Lava Flow Campground
Craters of the Moon National Monument
Write a Review US-93 Arco, ID 83213 208-527-1300 208-527-1335 Official WebsiteGPS: 43.4611, -113.5578
Overview of Lava Flow Campground
This is a first-come, first-served campground. Due to size limitations, it's not recommended to take RVs and trailers beyond site 15. Water and flush toilets are seasonally available.
Last Price Paid: $7
Reported by Hans on 8/18/2024
Longest RV Reported: 45 feet (Class C)
Reported by CindyM on 8/5/2021
Number of Sites 42
Open Seasonally Mid-April - Nov.
Elevation 5,839 ft / 1,779 m
Max Stay 14
Tent Camping Yes
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Q&A - Ask the Community about Lava Flow Campground
To ask questions of the owner or manager please contact the campground directly. 208-527-1300
JJ asked on 9/18/2022
Is this park open year round and if so is late October a good time to visit?
Reviews of Lava Flow Campground 64 people have reviewed this location.
Cell Phone Coverage
Confirmed by 14 Users
Last reported 6/25/2024
Confirmed by 17 Users
Last reported 10/7/2022
Confirmed by 2 Users
Last reported 6/12/2023
“You Have To Get Lucky”
Reviewed 8/18/2024
| Nightly rate: | $7 |
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| Days stayed: | 1 |
| Site Number: | 42 |
Overall Rating
This is a no reservation campground, so you have to get lucky in finding a campsite. On a Monday in mid-August, I pulled in at what I thought was 4pm, but it was 5pm; I was coming from Nevada and forgot about the time change. I was traveling in a 34’ motorhome towing a Jeep. Normally I have my traveling companion and partner along; ... more
This is a no reservation campground, so you have to get lucky in finding a campsite. On a Monday in mid-August, I pulled in at what I thought was 4pm, but it was 5pm; I was coming from Nevada and forgot about the time change. I was traveling in a 34’ motorhome towing a Jeep. Normally I have my traveling companion and partner along; however she had gone to the East, so I was solo. Pulling into the entrance station, the kindly Ranger told me I’d find a campsite. Her confidence was nearly wrong; I got the LAST site that I could fit into. And I had to block the narrow campground road to unhook, something that I don’t like doing. I’m sure the car that I blocked was unhappy given the speed and squeeze-by that they performed as I moved the Jeep off the back of my rig.
There are several pull throughs that would have accommodated me with the TOAD hooked up, but these were all taken, many by small rigs that could have easily fit into one of the smaller available campsites. Such is the way of mobile living, ya takes what you can. Many of the campsites are unlevel and very short. I doubt I’d count on this campground in the future. I gave the campground a 5-star review because overall it is. I simply wouldn’t show up here with a medium or large sized motorhome with a TOAD and expect to find a campsite. However, showing up closer to midday might afford you the best luck.
As for the campground, other reviewers have adequately and accurately described it. My only add is that as with all National Parks and Monuments in the United States, this one is not particularly dog friendly. Oh they’ll allow you to bring them in and let you walk your companion on the roads and up to the visitor center, but not on any trails. Go to Canada if you want to be welcomed with your canine companion.
There are power boxes, what looked like 30amp, but the one at my campsite was locked. I didn’t ask why or whether you could pay an additional fee to have power. No worries for me as I have an adequate solar power system.
I am also in disagreement about cell service reported by some people. I had NO Verizon service at my campsite nor anywhere I walked around the campground. Fortunately I use STARLINK, so I was able to have excellent service. The view to the sky is open.
