Is Craters of the Moon Worth the Stop in Idaho?

While you may not plan an entire RV road trip to visit Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve, it’s well worth the stop if you’re traveling through Southern Idaho on your way to Yellowstone or Utah.

Imagine steering your RV off the high-desert highway and feeling like you’ve been teleported to the Sea of Tranquility. That’s Craters of the Moon. This volcanic expanse in the heart of Idaho’s Snake River Plain is best described as both an eerie and awe-inspiring landscape. Here are our recommendations to make the most of your detour.

Why Make a Stop at Craters of the Moon?

Stop at Craters of the Moon National Monument to experience one of the most surreal, otherworldly landscapes in the lower 48 states. Formed by ancient volcanic activity, this lunar terrain offers a rare opportunity to hike up cinder cones, explore massive lava tubes, and walk across frozen lava rivers. The accessible scenic loop road and Dark Sky Park designation make it a must-stop for RV camping.

Navigating the 7-Mile Loop Road in an RV

The 7-mile scenic loop road takes you through the park with trails, caves, and scenic overlooks along the way. This road is entirely paved and well-maintained, so most standard motorhomes and trailers can easily navigate the loop. Just be mindful of the pullouts.

If you’re driving a larger Class A or a long fifth wheel, we recommend hitting the loop early in the morning for easier parking. The lots for popular spotsl ike Inferno Cove and Spatter Cones can fill up quickly.

RV Camping in a Sea of Lava

For the full Craters of the Moon experience, set up camp at the Lava Flow Campground. One of the most unique places to park an RV in the National Park system, you’ll spend the night literally surrounded by the jagged A’a lava flows.

The campground has 42 first come, first served sites that are best suited for smaller trailers and camper vans. Be prepared for no hookups or dump stations. If all the sites are full or you’re in a larger rig, the town of Arco is only 18 miles away and has several full-hookup RV parks.

Must-See Sights at Craters of the Moon

Only have a few hours to spend at the national monument? We recommend prioritizing:

• Inferno Cone: It’s a steep walk up a mountain of black cinders, but the 360-degree view of the Great Rift and the Pioneer Mountains is the best view in the park.
• The Spatter Cones: These miniature volcanoes look like something out of a sci-fi movie and are easily accessible via a short, paved path.
• Lava Tubes: If you’re not claustrophobic, pick up a free permit at the Visitor Center to explore the caves. Indian Tunnel is the most popular and easiest to navigate, with sections of collapsed ceiling that let in natural light.

Best Time for to Visit Craters of the Moon

The black rock can hit temps well over 150°F in the summer. For that reason, we recommend visiting the park in late spring or early fall.  In May and June, you can take in the startling contrast of colorful wildflowers against the black ash. Meanwhile, September brings crisp air and the best visibility for stargazing.

Craters of the Moon is an International Dark Sky Park, so plan to stay past sunset even if you’re just passing through. The sight of the Milky Way stretching over the silent, frozen lava waves is something you’ll never forget.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive a large motorhome on the scenic loop road?

Yes. The 7-mile scenic loop road is fully paved and accomdates standard vehicles, including most Class A motorhomes and large fifth wheels. However, some parking lots (like the Spatter Cones trailhead) have limited space for long rigs. We recommend arriving before 10:00 am to secure a spot where you won’t have to worry about backing out of tight corners.

Does the campground have full RV hookups?

No. The Lava Flow Campground is a primitive dry camping facility. There are no water, sewer, or electrical hookups at the individual sites. Seasonal water and dump stations are near the entrance, but they’re typically closed during the winter. If you need full hookups, the nearby town of Arco, Idaho, is just 20 minutes away with several RV parks.

Is there cell service at Craters of the Moon monument?

Cell service is extremely spotty. You may get a signal near the Visitor Center or at the top of Inferno Cone. Once you descend into the lava flows or enter the campground, however, expect to be off the grid. It’s the perfect excuse to put your phone away and look at the stars!

Are there other places to explore in Idaho?

Yes! Idaho is known for its rugged beauty and outdoor adventure. We recommend visiting Sawtooth National Recreation Area and Hells Canyon if time allows.

Protect Your RV from High-Desert Debris with DuraFlap

While the park roads are paved, the journey across Idaho to get there often involves long stretches of Highway 20/26, where wind and road debris are along for the ride. The volcanic soil in this region is essentially pulverized glass and rock. It may be incredibly abrasive on your RV or tow rig, but it’s not anything DuraFlap mud flaps can’t handle.

Our drill-less installation mud flaps are custom-built to your exact specifications. Both our Classic and BlackLine are designed to provide the most protection for your rig’s finish without damaging the frame. Visit our website to find the perfect fit for your motorhome or truck, and protect your investment while you explore Craters of the Moon National Monument.