How much does camping cost at Craters Of The Moon Group Campground?

Camping fees at Craters Of The Moon Group Campground range from $30/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Craters Of The Moon Group Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Craters Of The Moon Group Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Craters Of The Moon Group Campground before I book?

Yes! Craters Of The Moon Group Campground has 7 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Craters Of The Moon Group Campground?

Craters Of The Moon Group Campground is open Open for reservations May through September.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Craters Of The Moon Group Campground?

Craters Of The Moon Group Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Craters Of The Moon Group Campground?

Fire policies at Craters Of The Moon Group Campground: Fires and Firewood. Wood fires are permitted in the fire ring but you must bring in your own firewood. No wood collecting is permitted.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Craters Of The Moon Group Campground have?

Craters Of The Moon Group Campground has 1 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Craters Of The Moon Group Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Craters Of The Moon Group Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Craters Of The Moon Group Campground?

Craters Of The Moon Group Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Craters Of The Moon Group Campground

3.78

23 reviews

1266 Craters Loop Rd., Arco, ID, 83213

Top 7% in IDSpring

StargazingTent Camping

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

5,886 ft

Price

$30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open for reservation...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on National Park Service Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

5,886 ft

Price

$30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open for reservation...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on National Park Service Official Website

Get Directions

Craters Of The Moon Group Campground

$30.00 - $30.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP TENT ONLY AREA NONELECTRIC: $30.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

Group Site Fee$8.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

(208) 527-1300brianna_bowhay@nps.gov

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

1266 Craters Loop Rd., Arco, ID, 83213

Craters Of The Moon Group Campground

1266 Craters Loop Rd., Arco, ID, 83213

Nearby places

Arco, ID - 18 miles (approx. 25 minutes)

Weather at Craters Of The Moon Group Campground

Current alerts(8)

Accessibility: Please be aware the campground has an accessible picnic table and vault toilet, but paths to these are not accessible.
Don't Move Firewood: Help protect our forests! Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. Moving firewood is illegal in some states. Visit dontmovefirewood.org to learn more.
Food Storage. Keep a clean camp and store all food and other scented items in storage locker or vehicle.
Lava Flow Campground. Craters of the Moon's other campground is available for camping on a first come-first served basis. This 42- site family campground is generally open and accessible by automobile from mid-April through November.

Best Time to Camp at Craters Of The Moon Group Campground

Best season: fall. Fall delivers the most comfortable weather and the quietest experience — expect crisp days in the 55–75°F range and cool nights dipping into the 30s–40s, ideal for hiking and biking the lava fields without mid‑summer heat. Trail and landscape photography are at their peak as lower sun angles bring out the textures of lava flows and cinder cones, and group sites feel more private as visitor numbers drop after Labor Day. Crowds are noticeably lighter than midsummer, and the campground’s shade of P Peak months: September, May, June, August Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Top 7% in ID

Spring (late season) and fall are noted as ideal; cooler temps improve hiking/biking.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Open for reservations May through September.

About Craters Of The Moon Group Campground

Craters Of The Moon Group Campground sits within Craters Of The Moon National Monument & Preserve near Arco, operated by the National Park Service. This small group-only facility serves as a base for exploring volcanic lava fields, cinder cones, and unique geological formations. Reviewers praise the secluded setting, exceptional stargazing, and well-maintained vault toilets, though wind and limited shade are common trade-offs.

The Craters of the Moon Group Campground is exclusively designed for tent camping and accommodates organized groups of up to 30 people. RVs and trailers are not permitted due to size limitations.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall delivers the most comfortable weather and the quietest experience — expect crisp days in the 55–75°F range and cool nights dipping into the 30s–40s, ideal for hiking and biking the lava fields without mid‑summer heat. Trail and landscape photography are at their peak as lower sun angles bring out the textures of lava flows and cinder cones, and group sites feel more private as visitor numbers drop after Labor Day. Crowds are noticeably lighter than midsummer, and the campground’s shade of P Peak months: September, May, June, August Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation5886 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground sits near Sunset Cone, a 12,000-year-old cinder cone that anchors views across twisted lava flows and volcanic rock formations. Douglas fir trees provide scattered shade and contrast with the stark basalt terrain. The volcanic landscape stretches to the horizon, creating what reviewers describe as an otherworldly setting with exceptional stargazing due to minimal light pollution. The site has enough open space for tents and hammocks, though shade is limited and wind can be strong.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging or cabins are available at this campground as it is exclusively designed for tent camping.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned as being available at this campground.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay limits are unknown.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum of 30 guests allowed per group campsite.

Groups

The group campground accommodates up to 30 people with space for multiple tents. The parking area accommodates eight vehicles, and RVs or trailers are not allowed.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov.

AccessibilityThe campground offers an accessible picnic table and vault toilet, though paths to these features are not fully accessible.

Site SizeThe group campsite accommodates up to 30 people and has ample space for tents. There is also room for setting up hammocks.

