Arrival airport
Airport drive
Suggested stay
Reservation demand
Vehicle notes
Class C Motorhome — Sleeps 4
From $245/day · typical rate
Drive-and-sleep motorhome with kitchen and bathroom.
Motorhome · Motorhome RepublicFind campervans & RVs
Black Friday · ends 2 Dec — Cruise America & Cruise Canada up to 35% off. Selected dates & T&Cs apply.Top tour
Most popular experience near Craters of the Moon National Monument
Know before you go
Cave Area Capacity
The parking lot for the Cave Trail is small and often reaches capacity by 11 AM. Plan to visit the lava tubes early in the morning for easier access.
Desert Dead Zones
Cell service is mostly unavailable once you leave the Highway 20 corridor near Arco. The visitor center offers the last reliable point for digital communication.
High Desert Fueling
There is no fuel available within the National Monument. Arco is the closest reliable station to the east; Carey is the closest to the west.
Seasonal Road Loops
The 7-mile Loop Road is closed to motorized vehicles in winter, typically from late November through April, when it is reserved for skiing.
Cave Gear Screening
To prevent bat disease, you cannot bring any item into the caves that has ever been in another cave. Expect a verbal screening at the Visitor Center before your permit is issued.
Check current conditions:Craters of the Moon National Monument (NPS)
2RVs, campervans & cars near SUN
Sleeps 2 campervans
Est. from $95/day · typical rate
Compact van-style camper that sleeps two, easier to park.
Sleeps 2 camper · Motorhome RepublicFind campervans & RVs
Flights to SUN
Check on Aviasales
- ✓ Compare suppliers at SUN
- ✓ Free cancellation on many rates
Standard car rentals at SUN
Est. from $45/day · typical rate
Pick your dates and vehicle class.
Compare rates at SUN
- ✓ Compare suppliers at SUN
- ✓ Free cancellation on many rates
SUV rentals at SUN
Est. from $55/day · typical rate
Pick your dates and vehicle class.
Compare rates at SUNA little structure. Plenty of freedom.
3 days in Craters of the Moon National Monument
- 01
Craters and Cones
Suggested: 8 AM from Arco
Inferno Cone
Climb the steep cinder slope for a panoramic view of the Great Rift and the distant Pioneer Mountains.
Spatter Cones
Walk the short, paved path to look down into the throat of these miniature volcanic vents.
Under 30 minutes on the 7-mile Loop Road; conditions vary with wind
Black lava rock absorbs heat; midday temperatures on the cinder cones can be extreme.
Pick up your vehicle at SUN → - 02
Subterranean Lava Tubes
Suggested: 9 AM from the Visitor Center
Indian Tunnel
Explore the largest and most accessible lava tube in the park, featuring collapsed roof sections for natural light.
Dewdrop Cave
Visit Dewdrop Cave only when open, with the required free cave permit; check current conditions at the visitor center.
Local transfers on the Loop Road; allow 15 minutes
Bring a dedicated headlamp; smartphone flashlights are insufficient for cave safety.
Tours for today's stops → - 03
High Desert Ecology
Suggested: 9 AM from the Loop Road Entrance
Devil’s Orchard
Take the accessible 0.5-mile boardwalk through 'islands' of lava and sagebrush to see hardy limber pines.
North Crater Flow Trail
Walk among jagged 'a'a lava formations and pressure ridges to see the youngest flows in the monument.
Local transfers; total Loop Road circuit takes about 45 minutes without stops
Stay on marked trails to protect the fragile cinder crust which takes decades to recover from footprints.
Find a place to stay →
Reservations · Low
Cave Permits and Dark Sky Preservation
Entry requires a standard National Monument fee or pass; however, all cave exploration requires a free permit obtained in person at the Visitor Center. Permits are subject to a screening for White-Nose Syndrome to protect bats. Camping at Lava Flow is first-come, first-served, so check official status for site availability before arriving with an RV.
Check official reservation infoFly in · nearest airport
SUNCraters of the Moon National Monument
Friedman Memorial Airport · 1 h 5 min drive
Find flights to SUN
Plan your road trip
From Friedman Memorial Airport
1 h 5 min
about 56 miles by car · times vary with traffic and road closures
Airport-to-destination drive; sightseeing stops are separate markers.
Stays near the end of your drive
3Where you'll want to sleep
RV parks near Craters of the Moon on RoverPass
RV Park
Best for: RV travelers
Book RV parks and campgrounds online with full hookups near the park.
Est. from $150/day · estimateSee stays
Campsites near Craters of the Moon on Campspot
Campground
Best for: Tent camping
Private campgrounds, cabins and glamping just outside the park, often with availability when park sites sell out.
Est. from $35/night · estimateSee stays
Harvest Hosts stays on the way to Craters of the Moon
Stay overnight free at wineries, farms & breweries
5,000+ unique RV stops. WildParkRoutes readers get 20% off the first year.
RV Park
Best for: RV travelers
Membership for overnight RV stays at farms, wineries and other unique spots along your route.
Est. from $150/day · estimateGet 20% off
Vrbo
Cabins & vacation rentals near Craters of the Moon National Monument
Est. from $120/night · typical rate
- Whole-home cabins and lodges
- Kitchens and room for the crew
Expedia
Hotels & lodges near Craters of the Moon National Monument
Est. from $110/night · typical rate
- Hotels in nearby gateway towns
- Inns and last-minute rooms
4The moments you came for
Viator
Tours & experiences near Craters of the Moon National Monument
Explore guided activities around Craters of the Moon National Monument. Check the meeting point, dates and availability on Viator before booking.
Open tour listings separately
Curated Trip Essentials
Five picks for Craters of the Moon National Monument
Day-walk storage
30–35L Hiking Daypack
Carry spare layers and walking supplies; check fit and use a liner for valuables.
Water on walking days
2L Hydration Pack
Carry drinking water on longer walks; refill before leaving services.
Cool-weather stops
Thermal Neck Gaiter · 2-pack
For cold or windy stops. Confirm fabric, fit and the two-pack variant at the store.
Eye protection
Polarized Cycling Sunglasses
Wrap-around cycling sunglasses with polarized lenses and a lightweight TR90 frame, according to the listing.
Wildlife & night viewing
Hawknite 1 4K Night Vision Binoculars
52MP photo · 1,200m range · full color at night. Check park rules before using lights at night.
$299.99 USD · store price
Shop at WILDGUARDEROptional picks, not a complete packing or safety list. Photos from the ROCKBROS and WILDGUARDER stores. Prices as of 2026-10-19 / 2026-10-20; price, stock and shipping may change.
Plan deeper
Fly into SUN: flights, car & first night By RV: campgrounds & RV parks Road trip: Idaho Sawtooth Loop Craters of the Moon National Monument: Best time to visit Craters of the Moon National Monument: Things to do Craters of the Moon National Monument: Itinerary Craters of the Moon National Monument: Glamping
