Lava Flow Campground

4.48

236 reviews

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

Scenic ViewsStargazing

Featured in:Best Campgrounds Idaho

Quick Facts

5,866 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

42 campsites

Season

Open season: April 1...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens National Park Service site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

5,866 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

42 campsites

Season

Open season: April 1...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens National Park Service site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Lava Flow Campground

$0.00 - $15.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Camping fees are $15 during regular season when water is available (May–October); $8 during shoulder season (April and November) when water is...

Standard Site Fee$15.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider

(208) 527-1335crmo_information@nps.gov

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What Campers Say

4.48

Recommended

Based on 236 reviews

219 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanrestrooms

Some mention

noise

"Lava Flow Campground is widely appreciated for its unique setting amidst volcanic terrain, clean facilities, and proximity to Craters of the Moon attractions. However, its lack of showers, hookups, and occasional crowding during peak seasons are noted by users."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

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

Lava Flow Campground

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

Driving directionsLocated on the Loop Road 1/4 mile past the visitor center.

The campground is accessible via paved roads but closes seasonally in winter. The Loop Road to the campground typically reopens mid-April depending on snow conditions.

Nearby places

Arco - 18 miles (~20 minutes)

Idaho Falls - ~67 miles (~1.5 hours)

Twin Falls - ~136 miles (~2 hours 30 minutes)

Nearby supplies

Closest supplies: Fuel, grocery stores, and camping supplies are available in Arco, ID, approximately 18 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Lava Flow Campground

Experience nature's extremes in this land of fire and ice. Summer days blaze with desert intensity, pushing thermometers into the 90s while the dark lava beneath your feet radiates heat up to an astounding 170°F—bringing sunscreen and shade becomes essential. Winter wraps the volcanic landscape in a pristine blanket of snow, with depths varying from a delicate 2-inch dusting to dramatic 26-inch drifts. For the most comfortable camping experience, visit during the golden months of spring and fall, when gentle temperatures create perfect conditions for hiking and stargazing.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

2.5 / 5

Summer is hot (90s+), busiest season; reviews note heat and crowding complaints.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Fall recommended for milder weather and fewer crowds; positive seasonal reviews.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Top 11% in ID

Spring (mid-May) praised for milder weather and good conditions in reviews.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.0 / 5

Winter walk-in camping allowed with permit; water closed and snow can be present.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Peak season is May–October when water is available; shoulder season is April and November.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open season: April 10–November 15 for vehicles; winter walk-in tent camping allowed with free permit from December–March.
Current Alerts: Seasonal closures from November to mid-April; access is restricted during winter months.

About Lava Flow Campground

Nestled within the otherworldly landscape of Craters of the Moon National Monument, Lava Flow Campground offers 42 intimate sites where adventurers can sleep beneath star-filled skies in one of America's most dramatic volcanic wonderlands. From April through November, this vehicle-accessible sanctuary serves as your basecamp for exploring ancient lava fields and mysterious caves. When winter blankets the monument in snow, the campground transforms into a serene wilderness retreat for hardy souls seeking solitude through walk-in snow camping.

Lava Flow Campground provides a mix of camping options, including sites for tents, RVs, and a designated accessible site. Sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and there are no group or walk-in sites.

Historical SignificanceWalk in the footsteps of Apollo astronauts who once trained among these 2,000-year-old volcanic formations, preparing for their historic lunar missions. The stark, moon-like terrain provided NASA with the perfect earthbound laboratory for understanding extraterrestrial landscapes. Today, you can explore the same otherworldly features that helped humanity reach for the stars, making your camping experience a journey through both geological and space exploration history.

Weather and SeasonsExperience nature's extremes in this land of fire and ice. Summer days blaze with desert intensity, pushing thermometers into the 90s while the dark lava beneath your feet radiates heat up to an astounding 170°F—bringing sunscreen and shade becomes essential. Winter wraps the volcanic landscape in a pristine blanket of snow, with depths varying from a delicate 2-inch dusting to dramatic 26-inch drifts. For the most comfortable camping experience, visit during the golden months of spring and fall, when gentle temperatures create perfect conditions for hiking and stargazing.

ElevationPerched in Idaho's high desert country, the campground's elevation creates a unique microclimate where scorching summer days give way to refreshingly cool nights, and winter's grip brings alpine-like conditions to this volcanic wilderness. This elevated position intensifies both the heat of summer and the cold of winter, creating dramatic temperature swings that add to the area's wild character.

Natural Features and SceneryImagine pitching your tent in nature's sculpture garden, where ancient volcanic forces have crafted a mesmerizing landscape of twisted basaltic lava flows, towering cinder cones, and delicate pumice formations. Your campsite becomes a front-row seat to this geological theater, with many sites naturally framed by weathered lava rocks that create intimate spaces within the vast volcanic expanse. Each sunrise and sunset paints these primordial formations in shifting hues, transforming the seemingly barren landscape into a canvas of shadows and light.

