Details
Craters of the Moon National Monument, Arco, ID, 83213
National Park ServiceLast Updated: December 10, 2025
Table Of Contents
Campground Overview
Introduction
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.
Campsite Details
Operating 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.
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.
Amenities
Trash & Recycling Collection
Toilets
Amphitheater
Potable Water
Food Storage Lockers
Directions
Located on the Loop Road 1/4 mile past the visitor center.
Rates & Fees
Campground Fee - Regular Season
Fee per night for a single campsite. This fee is charged during the regular season when water is available, typically from May through October.
Campground Fee - Regular Season (with Senior or Access Pass)
Discount applies only to Senior and Access Pass holders. There is no discount for America the Beautiful passholders. Fee per night for a single campsite. This fee is charged during the regular season when water is available, typically from May through October.
Campground Fee - Shoulder Season (with Senior or Access Pass)
Discount applies only to Senior and Access Pass holders. There is no discount for America the Beautiful passholders. Fee per night for a single campsite. This fee is charged when water is unavailable in the campground, typically in April and November.
Campground Fee - Shoulder Season
Fee per night for a single campsite. This fee is charged when water is unavailable in the campground, typically in April and November.
Campground Fee - Winter
In winter (typically December through March) the campground is walk-in only. No fee is charged at this time. There is no access to the campground for RVs and other vehicles. No water is available.
Rules & Regulations
Fire/Stove Policy
No wood fires; charcoal fires are permitted in grills.Regulations Overview
No wood fires are permitted. Quiet hours are from 10 pm to 6 am (no generators running, loud music, etc.). To claim a campsite, please leave an item and register for your site at the kiosk as soon as possible. Please help decrease the amount of waste that we send to our local landfill by utilizing the recycle center located in the campground near the entrance station. Our water supply is inadequate for filling water tanks. You are welcome to fill jugs but please fill RV tanks elsewhere. Car or RV camping is not permitted at the visitor center or along the Loop Road.Accessibility
Wheelchair Access
The campground road is paved, and restrooms are wheelchair accessible. The terrain of individual campsites may vary.
RV Allowed
Yes
RV Information
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.
RV Maximum Length
0
Trailer Maximum Length
0
ADA Information
Restrooms are wheelchair accessible. Site 34 is labelled as an accessible site and features an electrical outlet for medical use.
Trailer Allowed
Yes
Access Roads
Paved Roads - All vehicles OK
Classifications
Developed Campground
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