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Craters Of the Moon/Lava Flow
Overview
Lava Flow Campground offers a truly otherworldly experience situated directly within the Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve. Unlike standard roadside stops, this campground provides a rare opportunity to sleep amidst a vast ocean of lava flows and cinder cones. The park is typically open from May through November, weather permitting, and operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Staying here allows travelers to witness the stark, beautiful contrast of Idaho’s volcanic history under a sprawling sky.
Location & Surroundings
Positioned just off Highway 20/26/93 near Arco, Idaho, the campground is set at an elevation of nearly 5,900 feet. The surroundings are defined by cracked basalt landscapes and resilient high-desert vegetation. Because the park is situated far from major urban centers, the air is incredibly clear, and the horizon is dominated by the Pioneer Mountains to the north. It is a remote setting that feels disconnected from the modern world, offering a quiet, reflective atmosphere for those traversing the Snake River Plain.
Amenities & Park Features
This is a dry camping facility, meaning there are no hookups available. The park provides several basic essentials for visitors:
- 42 paved sites with charcoal grills and picnic tables
- Centrally located flush toilets and seasonal potable water
- Access to designated International Dark Sky viewing areas
The campground does not have a dump station or showers. RVers should note that most pads are relatively short; the park is best suited for smaller rigs and camper vans, as sites rarely accommodate units over 35 feet.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
The primary draw is the seven-mile Loop Road, which provides easy access to the monument’s most iconic features. Visitors can hike to the summit of Inferno Cone for panoramic views or explore the various lava tubes and caves, provided they obtain a permit. The nearby town of Arco offers a touch of history as the first city in the world lit by atomic power. Additionally, the park is a designated International Dark Sky Park, making it a premier destination for stargazing and night photography.
Who This Park Is Best For
Lava Flow Campground is ideal for adventurous travelers who prioritize unique scenery over luxury amenities. It is a perfect fit for astrophotographers and hikers looking to explore geological wonders right from their doorstep. Because of the size limitations and lack of hookups, it is best for those in smaller motorhomes or travel trailers who are prepared for boondocking-style camping. If you value silence, dramatic sunsets, and a sense of isolation, this volcanic retreat is a must-visit destination.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Bob Micek
Such a cute 🥰 and peaceful campground. We met our family friends who also camped here for a yearly get together. We all really enjoyed their "Home Theater" style Golfing simulator fun room.
ezekiel parsley
We stayed in one of your amazing cabins for the week and looking forward to our next trip here to this wonderful campground,..!!! We especially want to say thank you to the manager Jeffery for going out of his way to make us feel comfortable and at home here.!!!
Michael McDaniel-Hutchings
Very Clean park and very nice area. The person on duty during the day was grreat and help us find everything and how to get to town without driving. Bathrooms were great and clean. A must stop if going this way!
Robert Wheeler
Stayed in our RV at this location. This campground needs some love. Bathrooms were clean, but the whole campground was pretty run down. The "compound " next door played reveille every morning on loud speakers, along with the Pledge of Allegiance and the National Anthem each evening at sunset. Not really annoying, just different.
Carol Hill
Stayed one night after visiting Craters of the Moon National Monument. We had everything we needed. It's an older campground and appears to have several permanent residents. Everybody was nice and the place was quiet. The inground pool was out of order but there was a nice above ground pool with enough depth to swim some short laps. Plenty of space to let my dog get in a little fetch and run. They play the National Anthem at sundown and Reveille in the morning. Quiet otherwise and reasonably priced for a night
KoFsmaff
Great camp with views of the westerly mountains. The people who manage camp are also super cool, we talked for an hour about rocks. I stayed in one of the three mini cabins. Comes with mini fridge,microwave,heater and AC, bunk beds and regular bed. Very peaceful place with great view of the sun going down on the mountains
Walter R
We enjoyed our stay at this KOA. Staff members are very friendly and helpful. The pool area, showers and restrooms are very clean. Our site was spacious and quite. The campground is close to the Crater of the Moon park.
Adi Weshler
Only 20 minutes from the Craters of the Moon national park we found a peaceful, clean and well managed RV park. RV sites were spacious with full hookups, strong cell phone reception (T-Mobile and AT&T) for those not using Starlink, comfy laundry room, and even an on-site golf simulator facility. Conan was kind and helpful
Rolling With Stones
Some of the reviews I’ve read on this place are pretty far-fetched. The people are great, the campground is the lushest area in the whole town… Like a camping oasis! The service was above and beyond. There is always someone grooming the grounds or maintaining the swimming pool! The people who say the pool is unclean or has algae must have it confused with another place. This pool was clear and clean every day and serviced multiple times a day and was at 85* f the whole time we were there! Will definitely be back again!
Ken Walden
If you read the reviews you will see two extremes. I think the main difference is purpose of stay and expectations of a campground in a fairly remote small town off the beaten path. Staff was fantastic and the free waffle breakfast and low cost ice cream social showed their commitment to making the stay pleasant. The facilities were all clean (including bathroom, laundry and pool) on our 4 night stay. Now to manage expectations. This is a campground in an extremely small town in the desert dry (summers)portion of Idaho. The only major attraction in 30 miles is Craters of the Moon National Park. If you are willing to drive an hour or more many other opportunities open up. Also since it is a very dry climate they don’t have a-lot of grass and greenery. The prices are low for a KOA so the sites are not paved but level. There haven been recent updates in electrical pedestals in many sites so they are working on maintaining/upgrading. I will camp her again when we visit the craters park and plan my stay for late spring/early summer so there is water in the river and other activities are available.