Lava Beds National Monument
1 campground in the park · 15 nearby within 25 mi
Photo: NPS Photo / Nathan Charlton
At a glance
- Entrance
- $25 per vehicle
- Open
- Year-round
- In the park
- 1 campgroundReserve on Recreation.gov
- Near the park
- 15 campgroundsWithin 25 mi
- Annual pass
- $55Lava Beds only
Where to camp
Camping in the park 1
Camping near the park 15
Services nearby: 1 dump station
About Lava Beds
Lava Beds National Monument is a land of turmoil, both geological and historical. Over the last half-million years, volcanic eruptions on the Medicine Lake shield volcano have created a rugged landscape dotted with diverse volcanic features. More than 800…
Lava Beds National Monument is a land of turmoil, both geological and historical. Over the last half-million years, volcanic eruptions on the Medicine Lake shield volcano have created a rugged landscape dotted with diverse volcanic features. More than 800 caves, Native American rock art sites, historic battlefields and campsites, and a high desert wilderness experience await you!
Photos: NPS Photo / Laura Bellasalma · NPS Photo / Nico Ramirez · NPS Photo / Jesse Barden
Things to do
- Auto and ATV
- Scenic Driving
- Astronomy
- Stargazing
- Biking
- Road Biking
- Camping
- Backcountry Camping
- Car or Front Country Camping
Plan your visit
Getting there
Lava Beds is a truly remote park, in a corner of California most people never visit. Most roads into this area wind through mountains, and along rivers, and travel may take longer than expected. Services are few and far…
Weather
Park elevations range from 4,000 to 5,700 feet. Cold weather is possible any time of year, and snow has been recorded in all months. Winter daytime highs average 40°F; lows average 20°F. Morning fog is frequent from…
Plan your visit
Fees and passes
- Private vehicle$25
- Motorcycle, 7 days$20
- Per person$15
- Lava Beds annual pass$55
Hours
The park is open 24 hours a day, year-round. The visitor center is typically only closed on Christmas Day but will sometimes temporarily close in the winter due to weather or maintenance. Temporary closures are usually posted as an alert and/or on our social media. For visitor center hours please the Visitor Center section below.
Getting there
Lava Beds is a truly remote park, in a corner of California most people never visit. Most roads into this area wind through mountains, and along rivers, and travel may take longer than expected. Services are few and far between and winter driving conditions can be encountered anytime between fall and spring.
Weather
Park elevations range from 4,000 to 5,700 feet. Cold weather is possible any time of year, and snow has been recorded in all months. Winter daytime highs average 40°F; lows average 20°F. Morning fog is frequent from autumn through spring. Summer daytime highs average 75° to 80°F; lows average 50°F. Occasional thunderstorms occur in summer.
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