About Lava Beds National Monument
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!
Quick Facts
Entrance Fees
Park Entrance is $25 per vehicle and is good for 7 days.
Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers.
Park Entrance is $15 per person and is good for 7 days.
Operating 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.
Activities
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.
View Official DirectionsContact & Address
Entrance Passes
Lava Beds National Monument, Crater Lake National Park, Lassen Volcanic National Park, and Whiskeytown National Recreation Area all share an annual pass. It is $55.00 and is valid for a year from the date of purchase.
Topics & Themes
Visitor Centers
Lava Beds Visitor Center
Lava Beds is home to one visitor center located at the south end of the park, near cave loop road. An entrance station is located…
Hours: The visitor center is open from 9:30 am to 4:00 pm, Thursdays - Tuesdays. Wednesdays the Visitor Center is open 11:30am - 4:00 pm.
Campgrounds
Group Campsite
The Group Campsite is in the B-Loop of the Indian Well Campground. The group site is only for groups with a minimum of 15 and…
Indian Well Campground
Indian Well Campground is located 1/2 mile (0.8 km) from the Visitor Center. There are 43 sites available on a first-come, first serve basis. Included…
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