Description

This used to be home to the Modoc Native Americans, and this campground really lets you experience how it feels to live surrounded by diverse wildlife and amazing lava beds (not for sleeping on). Indian Wells is the only campground at Lava Beds, right next to the visitor’s center and the caves, so it’s easy to spend the day exploring the park and then return to your tent. It was constructed by the Civilian Construction Corps during the Great Depression, and the hand-built lava bed picnic tables that the CCC built are still standing 80 years later! If you have a large group coming, there is also a primitive group site that takes reservations. The more the merrier!
Campsite area
Tent or RV sites
44 sites
Up to 40 guests per site
Up to 6 vehicles
No wheelchair access
Essentials
Campfires allowed
Toilet available
Pets allowed
Amenities
Potable water available
Picnic table available
Bins available

Activities

Offered near the campground.

Hiking

Trails vary from short 1-2 mile hikes to longer, 8 mile hikes to the opposite side of the park. See the caves, craters, buttes,...Read more

Horseback riding

Horseback riding is only allowed on three trails: Whitney Butte to the west, and Three Sisters and Lyons in the northeast, whic...Read more

Snow sports

During the winter, you can snowshoe on the quiet and peaceful Whitney Butte trail up to the Callahan Lava Flow which has a beau...Read more

Wildlife watching

Lava Beds is a desert-like environment bursting with life. The caves are home to 14 types of bats and funky cave-dwelling crust...Read more

Hipcamp makes it easy to find unique camping experiences.
Discover campsites, ranches, vineyards, farms, glamping, public parks and more.

9 Reviews

750
No one? Bueller? Sharing is caring, y'all.
Drop some Indian Well Campground knowledge on us.
Hipcamper Emily
Emily S.
recommends this listing.
March 1st, 2018

One of few places you can explore caves without a permit or tour guide. Equipment available to rent for the novice cave explorer. An amazing and humbling experience!

Hipcamper LORI
Lori R.
recommends this listing.
October 12th, 2017

Bring boots -lava beds are sharp

Hipcamper Antonio N.
recommends this listing.
September 18th, 2018
Hipcamper Aaron E.
recommends this listing.
January 28th, 2019
Hipcamper Elena B.
recommends this listing.
April 4th, 2018
Hipcamper Christine  C.
recommends this listing.
December 8th, 2017
Hipcamper Diana W.
recommends this listing.
September 12th, 2017
Hipcamper Conor R.
recommends this listing.
August 21st, 2017
Hipcamper Darrin L.
recommends this listing.
May 30th, 2017
Park
Lava Beds National Monument
State
California
Country
United States
Phone Number
(530) 667-8113
Directions
View on Google Maps
Official Website
View Website
Coordinates
41.718° N, 121.506° W
$10/night
RV / Trailer: 43 Sites
(Up to 8 people per site)
$3/night
Tent Only - Group: 1 Site
(Up to 40 people per site)