Craters Of The Moon National Monument & Preserve
1 campground in the park · 30 nearby · 1 free and dispersed site within 50 mi
Photo: NPS / David Hunter
2 current alerts
As of Sep 20, 2026 · from nps.gov
- InformationCraters of the Moon Bookstore CLOSED on September 30The Craters of the Moon bookstore and museum will be CLOSED on September 30, 2026 due to inventory. Rangers will still be available for cave permits, information, and Junior Ranger activities. Please plan accordingly.
- CautionNavigationPlease do not rely upon GPS digital navigation systems to find your way to Craters of the Moon. Please note that the Robert Limbert Visitor Center at 1266 Craters Loop Road is located just off U.S. Highway 20/26/93 and is not accessed via any unpaved roads.
At a glance
- Entrance
- $20 per vehicle
- Open
- Year-round
- In the park
- 1 campground
- Near the park
- 30 campgroundsWithin 50 mi
- Free and dispersed
- 1 siteWithin 50 mi
- Annual pass
- $35Craters Of The Moon only
Where to camp
Camping in the park 1
Camping near the park 30
- Aerial viewRV Park
Mountain View RV Park
30 mi · Arco, ID
- Aerial viewRV Park
Craters of the Moon / Arco KOA Journey
31 mi · Arco, ID
Free and dispersed nearby 1
See them on the mapServices nearby: 2 dump stations · 5 rest areas
About Craters Of The Moon
Craters of the Moon is a vast ocean of lava flows with scattered islands of cinder cones and sagebrush. We invite you to explore this "weird and scenic landscape" where yesterday's volcanic events are likely to continue tomorrow.
Craters of the Moon is a vast ocean of lava flows with scattered islands of cinder cones and sagebrush. We invite you to explore this "weird and scenic landscape" where yesterday's volcanic events are likely to continue tomorrow.
Photos: NPS / David Hunter · NPS / Jacob W. Frank
Things to do
- Auto and ATV
- Scenic Driving
- Astronomy
- Stargazing
- Biking
- Road Biking
- Camping
- Backcountry Camping
- Caving
Plan your visit
Getting there
Visitor Center and Loop Drive are located 18 miles southwest of Arco, Idaho on U.S. Highway 20/26/93, 24 miles northeast of Carey, Idaho on U.S. Highway 20/26/93, 84 miles from Idaho Falls, and 90 miles from Twin Falls…
Weather
Weather at Craters of the Moon is characterized by hot summers and cold winters. In February, average snow depth ranges from 26 inches at the north end of the monument to just 2 inches at the south end. Intense summer…
Plan your visit
Fees and passes
- Private vehicle$20
- Motorcycle, 7 days$15
- Per person$10
- Craters Of The Moon annual pass$35
Hours
The Loop Road is typically open from mid April through late November as conditions allow.
Getting there
Visitor Center and Loop Drive are located 18 miles southwest of Arco, Idaho on U.S. Highway 20/26/93, 24 miles northeast of Carey, Idaho on U.S. Highway 20/26/93, 84 miles from Idaho Falls, and 90 miles from Twin Falls. Physical address is 1266 Craters Loop Road(Lat/Long: 43° 27.711'N/113° 33.7) Access to the main visitor use area is via a paved highway. Unpaved roads provide additional access to the BLM monument and NPS Preserve but should only be utilized by four wheel drive and high clearance vehicles.
Weather
Weather at Craters of the Moon is characterized by hot summers and cold winters. In February, average snow depth ranges from 26 inches at the north end of the monument to just 2 inches at the south end. Intense summer sun bakes the black lava, generating surface temperatures of 170°F and air temperatures in the 90s. Drying winds are a daily occurrence, especially in the afternoon, and may reach 15 to 30 miles per hour.
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