Glamping in Howe, Idaho offers unique camping experiences in an area characterized by volcanic terrain at elevations ranging between 4,900 and 5,800 feet. The region experiences wide temperature swings, with summer days often reaching 85°F before cooling to the 40s at night. Most campgrounds remain accessible from late spring through fall, with limited options during winter months.
What to do
Explore lava caves: Visitors to Craters of the Moon can explore volcanic features including lava tubes and caves. "I loved this campground! it feels like you are staying in the middle of the lava beds. The Ranger station and visitor center are nearby. the campground is at the start of the drive through the Monument," notes Angie W. about the Group Campground at Craters of the Moon National Monument.
Stargazing opportunities: The remote location provides exceptional night sky viewing with minimal light pollution. Taylor L. describes camping at Craters of the Moon as "This experience is a must! The campsite is in the lava fields. Like amongst piles of volcanic rock and mounds of lava flows. It's unreal!"
Biking through volcanic landscapes: The loop road through Craters of the Moon offers cycling opportunities on paved surfaces. "We would stay there again and next time spend an extra day or two, riding the bikes through the loop," recommends Lexine H.
What campers like
Free camping with utilities: Honeys Park provides no-cost camping with some unexpected amenities. Dan C. explains, "Dude put in many power stations, wifi etc all on his own and only wants people to act decent to stay. Lots of room. Old buses for hostels. Shower, water sewer garbage a few feet away."
Social atmosphere: Some camping areas foster community interaction. James H. describes his experience at Honeys Park: "Talk about a great find after taking a wrong turn at 1.am free sites with plenty to pick from. When you check out the website make sure you read the whole thing, the guy is hilarious, had my girl and I laughing the whole time."
Unique geological setting: The volcanic landscape creates distinctive camping experiences. Jeremy M. notes about the Group Campground, "Standard profit maximized government campground with some unique sites. Super clean bathrooms, easy self pay, accessible sites and a lot of walking and driving activities available."
What you should know
Access restrictions: Some camping areas have specific entry rules or timing restrictions. Johny R. shares about Honeys Park: "You can not get in here after dark. The owner came out and talked for a minute, said its a personal rule of his and I would be welcome back tomorrow."
Campground etiquette: Private camping areas may have specific requirements for guests. Gail J. notes about Honeys Park: "Scar is the owner of the property and a very kind man. 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."
Limited facilities: Some areas lack full services despite other amenities. Morgan M. describes the Group Campground: "The facilities were super clean with flushing toilets and sinks-no showers. Water pumps throughout the sites, and a very convenient self pay station per night for the campsites."
Tips for camping with families
Space for activities: Look for campgrounds with room for children to play. Wade H. shares about the Group Campground at Craters of the Moon: "Lots of space for a large group. There were 10 of us. Site has its own water and vault bathroom, which was clean. Lots of space to run and play."
Dog-friendly options: Some locations welcome pets without restrictions. At Honeys Park, James H. notes: "dogs had a blast were able to run around the whole time without leash."
Weather preparation: The area experiences significant temperature fluctuations. Sheila W. advises: "The weather was cool & rainy so we didn't explore as much as we would have liked."
Tips from RVers
Limited connectivity: Cell service varies dramatically across the area. Kevin H. comments about staying at Craters of the Moon: "Thank you Elon for Starlink else I could not stay here. Zut Verizon or Cricket (cricket sometime showed 1 bar but not usable). Not that many big rig sites, so pity it's only fcfs, especially as it is so remote."
Site privacy considerations: Some established campgrounds have closely spaced sites. Hilary B. notes: "It felt like they really tried to cram as many camp spots into one area as possible. It left me not wanting to sit outside my van as much, which maybe is my own issue, but dampened the experience for me as there were other campers very close by."
Water and dump station access: Plan for water needs in advance. Gail J. explains about Honeys Park: "He does not have any water, but he does have 30 amp electric sites. It is an open field with beautiful views of the mountains. You can get water and also dump your trailer at the free city dump station very close to the campground."
