Sunrise at Lava Beds
Lava Beds National Monument
National Monument · CA
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!
Park report
Fee: Entrance - Private Vehicle
How this is rated
Good: free · Fair: ≤$20 · Low: >$20$25
Alert: Information
How this is rated
Poor: closures/hazards · Fair: cautions/noticesWhite-Nose Syndrome / Cave Permit
Fee: Entrance - Motorcycle
How this is rated
Good: free · Fair: ≤$20 · Low: >$20$20
Fee: Entrance - Per Person
How this is rated
Good: free · Fair: ≤$20 · Low: >$20$15
Campgrounds Available
How this is rated
Good: campgrounds available in this park2 campgrounds
Campground: Group Campsite
GoodThe 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 a maximum of 40 campers. The group campsite includes picnic tables, grills, two pit toilets, a group fire ring, water spigot and a large cooking grill. Group site is open Apr
Campground: Indian Well Campground
GoodIndian 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 in the standard campsites are a picnic table, fire ring, and cooking grill. The campground typically only fills on summer weekends near holidays. Sit
Visitor Centers
Good1 visitor center
Activities Available
How this is rated
Good: many activities available28 activities
Park Name
InfoLava Beds National Monument
Designation
InfoNational Monument
State(s)
InfoCA
Phone
Info5306678113
LABE_Information@nps.gov
Pass: Annual Entrance - Park
Info$55
Operating Hours
InfoThe 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.
Visitor Center: Lava Beds Visitor Center
InfoSee park for hours
Activity: Auto and ATV
InfoAvailable
Activity: Scenic Driving
InfoAvailable
Activity: Astronomy
InfoAvailable
Activity: Stargazing
InfoAvailable
Activity: Biking
InfoAvailable
Activity: Road Biking
InfoAvailable
Activity: Camping
InfoAvailable
Activity: Backcountry Camping
InfoAvailable
Activity: Car or Front Country Camping
InfoAvailable
Activity: Group Camping
InfoAvailable
Activity: RV Camping
InfoAvailable
Activity: Caving
InfoAvailable
Activity: Food
InfoAvailable
Activity: Picnicking
InfoAvailable
Activity: Guided Tours
InfoAvailable
Theme: Great Depression
InfoFeatured at this park
Theme: Migrations
InfoFeatured at this park
Theme: Military
InfoFeatured at this park
Theme: US Army
InfoFeatured at this park
Theme: Indigenous and Native Warrior
InfoFeatured at this park
Theme: Battlefields
InfoFeatured at this park
Theme: Monuments and Memorials
InfoFeatured at this park
Theme: Native American Heritage
InfoFeatured at this park
Weather Info
InfoPark elevations range from 4,000 to 5,700 feet. Cold weather is possible any time of year, and snow has been recorded in all months. Winter daytime highs average 40°F; lows average 20°F. Morning fog
Getting There
InfoLava 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. Servi
GPS Coordinates
Info41.7592° N, -121.5172° W
Data from official federal recreation records. Updated periodically. Park conditions change — always verify with the park before visiting. Verify on official park website