Geological RegionCraters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve showcases one of Earth's most remarkable volcanic provinces, where massive basaltic lava flows have created a 750,000-acre museum of volcanic artistry. This protected wonderland preserves a complete volcanic ecosystem featuring everything from delicate lava tubes to massive cinder cones, offering campers an unparalleled opportunity to explore a landscape that seems more at home on a distant planet than in the heart of Idaho.

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Check-in is available 24/7.

Check-out

Check-out is before noon each day.

Stay Limit

Maximum stay limit not explicitly stated, but system requires daily re-registration.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Each site accommodates a single vehicle and accompanying campers.

Groups

Group sites are not available at this campground.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutSites are arranged in a loop and include areas for tents, small RVs, and pull-throughs for larger rigs.

Reservation PlatformsNo reservations available; on-site self-pay kiosk only.

Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are first-come, first-served. Early arrival recommended, as campground fills quickly during peak season.

Cancellation PolicyNo reservations allowed; all sites are first-come, first-served. Cancellation policies do not apply.

AccessibilityThe campground features wheelchair-accessible restrooms and paved roads. Site 34 is specifically designated as accessible and includes an electrical outlet for medical use. Terrain at individual campsites may vary.

Site SizeCampsites vary in size, accommodating a range of setups from small tents to RVs as large as 100 feet. Specific sites like #12 and #34 are highlighted for their spaciousness.

PrivacyPrivacy levels vary by site. Some sites are well-sheltered by lava rock formations, while others are more exposed. Sites such as #29 and #38 are noted for privacy.

Total Campsites42 campsites

Recommended SitesArrive early to secure desirable sites such as Site 12 or Site 29. Shade is limited, so campsites with trees are preferable in summer.

Amenities available

Potable water

Flush toilets

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

The Lava Flow Campground is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and offers a mix of activities including hiking, wildlife viewing, and stargazing. Visitors can easily access trails leading to nearby geological features, and ranger-led programs are available during the warmer months.

HikingSeveral trails, including the North Crater Trail, are accessible directly from the campground. These trails vary in difficulty and offer spectacular views of the volcanic landscape.

Wildlife viewingThe unique volcanic terrain of the campground provides opportunities for observing local wildlife. Specific species were not noted in the materials.

Cultural and Educational ProgramsSeasonal ranger programs are conducted at the amphitheater, including night star talks and geology-focused events.

Winter Activities

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include high surface temperatures in summer, strong winds, and slippery basalt stones. Fine pumice dust may infiltrate tents during windstorms.

Active AlertsSeasonal closures from November to mid-April; access is restricted during winter months.

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Food Storage RequiredFood storage lockers are available year-round and are essential for protecting food from wildlife.

Fire PolicyCharcoal fires are permitted in grills; wood fires are prohibited year-round.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours from 10 PM to 6 AM.

Emergency ServicesClosest emergency services: Police and medical facilities are located in Arco, ID, approximately 18 miles away.

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling collection facilities are available year-round near the entrance of the campground, and users are encouraged to utilize them to reduce landfill waste.

Water FeaturesNo natural water features nearby; potable water available seasonally within the campground.

Camp HostNo hosts are available on-site.

Weather at Lava Flow Campground

Reviews

4.5

236 reviews

Recommended

Lava Flow Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

Lava Flow Campground is widely appreciated for its unique setting amidst volcanic terrain, clean facilities, and proximity to Craters of the Moon attractions. However, its lack of showers, hookups, and occasional crowding during peak seasons are noted by users.

Review Summaries

Based on 236 reviews

What Campers Love

Clean restrooms, unique volcanic landscape, reasonable $15/night fee, proximity to trails and visitor center, stargazing, and ranger programs are consistently praised.

Based on 236 reviews

Common Concerns

Lack of showers, limited shade, poor cell reception, and absence of dump stations for RVs are common drawbacks. Some users also complain about generator noise and campsite spacing.

Based on 236 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Arrive early to secure a site, especially during peak times. Bring adequate water and supplies as services in nearby towns are limited. Shade is minimal, so plan accordingly with extra protection....

Based on 236 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is busiest in summer, with some complaints about heat and crowding. Spring and fall are recommended for milder weather and fewer crowds. Winter camping is possible but requires a...

Based on 236 reviews

Camper Quotes

"This is a first-come, first-serve campground inside the national monument. What a crazy place to visit!" (Misty Massey) "The kids loved to scamper on all the rocks around camp. Good tables and such...

Based on 236 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #1 and #2 are suitable for big rigs seeking isolation. Site #12 accommodates a 39' fifth wheel and offers some shade. Site #34 is an accessible site with an outlet. Site #38 is noted for privacy...

Based on 236 reviews

Accessibility Features

Restrooms are wheelchair accessible, and Site 34 is ADA-compliant with an outlet for medical devices. Paved roads offer some accessibility, though terrain varies.

Based on 236 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but volcanic rock can be hard on paws. Keep pets leashed and avoid walking them during peak heat due to hot surfaces.

Based on 236 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026

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