Craters Of The Moon Camping

Camping at Craters of the Moon campground makes me think of what it would be like to camp on the moon. There's a reason the park's Junior Ranger Program has a lunar Junior Ranger Badge. The Lava Flow Campground is placed directly on top of a lava bed giving it an out of this world experience. It is hard to believe that you are in South Central Idaho! Camping here is something to prepare for as there is not a lot of facilities right near the park. Also, be prepared as the weather can change quickly and expect cool mornings and hot days, especially being surrounded by black lava rock.  Craters of the Moon Camping is the perfect way to feel like you have experienced being on the moon.

 

Craters Of The Moon Camping

Lava Flow Campground

General Campground Description/Information

There are 3 restrooms in the campground, 2 with flush toilets and one vault toilet.

There are no showers available in the park. The Arco Mountain View RV Park has showers 18 miles from the campground.

There is very little for shade in the campground as it sits on top of a lava bed. Having said that, there is a few with some shade so get here early.

GPS Coordinates: N43.4611 W113.5578

Campground Elevation: 5,800'

Lava Flow Campground facilities:

• water (in season)
• charcoal grills
• picnic tables
• Sites #34, 35, 42 & 3 are fully accessible. Site #34 contains an electrical outlet for use by those with medical needs.

Craters of the Moon campground map

There are 51 campsites. There is no dump station, no sewer or water service at campsites.

There are 8 pull-through sites and there are a few sites designated for large RV's.

Campsites are limited to a maximum of 8 people, 2 tents, and 2 vehicles unless otherwise posted.

No wood fires are permitted. Charcoal fires are permitted in the grills.

Quiet hours are from 10 pm to 6 am

Pay with a credit card at any time on the automated fee machine located near the campground entrance.

Credit card payment is accepted for camping fees, no cash or check.  Since there are no reservations you will need to claim your campsite and then go back to the pay station to pay for the site. Make sure you leave something in the campsite to designate that it is taken. The last thing you want is to walk back to the pay station and then find that someone else has decided they also love that site.

The campground is normally open from May through November depending on the weather.

$15 per site during the main season and $8 per site after the water is turned off to the campground. Golden Age and Senior Access Pass entitle you half off camping fees.

Generators are allowed between 6:00am-10:00pm.

Pets are allowed in the campground. Pets must be on a leash at all times and you are required to clean up after your pet.

Check-Out time is 12:00 PM

Don't miss all of the amazing things to do in Craters of the Moon! 

Campground Amenities 

There is no WIFI available in the park.

Cellular service is spotty at best, don't count on making any calls from this campground.

There is a camp host available during the summer months at site #42

There is no firewood available for purchase as there are no fires allowed.

Potable water is available in season.

There is an amphitheater with ranger programs.

Craters of the moon address

Craters of the Moon National Monument
PO Box 29
Arco, ID.83213

Craters of the Moon Physical Address

Craters of the Moon National Monument
Highway 26, Craters of the Moon National Monument
Arco, Id. 83213

Craters of the Moon Phone Number

(208)527-1335

Craters of the Moon Group Campground

Available May 26 - September 30 this camping area is available for larger groups (maximum 30 people).  The group campground is located .75 miles up a gravel road on the north side of U.S. Highway 20/26/93

Available by reservation only. Tent camping only, no RV's.  Cost:$30 per group. Payment is by credit card only.

Check-in at the visitor center during business hours in order to gain access to this gated area.

The group campground has picnic tables, drinking water, a vault restroom, campfire ring, and charcoal grills. While the campground does have an accessible picnic table and vault toilet the path to reach these may be difficult for individuals with mobility restrictions.

Wilderness and Backcountry Camping

Camping is also permitted in the Craters of the Moon Wilderness and the NPS Preserve and BLM Monument for those who are properly outfitted.

 

Camping near Craters of the Moon

These campgrounds and campsites are located outside the park but are within a reasonable driving distance.

Arco- Mountain View RV Park
Located 18 miles from the park
Address - 705 West Grand Avenue, Arco
Facilities - full hookups, pull-thru sites, 90' max trailer, dump station

Moore- Moose Crossing RV
Located 27 miles from the park
Address - 3798 Highway 93 Moore, at milepost 100 on N US HWY 93
Facilities - full hookups, pull-thru sites, 50’ max trailer, dump station

Craters of the Moon KOA

Arco- Arco KOA
Located 18 miles from the park
Address - 2424 North 3000 West, Arco
Facilities - full hookups, pull-thru sites, 90' max trailer, dump station

National Park Sites near Craters of the Moon National Monument

Minidoka National Historic Site

Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument

City of Rocks National Reserve

Golden Spike National Historic Site

Fossil Butte National Monument

Check out all of the great Idaho National Parks!