Moore, Idaho sits in a transitional landscape between mountain wilderness and high desert, offering several camping options within a short drive. Craters of the Moon-Arco KOA and Mountain View RV Park provide established facilities for tent camping, RV hookups, and cabin rentals, while Honeys Park offers free dry camping with some amenities. The surrounding area also features dispersed camping opportunities such as Big Lost River Dispersed sites for those seeking more primitive experiences. Craters of the Moon National Monument, located nearby, features unique volcanic landscapes and designated camping areas.
Seasonal considerations significantly affect camping experiences in this region, with most campgrounds operating primarily from spring through fall. "The sites are very wide and spacious with grass in between. Full service. Very good cell phone service," noted one visitor to Mountain View RV Park. Winter conditions can be harsh with limited services available, though some sites like Lava Flow Campground at Craters of the Moon remain accessible year-round. Road access varies considerably, with established campgrounds featuring good all-weather roads while dispersed sites may require high-clearance vehicles. Permits are generally not required for dispersed camping on public lands, but campfire restrictions often apply during dry summer months.
Campers consistently highlight the unique volcanic landscapes and mountain views as key attractions in the Moore area. Several visitors mentioned the friendly atmosphere at local campgrounds, particularly at Honeys Park where one camper wrote, "Talk about a great find after taking a wrong turn at 1 am, free sites with plenty to pick from." The Craters of the Moon landscape offers distinctive scenery unlike anywhere else in Idaho, with lava flows and volcanic features creating an otherworldly environment for outdoor exploration. Facilities range from basic at dispersed sites to full-service at established RV parks, with Mountain View RV Park receiving particularly high ratings for cleanliness and amenities. Many camping areas provide convenient access to outdoor activities including hiking, fishing in the Big Lost River, and exploring the nearby volcanic features.
$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."
"It’s surrounded by views of huge mountains and open plains with a horse pasture next door. It was quiet and everyone here was respectful of others."
"This is what you would expect in the wilderness of Idaho! A unique location, and an experience worth having!"
"All facilities are closed so it’s just camping and exploring the park which is all within walking distance of the campground. Very friendly ranger working the front! Level sites on pavement."
$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."
"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."
$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%."
"There is access to a toilet across the road and there is a fire ring with a picnic table. We would go back there again."
"This is an amazing secluded spot deep into the Sawtooth Mountains of Central Idaho. We've been coming here for years and my fathers been coming here since the 60's. "
"We enjoyed the nearby creek and beautiful wildflowers that were blooming. Port-a-potties were there when we first set up camp but they were later taken by forest staff which left us without a toilet."
$40 - $140 / night
"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"
"Incredible views after driving through most of Idaho this spot is a relief!"
"Nice to be next to the river. Seems to be a popular place. Very rustic. Pack out your own trash."
GuideStayed up here for a couple months while working in the bellevue hailey Ketchum Area. Stayed there June-August. Management was always super helpful. I moved from C4 (Larger spot towards the center) to C10 (Smaller spot towards in the back) because i had a 18ft trailer. Neighbors were super nice. Wifi was spotty but worked most nights.
GuideThe site was fairly level. It had some shade and full hookups. There was a picnic table at the site. There’s a nice dog run area. They have An outdoor games area with corn hole etc. At this time they’re not selling propane. They have laundry and showers, that both are costly. $2.50 for a small washer load, and another $2.50 for dryer. Our site did not have grass, and our dogs ended up with pitch stuck in their fur from the conifers. It’s not too far from Craters of the Moon NM.
GuideMaybe one other person out camping. Was able to get a spot right along the water.
Guide40 sites that are a mix of rent and RV sites. Clean pit toilets. Water spigots but off when I was here. Overall I recommend visiting.
GuideWe did not camp as we had already booked someplace. But it is beautiful.
GuideGreat little RV park. Reasonably priced, fantastic staff, pull thru sites, and great view of the mountains. Bathrooms and laundry were spotless. Main office also has a good bar and restaurant.
TravelerI am visiting in the off season but beautiful campgrounds right in volcanic rocks! Very quiet and peaceful this time of year! Only $8 a night!
LegendWe stayed a couple of nights while doing hikes in the area. Off season was $4 a night with NP senior pass. No water but there were restrooms and trash receptacles available. Clean facilities.