PrivacyThe campground is described as secluded and private, making it ideal for groups that value quiet and seclusion. One user mentioned, "We really enjoyed our time there in the secluded group camping area, it was quiet and private.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesIdeal for groups, especially families or school outings. Spring and fall seasons are preferable for outdoor activities.

Need help booking Craters Of The Moon Group Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Water may not be available during May (non-peak season). If this is important for your group, please contact the park before making your reservation to confirm whether the water is on. Water is typically on by June 1st.

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Group Sites

I manage this campground

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available. Only vault toilets are provided, which users describe as clean and well-maintained.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

3.8

23 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Craters Of The Moon Group Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviews highlight the campground's privacy, cleanliness, and suitability for stargazing. Some reviewers mention challenges such as wind and bugs, while others praise the spacious layout and well-maintained facilities.

Review Summaries

Based on 23 reviews

What Campers Love

- Secluded and private, suitable for organized groups - Excellent stargazing opportunities with minimal light pollution - Clean and well-maintained vault toilets - Spacious layout with amenities like...

Based on 23 reviews

Common Concerns

- Windy conditions, which can disrupt setups like EZ-Ups - Limited shade, especially during hot summer months - Bugs were problematic for at least one reviewer

Based on 23 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific reviews frequently mention the spacious layout and privacy of the group camping area. Users appreciate the seclusion and well-maintained facilities.

Based on 23 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

- Stargazing can be spectacular due to minimal light pollution; consider bringing a telescope. - Be prepared for windy conditions—secure tents and other setups. - Visit in spring or fall for cooler...

Based on 23 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Spring and fall are noted as ideal for camping due to moderate weather and enjoyable hiking conditions. Summer can be hot and windy, and bugs may be an issue for some campers.

Based on 23 reviews

Camper Quotes

"If you are looking for that perfect spot to view the Milky Way, you seriously need look no further." - Julee Gonzales "The bathroom was very nice...clean and no smell." - Martha H. "The kids could...

Based on 23 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility is a mixed experience. While there are accessible features such as a picnic table and vault toilet, paths leading to these features are not fully accessible.

Based on 23 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No specific reviews address pet policies or pet-related experiences at this campground.

Based on 23 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You're organizing a group trip and want privacy, exceptional stargazing, and proximity to lava field trails.

Skip if

You need individual sites, abundant shade, or wind protection for your camp setup.

Nearby Campgrounds

4.4

(236)

Lava Flow Campground

1266 Craters Loop Road, Arco, ID, 83213, USA

Lava Flow Campground sits within Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve near Arco, Idaho, operated by the National Park Service. The mid-sized campground serves as base camp for exploring the monument's otherworldly volcanic terrain of cinder cones, lava tubes, and textured basalt flows. Campers enjoy flush and vault toilets, potable water, and direct access to trails and ranger programs under some of Idaho's darkest skies.

Iron Bog Campground sits on a sage-covered bluff above Iron Bog Creek in the Salmon-Challis National Forest, offering 21 sites at 6,500 feet elevation. Seven sites hug the creek, while the rest spread across open sagebrush terrain with views toward Smiley Mountain. The campground costs $10 per night and accepts trailers up to 35 feet. No cell service. Outside holiday weekends, you'll likely have the place mostly to yourself.

$10.00 - $10.00 / night

Less Visited

0.0

(5)

Copper Creek/Garfield Campground

Sawtooth National Forest

Copper Creek/Garfield Campground sits at 6,558 feet in a canyon carved by Copper Creek, where stratified rock walls meet the northern edge of the Challis National Forest. The 8 primitive sites have vault toilets, fire rings, picnic tables, and hitching posts. No potable water. No reservations.

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

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4.4

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Lava Flow Campground

1266 Craters Loop Road, Arco, ID, 83213, USA

Campgrounds

Craters Of The Moon National Monument & Preserve

Craters Of The Moon Group Campground

About Craters Of The Moon National Monument & Preserve

Context for the broader area surrounding Craters Of The Moon Group Campground, sourced from the federal Recreation.gov rec-area record.

Craters of the Moon is a vast ocean of lava flows with scattered islands of cinder cones and sagebrush. We invite you to explore this "weird and scenic landscape" where yesterday's volcanic events are likely to continue tomorrow.

Directions

Visitor Center and Loop Drive are located 18 miles southwest of Arco, Idaho on U.S. Highway 20/26/93, 24 miles northeast of Carey, Idaho on U.S. Highway 20/26/93, 84 miles from Idaho Falls, and 90 miles from Twin Falls. Physical address is 1266 Craters Loop Road(Lat/Long: 43° 27.711'N/113° 33.7) Access to the main visitor use area is via a paved highway. Unpaved roads provide additional access to the BLM monument and NPS Preserve but should only be utilized by four wheel drive and high clearance vehicles.