Craters of the Moon National Monument
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
The breathtaking Craters of the Moon National Monument in Arco stretches over 750,000 acres in Idaho and consists of features like cinder cones, lava flows, and underground caves. The Lava Flow Campground is within the monument's boundaries and can accommodate RVs, but there are no hookups. Some sites can accommodate larger rigs, but turnarounds are tight, and it's not recommended to go past site 15. Dispersed, primitive camping is also allowed but strictly regulated. You must have a free backcountry permit from the Robert Limbert Visitor Center. Many activities are just a short drive away, including fishing, hiking, and learning more about potatoes in Blackfoot.
Quick Facts About RVing in Craters of the Moon National Monument
• RV Friendly: Yes • Max RV Length: Long RVs are discouraged • Camping Type: Minimally developed campground and dispersed camping • Reservations: No • Hookups: None • Dump Station: None on-site • Potable Water: Bring your own • Cell Service: Very limited within monument boundaries • Pets: Allowed • Roads: Gravel • Best Season: Spring, summer, and fall
Why RV Travelers Love This BLM Area
• Incredible stargazing opportunities • About one hour from Shoshone, Idaho • Convenient access to nearby towns and services • Dark skies and minimal light pollution • Quiet and uncrowded camping • Excellent outdoor recreation
What to See and Do
Hiking and Biking
Devil's Orchard Trail
This paved trail runs past several cinder beds. Along its course are signs telling you about the challenges of protecting this fragile ecosystem. Length: 0.5 miles Intensity: Easy
Broken Top Loop Trail
This well-maintained trail allows you to see nearly every type of volcanic feature that created the unique landscape at this national monument. This trail starts out paved before turning into lava rock and cinder bed. It starts at the Tree Molds Trailhead. Length: 1.8 miles Intensity: Easy
Tree Molds Trail
See the impressions left in the rocks when hot lava flows knocked them down between 15,000 and 2,000 years ago along this trail. This trail skirts along the edge of the Blue Dragon Flow, allowing you to see the blue lava rock caused by titanium magnetite crystals in the rock. Length: 2 miles Intensity: Easy
Fishing and Boating
The Big Lost River is a terrific place for a fly fishing adventure. The river's East Branch usually offers the best fishing, with anglers often bringing home native trout up to 20 inches long. It can easily be reached by driving along Trail Creek Road. The North Branch offers even easier fishing conditions, especially near the bridges and campgrounds.
Climbing
Head about 45 minutes northeast of Arco to go climbing at The Fins. You will need a four-wheel-drive vehicle to access the last few miles. Most routes on the east-facing limestone walls are sports climbs, but there are a couple of traditional climbs. There are seven fins, so everyone can find a spot to climb at this remote location.
Wildlife Viewing
Drive along Loop Road, starting at the Visitors Center at Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve, to see the park's main features and wildlife. You may catch glimpses of mule deer, coyotes, porcupines, mountain cottontails and jackrabbits. These animals are most active at dawn and dusk, so plan your drive accordingly.
Picnicking
The east side of the visitors center at Craters of the Moon is a fabulous place for a picnic. While dining, watch for the many songbirds who live in this park. After you finish eating, watch films, see displays and visit park rangers in the center.
Bureau of Land Management Camping
RV Camping 
RV camping is available in the Lava Flow Campground at Craters of the Moon during warmer weather. Each site comes with a picnic table and a fire ring. You may also consider camping at one of the six campsites at Medicine Lodge Archaeological Site. Reservations are required from May to September, but the campground remains open year-round.
Developed Campgrounds
The monument features the 42-site Lava Flow Campground. It's typically open to vehicles from May through November, but it depends on the weather conditions, so check the status before heading over. The sites are first-come, first-served. There are limited sites for large RVs, but there aren't any hookups. There's also a BLM campground just outside the boundary. With only three camping sites at Silver Creek (North and South), you won't have to worry about large crowds. Fire rings, picnic tables, and grills are available. It's important to adhere to Leave No Trace, which means treating the environment with respect, such as by not littering. Due to the tight turnarounds in Silver Creek (North and South), driving a large and/or long RV isn't recommended.
Dispersed Camping
Free dispersed camping is allowed within Craters of the Moon National Monument boundaries, but you must have a backcountry permit. Nearby lands also have many opportunities for free dispersed camping on primitive dirt roads. Smaller RVs, especially with all- or four-wheel-drive, are the best vehicles for this type of camping.
Is This BLM Area Good for Your RV?
Before renting an RV to visit Craters of the Moon National Monument, you should understand which RV will best fit your needs, budget, and preferences. A major part of your decision is learning more about what would be ideal for the campsite you want to visit. • Camper Vans: Their smaller, compact size makes these vans a top choice for your trip to Craters of the Moon National Monument. Some may even have all- or four-wheel drive. • Travel Trailers: Smaller ones can work, but larger ones will be difficult to maneuver due to the limited turnaround space. • Fifth Wheels: Their larger size and longer length put them in the category of RVs you might want to pass on for this adventure. • Class A Motorhomes: Class As aren't recommended due to the campground's limited maneuvering space. • Class B Motorhomes: Their smaller size makes them easy to drive, park, and maneuver, making them a top option to consider. • Class C Motorhomes: Smaller Class Cs are usually a little larger than camper vans, so they have more space. However, they're generally not so big that it would be problematic to navigate them in the campground.
Free Camping 
Backcountry camping is allowed at Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve, especially in the wilderness area. Bureau of Land Management free camping is available at Fish Creek Reservoir. This campground is popular with hunters, but only expect to see water in the reservoir if it is spring. Another terrific choice is Magic Reservoir, which is a great place to go waterskiing, fishing and boating. The two adjacent sites along Silver Creek are terrific options for anglers looking to catch trout.