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Verizon
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Great stay when visiting Craters of the Moon NP”
Reviewed 8/13/2024
| Nightly rate: | $15 |
|---|---|
| Days stayed: | 1 |
| Site Number: | 6 |
Overall Rating
We arrived around 1:00 to the Park and decided to pick a campsite first. Lots of choices - we lucked out and site #6 has a tree for shade and is level! It is not a long site but our 25' campervan fit nicely. We used our e-bikes to bike completely around the park (lots of hills and wind). The campground is near the first hike - board... more
We arrived around 1:00 to the Park and decided to pick a campsite first. Lots of choices - we lucked out and site #6 has a tree for shade and is level! It is not a long site but our 25' campervan fit nicely. We used our e-bikes to bike completely around the park (lots of hills and wind). The campground is near the first hike - boardwalk North Crater Flow Trail and if you were motivated, you could easily access North Crater Trail from the campground too. All the sites were paved, mostly level, of various sizes (some pull-through, some tent). There are flush toilets, water and pit toilets throughout. It was very quiet - both day and night.
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Verizon
GrooGrux would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Great Stop Worth One Night Maybe 2”
Reviewed 6/25/2024
| Days stayed: | 2 |
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| Site Number: | 35 |
Overall Rating
We stopped here for 2 nights. Had no problem finding a spot. We did arrive Monday mid afternoon and by night time it was probably full. Appears that most people spend 1 night. Roads and camp sites recently were re-paved. The hikes in the park are great and have good signage. We camped in lot 35 as water and toilets were across the ... more
We stopped here for 2 nights. Had no problem finding a spot. We did arrive Monday mid afternoon and by night time it was probably full. Appears that most people spend 1 night.
Roads and camp sites recently were re-paved. The hikes in the park are great and have good signage.
We camped in lot 35 as water and toilets were across the street. Ask for a camping map when you arrive as it gives details for how big each site is. Most are designed for motor homes or tent sites as trailers don’t pull in the nicest with the std flow of traffic. We have a 25ft trailer and had no problem. One park clearly says no 5-wheels or long trailers. I’d say if you’re over 25ft long I would not go that way.
Water is only for drinking so don’t plan to fill your tank at all. Bathrooms are clean (flush toilets although flush less urinals😉)
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Verizon 5G
Brian would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Stay here for the park, not the campsite”
Reviewed 6/3/2024
| Nightly rate: | $7 |
|---|---|
| Days stayed: | 1 |
| Site Number: | 21 |
| RV Length: | 24' (Class C) |
Overall Rating
We stayed here May 31st, and were lucky to get a site when we arrived in the afternoon. Sites are 'funky', squeezed in every which way, with some being somewhat unlevel. Having said all that, the campground is clean with nice bathrooms; no showers. Water is available but there are no hookups. Larger rigs may have difficulty finding a s... more
We stayed here May 31st, and were lucky to get a site when we arrived in the afternoon. Sites are 'funky', squeezed in every which way, with some being somewhat unlevel. Having said all that, the campground is clean with nice bathrooms; no showers. Water is available but there are no hookups. Larger rigs may have difficulty finding a site. The park itself is very unique, and we enjoyed hiking the trails and the "caves" (lava tubes). Worth a visit to see the park.
TXtraveler would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Tranquil campground with great views of the volcanic flow area”
Reviewed 12/19/2023
| Nightly rate: | $7 |
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| Days stayed: | 1 |
| Site Number: | 12 |
Overall Rating
We camped here in early August to hike in the surrounding volcanic flow area, an amazing area to explore. Our nightly rate of $7.50 reflects the Senior Pass discount. The campground drive is paved, our site was a paved pull-through site that offered plenty of space and privacy. Water and trash containers were located near the campsi... more
We camped here in early August to hike in the surrounding volcanic flow area, an amazing area to explore. Our nightly rate of $7.50 reflects the Senior Pass discount. The campground drive is paved, our site was a paved pull-through site that offered plenty of space and privacy. Water and trash containers were located near the campsite as well as a very clean modern restroom.
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Verizon
Richard n Mary would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“A Funky Kind Of Campground In A Beautiful National Monument”
Reviewed 9/28/2023
| Nightly rate: | $7 |
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| Days stayed: | 5 |
| Site Number: | 23 |
| RV Length: | 20' (Truck Camper) |
Overall Rating
The price I paid with my Senior Pass was $7.50 for the first 2 nights and then $4 per night after the water and flush toilet bathrooms were turned off for the season. This is a unique campground with a large mix of sites laid out very differently than a typical campground. Most sites are back-in though there are some pull thrus and s... more
The price I paid with my Senior Pass was $7.50 for the first 2 nights and then $4 per night after the water and flush toilet bathrooms were turned off for the season.
