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Lava Beds/Indian Well
Overview
Indian Well Campground serves as the primary base for exploring the rugged volcanic landscape of Lava Beds National Monument in northeastern California. This high-desert facility offers a quiet, primitive camping experience where visitors are surrounded by ancient lava flows and twisted juniper trees. It is a government-managed site focused on preserving the natural silence and geological wonders of the region, providing a peaceful retreat from the hustle of more developed travel corridors.
Location & Surroundings
Situated near the town of Tulelake, the park sits at an elevation of roughly 4,700 feet. The surroundings are dominated by volcanic features, including cinder cones and massive basalt flows, providing a stark contrast to the lush forests found further west. Travelers arriving at this high-desert destination should prepare for a secluded environment with expansive views of the Medicine Lake Volcano's gentle slopes and incredibly clear, dark night skies.
Amenities & Park Features
As a traditional dry-camping facility, Indian Well provides paved parking pads, fire rings, and sturdy picnic tables at each site. While there are no electric, water, or sewer hookups available, the campground offers seasonal potable water and vault toilets for visitor convenience. Most sites are designed for smaller rigs, though a select few can accommodate vehicles up to 30 feet in length. Travelers should note that there is no dump station on-site, requiring a bit of extra planning for those in self-contained units.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
The main draw for any visitor is the network of over 800 caves, including popular spots like Mushpot Cave and the Labyrinth. History enthusiasts can walk through Captain Jack’s Stronghold, a key site of the Modoc War, or drive a short distance to view the ancient rock carvings at Petroglyph Point. Birdwatchers will also appreciate the proximity to the Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge, which serves as a major stop for migratory waterfowl throughout the year.
Who This Park Is Best For
This destination is ideal for boondockers and nature photographers who value solitude and geological interest over resort-style luxuries. It caters to adventurous RVers who enjoy self-sufficiency and want immediate access to technical hiking and caving. If you prefer a quiet, off-the-grid atmosphere where the sound of the wind through the sagebrush takes center stage, this park is a perfect fit for your travel style.
Amenities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Tyler Murphy
Open despite the shutdown. Great views. Easy to pay with credit card. Nice bathrooms. Potable water. Easy walk to the visitor center and lots of caves on the cave loop. Very peaceful place even on a Saturday night.
Misty Harrison
Really small campsites. I have a 30 ft RV and there was only one campsite that could even accommodate it, B23. Of course the government was shut down during our stay, so the visitor center was closed. I loved that the Rangers don't bother you at all. It had beautiful sunrises and sunsets, sunny days that are breezy, night skies filled with stars and a moon so brilliant it looks like you could climb the hills and touch it.
Wendy
Wow, this place was clean! Has running water and flushing toilets. The bathrooms are even heated!! Has water spouts everywhere. First come first serve. $20 a night. They even have a fancy machine to pay with Apple Pay only at station. All campsites are spread out but some in the middle are super close to one another. Very accessible friendly! Tables are more than 100 years old! I’d stay here again! Update (7/2025): they’ve added bear boxes.
Tobias P.
Superb campground. Electronic no wait, no BS paying. Campground is few minutes from visitor center. Nicely paved and clean. Abundance of regular and recycle trash canes in national park fashion (bear safe - where are the bears though :)) Multiple trails lead from the grounds to the park sites so you can start hiking from here for some stuff. Many areas have to be reached by car though.
Holly Johnson
We loved this campground. It felt very isolated and peaceful, and the landscape and views were incredible. We stayed in Spot 6 which fit our 25ft RV perfectly, was situated away from other campsites and offered some of the best views. It is first come, first served and it was ~1/3 filled in early May. The caving is great here too. We were able to drive our RV to the different spots and go through 6 caves in one day. I highly recommend this campground and Lava Beds for caving!