The Lava Flow Campground offers a unique camping experience and is conveniently located near the park visitor center and popular trails.
Photo: NPS / Jacob W. Frank
About
The Lava Flow Campground is a 42-site campground accessible by automobile from May through November depending on snow conditions. All sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Some sites will accommodate large RVs, but no hookups are available.
Campsites
Location
Craters of the Moon National Monument
Lava Flow Campground
Arco, ID 83213
Fees
Hours
Sites are only available on a first come - first served basis. Campsites can be claimed at any time through a self-registration process. Pay for your site with a credit card at the automated fee machine. The campground closes to vehicle access when the Loop Road closes in late November. It reopens to vehicles in April or May when the Loop Road opens. You may still hike into the campground and snow camp during the winter months, but a free permit from the visitor center is required.
Reservations
No reservations; all sites available on a first-come first-served basis.
Directions
Located on the Loop Road 1/4 mile past the visitor center.
Weather
Weather at Craters of the Moon is characterized by hot summers and cold winters. In February, average snow depth ranges from 26 inches at the north end of the monument to just 2 inches at the south end. Intense summer sun bakes the black lava, generating surface temperatures of 170°F and air temperatures in the 90s. Drying winds are a daily occurrence, especially in the afternoon, and may reach 15 to 30 miles per hour.
Accessibility
The campground road is paved, and restrooms are wheelchair accessible. The terrain of individual campsites may vary.
No wood fires; charcoal fires are permitted in grills.
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The campground features sites of various sizes, including some with large pull-through parking spaces up to 100'. Request a campground flyer at the visitor center for more detailed information. Due to size limitations, it is not recommended to take RVs and trailers beyond site 15.
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Restrooms are wheelchair accessible. Site 34 is labelled as an accessible site and features an electrical outlet for medical use.
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Paved Roads - All vehicles OK
Developed Campground