This is a unique campground with a large mix of sites laid out very differently than a typical campground. Most sites are back-in though there are some pull thrus and some pull offs. There is about 6 to 10 sites which could handle a larger rig near the entrance and larger rigs are not recommended to enter the "upper loop." Most sites are not level and require some blocks. A handful of sites have great privacy, while others offer no privacy at all. For a smaller rig, I believe Site 23 (in the "upper loop") is one of the best in the camp. It offers great privacy, didn't require any leveling at all and - best of all - most of the time I was able to get a Verizon cell signal which is definitely a rarity here. All the sites are laid out within a lava field which gives the campground a very cool feel. All sites are first-come, first-served and payment is made electronically at a kiosk near the entrance. You can only pay for one night at a time, so if staying multiple days, you must get to the kiosk prior to the Noon check-out time to re-up each day of your stay. The flush toilet and pit toilets were very clean. There are water spigots located around the campground and there are no electric hook ups or dump station. There is a small amount of road noise in the upper end of the campground from traffic on US 26.
I would highly recommend taking in all the monument has to offer. It is a truly unique place and most definitely worthwhile to visit.
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Verizon 4G
Iowa Pete would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Very Cool Place”
Reviewed 8/30/2023
| Days stayed: | 2 |
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| Site Number: | 12 |
| RV Length: | 29' (Travel Trailer) |
Overall Rating
We stayed here 2 nights. Totally awesome place. So interesting. We found a pull through right by the bathrooms. Flush toilets. Very clean. Site 12. Have to pay daily by credit card at a kiosk. The park was really nice. We hiked a couple trails and was amazed.
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Verizon
Cinnscott22 would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Good Campground With Limited Privacy ”
Reviewed 6/12/2023
| Nightly rate: | $15 |
|---|---|
| Days stayed: | 1 |
| Site Number: | 7 |
Overall Rating
Tented one night in site 7, good place for a tent and a small tree to hide the morning sun. Clean bathrooms.
The one downside is the limited privacy. Other sites are pretty close and there isn’t much in the way of vegetation to shield you from others.
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T-Mobile 4G
camper-820406 would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Excellent Campground ”
Reviewed 10/7/2022
| Days stayed: | 2 |
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| Site Number: | 32 |
Overall Rating
First come first served, sites are fairly flat so minimal leveling required. Some pull through for larger rigs. You see the most of the park in a full day. Would avoid summer months since you are in a black lava field.
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AT&T 4G
david k would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Small First Come First Serve Campground Great National Park”
Reviewed 10/4/2022
| Nightly rate: | $17 |
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| Days stayed: | 1 |
| Site Number: | 31 |
| RV Length: | 12' (Travel Trailer) |
Overall Rating
Come early since there are no reservations. I stayed here just one night. There is enough to do here for one or two nights. I arrived on Saturday, did two of the hikes. Then woke up early on Sunday and did four more. The park is great and is really interesting. I've never hiked over lava fields or though lava tube caves before. When I ... more
Come early since there are no reservations. I stayed here just one night. There is enough to do here for one or two nights. I arrived on Saturday, did two of the hikes. Then woke up early on Sunday and did four more. The park is great and is really interesting. I've never hiked over lava fields or though lava tube caves before. When I was there all but one of the caves was closed to protect the hibernating bats.
My favorite hikes were Indian Cave, Cinder Cone and Broken Top Loop.
When you are out on the hikes there is cell phone reception just not at the campground.
Most of the campsites are small and the roads are narrow and twisty, There are a few pull through sites for larger rigs.
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Verizon
EnOne would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
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Amenities
Hookups
- dry camping
Recreation
- recreation trail
Site Amenities
- big rig
- picnic table
- pull thru
Facilities
- ADA Accessible
- recycle
- restrooms: flush
- trash
- water available
Pets
- pets
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