Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve

RV Parks & Campgrounds Near Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve

The Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve sits in the middle of southern Idaho. Although the nearest town is just 20 minutes east, the park feels remote and isolated. RV camping is a fun way to revel in the solitude — plus, since light pollution is minimal, you might be lucky enough to see the Milky Way after dark. Spend more time camping and less time driving by renting an RV from RVshare.

Things To Do Near Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve

There are many things to do year-round at the Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve. Drive the 7-mile park road to take in the scenery from your car, or hop on one of the many hiking trails for an easy trek. If you're visiting during the summer, escape the Idaho heat by heading underground to the always-cool Indian Tunnel, Dewdrop Cave, and Boy Scout Cave. In the winter, use your RV as a home base for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling adventures.

Hiking Trails

• North Crater Trail

  See the effects of violent lava eruptions on the North Crater Trail, which takes you along the rim and down into the crater itself. From there, it continues to the Big Craters and the Spatter Cones area, offering a fascinating look at the park's most exciting features. 

  Location

  1266 Craters Loop Road, Arco, ID 83213

  Length

  3.5 miles round-trip

  Intensity

  Strenuous

• Inferno Cone

  The Inferno Cone hike is steep, but when you get to the top, you'll enjoy some of the best views in the park. When the weather is sunny and cloud-free, look east for a glimpse of the mountains in Grand Tetons National park. This hike is best done on calm days.

  Location

  Loop Road Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve, Butte City, ID 83213

  Length

  0.4 miles round-trip

  Intensity

  Strenuous

• Caves Trail

  The Caves Trail takes you to the park's most easily accessible caves: Indian Tunnel, Beauty Cave, Dewdrop Cave, and Boy Scout Cave. If you only have time, head to Indian Tunnel; it's big and easy to enter. Bring a headlamp or flashlight if you're planning to explore the lava tubes at each cave site. You'll need a free permit from the visitor center to go inside the caves. If there's seismic activity in the area, the park may restrict underground access.

  Location

  Craters of the Moon National Monument, Arco, ID 83213

  Length

  1.6 miles round-trip

  Intensity

  Easy

Sightseeing

• Loop Road

  Stretching for 7 miles through the Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve, the Loop Road is an easy way to see the park from the comfort of your car or RV. The road is one-way, and you'll find a variety of parking areas along the way. Park officials do not maintain the route from November through April, but you can still experience it on skis or snowshoes.

  Location

  1266 Craters Loop Road, Arco, ID 83213

• Spatter Cones and Snow Cone

  If you want to see some of the volcanic cones in the park, but you're not in the mood for a hike, head to the Spatter Cones parking area. Just a short distance from the parking lot, these jagged cones rise high above the earth. They're an impressive sight whether you walk to the top or check them out from afar.

  Location

  Loop Road

Museums

Nearby Shops and Restaurants

• 93 Bar and Grill

  With a classic diner menu featuring pub appetizers, salads, and hot sandwiches, 93 Bar and Grill is a convenient spot for a filling meal if you're coming to the park from the western part of Idaho.

  Location

  20494 N Main St, Carey, ID 83320

• Golden West Cafe

  Casual and friendly, Golden West Cafe will make you feel like a local. Try one of the homestyle meat-and-potatoes meals, or check out the restaurant's famous "Indian tacos."

  Location

  2431 US-20, Arco, ID 83213

• Las Fiestas Restaurant 2

  This classic Mexican restaurant serves hearty portions of traditional dishes, including carnitas, tacos, and enchiladas. Get it to go, or stick around to dine in the colorful seating area.

  Location

  450 W Grand Ave, Arco, ID 83213

• A & A Market

  Pick up the supplies for your RV kitchen at A & A Market, one of the closest grocery stores to Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve. The store is small, but the selection is good, and the service is friendly.

  Location

  218 N Idaho St, Arco, ID 83213

• Silver Creek Convenience Store

  If you're coming from the west, Silver Creek Convenience Store is the last place to buy snacks and basic supplies. It's located approximately 60 miles from the park entrance. 

  Location

  US-20, Bellevue, ID 83313

How To Get To Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve

From Arco, Idaho, take Highway 26 west to the Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve entrance. From Carey, Idaho, head east on Highway 26. The visitor center sits just south of the highway and is clearly marked.

Address

1266 Craters Loop Road, Arco, ID 83213

Fee: Entry Fee (per vehicle) $20.0

Fee: Entry Fee (per person) $10.0

Per person on foot or by bicycle

Fee: Entry Fee (per motorcycle) $15.0

Fee: Entry Fee (winter access)

The preserve does not charge visitors during the winter season.

Whether you have time for a quick day trip or a longer camping getaway, the Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve is a unique destination. Hike into a cinder cone, explore a lava tube, or simply enjoy the remarkable scenery from your vehicle. If you're camping, an RV is a great way to see the remote Idaho landscape in comfort no matter what the season.