Indian Wells - Lava Beds National Monument

We pulled in around 1 on a Friday. Stayed in site 20 with a 21 ft. Travel trailer. Hand filled the water and used solar for electric. The campground is very maintained and clean. Restrooms only have toilets, no showers. The NP is beautiful. The big things are the caves, which we did not care to do but did drive the entire area and also visited the wildlife refuge nearby. Went to Merrill OR for fuel, about a 35 minute drive.

Have stayed here twice. In summer of 2021, this whole surrounding me area suffered a horrific fire that burned even a small part of the campground. It’s still beautiful, since there weren’t a lot of trees anyway. You’re here to go underground anyway. No market anywhere nearby, so bring everything you need except for ice. They have that at visitor center. Note those hours are only 10 to 3 weekdays and an extra hour on weekends. They must be open to sell you ice. No other market-type items at visitor center. Gas up before coming in since gas is a 40 minute drive away. Ditto market. Campsites are large and well spaced. Most of the juniper trees inside campground survived the fire. Some trails closed due to fire but many remain open and lava flows and fields are still picturesque. If I had known about fire beforehand, I wouldn’t have come. But seeing it in person was still very very worth it. Glad I didn’t know about it ahead of time. I would have missed it.

The setting was very beautiful at this camp. Great big sky, gorgeous sunrise over the volcanic peaks. Clean and well maintained. We found the lava tubes and history very interesting and would recommend a stay here.

Unplugged camping. Small spots for RV’s. There are water spigots. Best thing about this campground is the price, $10 and the night sky. Hiking in the lava caves is interesting but redundant after first cave. Would stay again for the night sky.

No shady spots for RVs. No screw water faucets. The caves are interesting and all for you to explore one your own. Bring hardhats or buy them there for many of the caves. Plenty of sunny trails and history to explore.

Basic National Park camp. Friendly host. Water and bathrooms available. Great access to the lava caves.

11/17/12. "Roughin' it", few level sites for campers, small trailers, mostly tent sites. Long drive in. No hookups, clean newer bathrooms, no showers. Water spigots throughout. Scenic, interesting history, lots of lava caves. Senior pass gets free park entry, $5/day camp fee.