a night!

    We stopped here for the night while visiting Craters of the Moon. A convenient stop with a good amount of camping spots and free!

  • K
    Aug. 21, 2025

    Park Creek Campground

    AMAZING

    We were actually on our way to the Wildhorse campground and passed this and decided to check it out and were not disappointed! There was only one other family there on a Sunday night, and as soon as we pulled in we were greeted by a moose and her calf. Some of the sites are close and more bare and bigger would be good for groups or families together, others are more private. I believe there was 13 sites. Stars were also INCREDIBLE!

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 16, 2025

    North Fork Campground - Sawtooth National Forest

    Remote location just a few miles north of Ketchum

    Dispersed camping along the Wood River and a couple of SNRA Campgrounds with pit toilets and water. Amazing spot within easy driving distance of Ketchum and Sun Valley. The road dead ends at the trailhead for the Hemingway Wilderness

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 14, 2025

    Centennial Rest Area Hwy 93

    Parking lot on the edge of town.

    This parking lot allows for overnight parking, up to 16 hours. There are toilets and some picnic tables. A few trees and a nice view of the mountains.

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

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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