RV Rentals Near Craters of the Moon National Monument Plan your next adventure
Planning your Craters of the Moon National Monument BLM trip
A favorite activity at Craters of the Moon National Monument is visiting the five publicly accessible caves. Lava flow formed these caves. The largest cave is the Indian Cave, which has openings letting in plenty of sunlight, but two of the caves are entirely dark. Therefore, you will want to bring a source of light with you when visiting Boy Scout and Buffalo Caves. You can use a flashlight or a headlamp, but it should have at least 200 lumens. Furthermore, you should be able to set it to shine a long-distance and a spot beam. It is always best to bring a backup light source with you. Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve is a fantastic place for a camping adventure where you will have fun hiking, picnicking and caving. Nearby, you will find terrific fly fishing. Before you set out on your camping trip, learn more about BLM camping by reading this blog.
What RV Travelers Should Know Before Arriving
There aren't many large cities or towns near Craters of the Moon National Monument. Twin Falls is one of the closest ones, and it's a little less than two hours away. It's a good idea to stop to fuel up and buy groceries and supplies before heading to the campground. This ensures you have everything you need and won't have to make a long trek after you're already settled in. Make sure to have plenty of water as there's no potable water available on-site. It's a smart idea to check the weather before heading to the campground or Craters of the Moon National Monument. It can be treacherous to drive in the area when there's snow or rain, especially if you're not familiar with the local roads.
Leave No Trace 
About 200,000 people visit this monument annually. Therefore, everyone needs to clean up after themselves. If you create trash, put it in one of the trash receptacles. The "Leave No Trace" guidelines protects natures beauty. That way, the area stays beautiful for others to enjoy.
Craters of the Moon National Monument Location
Getting to Craters of the Moon National Monument from Arco, Idaho, is easy. Start by following US 20 West for 39.5 miles. Then, turn left on Stubb Road, almost immediately turn left on Peck Road and get on US 20 East. Continue for 20.2 miles, and you will arrive at the monument. Address: Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve, 1266 Craters Loop Road, Arco, Idaho 83213 Ready to visit Craters of the Moon National Monument? An RV rental is a great way to experience your destination. Not only will you be close to all the action, but at the end of a long day exploring, you'll have your RV to return to for the night where you'll enjoy a full kitchen, bathroom, and nice soft bed. Not sure about renting an RV? Here's a step-by-step guide to renting an RV with RVshare.
Plan Your Day at Craters of the Moon National Monument
• Morning: Wake up with the sun and do a little fishing. Prepare to explore Craters of the Moon National Monument. • Afternoon: Spend the day exploring the national monument and preserve. • Evening: Cook up the fish you caught earlier or another tasty delight, and settle in a comfortable chair outside to watch the stars.
Nearby Attractions
• The Butterfly Haven: A little more than an hour from Arco is Idaho's largest butterfly house. They're open daily, giving you plenty of opportunities to surround yourself with more than two dozen species of live butterflies. • Carey Lake Wildlife Management Area: About 21 minutes from Craters of the Moon National Monument, here you can easily spend an entire day here fishing and bird-watching. • Blackfoot: A little less than one hour away from Craters of the Moon National Monument is the city of Blackfoot. This Potato Capital of the World offers plenty to do, including visiting the Idaho Potato Museum & Potato Station Cafe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you RV camp at Craters of the Moon National Monument? Yes, RV camping is allowed, but no hookups are available. You should also arrive in a smaller RV to ensure you can navigate the campground properly. Larger RVs can fit in some of the spaces, but it's not recommended to go past site 15 due to narrow tracks and no turnaround. How do I know if my cell phone will work at the campsite? There is very limited to no cell service within the monument boundaries, including virtually no reception at Lava Flow Campground. Cell service is generally good at Silver Creek (North and South). However, consider contacting your provider for more specific information. What if I want to stay longer than 14 days at Silver Creek (North and South)? Campers aren't allowed to stay at the BLM campground for more than 14 days within 28 days. This means you'll have to relocate after that time, and you won't be able to stay longer. Can I have a campfire at Silver Creek (North and South)? Fire rings are available at the campground. Please make sure to start a campfire only in these designated areas. What type of clothing should I bring on my vacation? Temperatures can fluctuate dramatically from day to night, with it being warmer during the day and chilly at night. Bring clothes you can layer, even in summer, so you can stay comfortable. In this remote area, it's better to overpack and have what you need than have to trek out and drive a distance to get it last minute.
Rent the Right RV for This Trip
Considering the limited campsites and turnaround options, a smaller RV is the way to go. You can still RV in style but have an easier time navigating the campground. It can also be beneficial should you choose to drive out and explore the area. Keep in mind that, while winter is beautiful, it's not the safest or warmest season to visit. Spring, fall, and summer are equally as lovely but offer more comfortable temperatures, available activities, and safer driving conditions. Book your RV rental now to visit the Craters of the Moon National Monument as well as Silver Creek (North and South). If you're unsure which small RV would be best for your trip, the "How to Choose the Right RV" blog post can help you get started.
Nearby BLM Locations
- Little Deer Wilderness Study Area - Bureau of Land Management
- Great Rift Backcountry Area - Bureau of Land Management
- Appendicitis Hill Wilderness Study Area - Bureau of Land Management
- Little Wood River Wilderness Study Area - Bureau of Land Management
- Pipeline Campground - Bureau of Land Management