GuideNice campground, large fenced dog run, game area, restaurant & bar. Older but clean restrooms; downside was pay showers, but they're exceptionally large! 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. In mid-September, we started our days in down jackets, but warmed into the low eighties by afternoon.
Moore, Idaho sits at an elevation of 5,470 feet, where the Lost River Range transitions to high desert terrain. Summer temperatures typically range from 45-85°F while winter drops to 10-35°F with significant snowfall. Camping options range from free dispersed sites along Big Lost River to full-service RV parks with cabins, though access to many areas requires high-clearance vehicles.
Explore lava caves and tubes: Lava Flow Campground at Craters of the Moon National Monument offers unique geological exploration opportunities. "If you are planning on camping here in the summer, be prepared for extreme dry heat. I highly suggest going down in the caves where you can crawl in the lava tubes," advises Hannah C., highlighting one way to escape summer temperatures.
Fish the Big Lost River: Big Lost River Dispersed sites provide direct access to fishing. According to tom P., the area offers "clean and ADA accessible" sites with "nearby stream and fishing" opportunities. The river contains rainbow and brown trout, with best fishing typically from June through September.
Stargazing on volcanic landscapes: The minimal light pollution creates exceptional stargazing conditions. "Wonderful campground. Great for star gazing. Sites are scattered across a lava field and represent a unique camping experience," notes Christoph R. about Lava Flow Campground. The open terrain offers unobstructed sky views year-round.
Volcanic exploration access: Staying at Craters of the Moon puts you minutes from unique geological features. "This park was a bit out of the way on our road trip, but definitely worth it!" says Sara S., while Morgan M. notes it provides "easy access to trails and beautiful volcanic landscapes."
Free camping options: Honeys Park offers no-cost camping with surprising amenities. Scar S. explains: "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 etc."
City park convenience: Mackay Tourist Park combines affordability with natural beauty just 30 minutes from Moore. Lori describes it as a "Beautiful city park that offers free dry camping. They only ask for a donation. Tree'd grassy park with picnic tables & fire pits at each site. Beautiful views of the mountains."
Seasonal accessibility constraints: Most dispersed camping areas close during winter months (November-April). One visitor to Lava Flow Campground mentioned: "Off-season has no running water but vault toilets are clean. If you have handicap/senior access pass, only $4/night off season."
Arrival timing matters: At Honeys Park, there's a strict rule about arrival times. "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," reports johny R.
Water source planning: Many dispersed sites lack potable water. At Mountain View RV Park, Marty S. notes "The sites are very wide and spacious with grass in between. Full service. Very good cell phone service," but most primitive sites require bringing your own water supply.
Spacious sites with amenities: Mountain View RV Park features family-friendly accommodations. "The bathrooms are spotless and very large. The showers are about 5 ft by 5 ft! The owners are very friendly and accommodating," writes Marty S.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Early mornings often bring wildlife sightings. "Had 2 deer meander through the campground in the morning!" reports Lori about Mackay Tourist Park, making it a good spot for nature observation with children.
Accessible cave exploration: Group Campground at Craters of the Moon serves as an ideal base for family cave adventures. "Lots of space for a large group. There were 10 of us. Sit hasn't it's own water and vault bathroom, which was clean. Lots of space to run and play," notes Wade H.
Full hookup options: Several RV parks offer complete services during summer months. Lloyd D. from Mountain View RV Park shared: "We stayed at this campsite for five nights and we're very happy with the accommodations. The site is very clean, including the laundry facilities."
Cell service quality: Reception varies significantly by location. Jeremy M. notes about 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)," suggesting satellite internet may be necessary at remote sites.
Limited big rig access: Many forest roads and dispersed sites have clearance limitations. For larger rigs, Christoph R. advises: "If you find the campground fully booked there is a boon docking site just up the road" when discussing Lava Flow Campground options.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Moore, ID?
According to TheDyrt.com, Moore, ID offers a wide range of camping options, with 62 campgrounds and RV parks near Moore, ID and 18 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Moore, ID?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Moore, ID is Craters of the Moon RV Park with a 3.8-star rating from 24 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Moore, ID?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 18 free dispersed camping spots near Moore, ID.
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