Sunset over Schonchin Butte

Indian Well Campground

Open

Open. Loop A is open year-round; Loop B is open and typically closes mid-November through mid-March. Sites are $20/night first-come, first-served with self-registration. The group site is reservable through Recreation.gov April 1 through October 31. No current fire restrictions.

Nearby Mammoth Wildfire

South East of Lava Beds on the Modoc National Forest is the Mammoth Fire. For current information please visit

Phones Are Down

We are currently not able to receive incoming calls. If you have a questions, please email us at labe_information@nps.gov. If you have an emergency, please call 911.

White-Nose Syndrome / Cave Permit

Please Do Not bring clothing or caving gear used in caves or mines outside of Lava Beds into our caves. This will help slow the spread of white-nose syndrome, a bat disease that is killing bats outside of the park.

Downed Trees on Trails

Please be cautions on all trails and side roads as high winds and heavy snow have caused several downed trees throughout the park.

Winter Weather

Lava Beds received around 2 feet of snow. Please use caution if driving into the park as snow is starting to melt and cause icy road and parking lot conditions. All roads going into the Forest Service are not passable.

About

Indian Well Campground is the only developed campground within Lava Beds National Monument, located on the northeastern flank of Medicine Lake Volcano in California's remote Modoc County. The campground's 43 individual sites are arranged in two loops (A and B) with paved driveways, each site equipped with a picnic table, fire ring, and cooking grill. Loop A remains open year-round while Loop B typically closes from mid-November through mid-March. The monument protects over 800 lava tubes, making it North America's largest concentration of such caves. Twenty-seven caves have developed trails for public exploration, with Mushpot Cave offering electric lighting for beginners. The campground's location puts many caves within walking distance. Beyond caving, trails lead to volcanic features and historic Modoc War sites including Captain Jack's Stronghold. A reservable group site accommodates 15-40 people from April through October, featuring an unpaved road, pit toilets, and water. The campground typically only fills on summer holiday weekends. Two ADA-designated sites and accessible restrooms are available in both loops.

Directions

Indian Well Campground is located half a mile from the Lava Beds Visitor Center. From Tulelake, head south on Hill Road, which becomes Lava Beds National Monument Road. Continue to the Visitor Center area; the campground entrance is just past the Visitor Center.

Amenities

Water Yes
Fires Allowed Yes
Toilets Yes
Dump Station
Wifi
Pets Allowed Yes
Showers No
Electric Hookups
Water Hookups
Sewer Hookups
Camp Store No
Price $20 - $60

Vehicle

Max RV Length 30ft
Max Trailer Length 30ft
Big Rig Friendly No
Pull Through Sites No

Contact

Email labe_information@nps.gov
Phone +1 (530) 667-8113

Cell Service

AT&T None
Verizon None
T-Mobile None

Availability

Photos

Sunset over Schonchin Butte
Milkyway Galaxy at Lava Beds
Sunrise over Lava Beds National Monument
Campground Map
Cave Entrance with Stairs
Overview of Lava Beds with Mount Shasta in the background.

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