National Monument · California
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!
Things to do
- Auto and ATV
- Scenic Driving
- Astronomy
- Stargazing
- Biking
- Road Biking
- Camping
- Backcountry Camping
- Car or Front Country Camping
- Group Camping
- RV Camping
- Caving
- Food
- Picnicking
- Guided Tours
- Self-Guided Tours - Walking
- Hiking
- Backcountry Hiking
- Front-Country Hiking
- Junior Ranger Program
- Skiing
- Cross-Country Skiing
- Wildlife Watching
- Birdwatching
Weather & when to go
Park 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 is frequent from autumn through spring. Summer daytime highs average 75° to 80°F; lows average 50°F. Occasional thunderstorms occur in summer.
Entrance fees
Entrance - Private Vehicle
Park Entrance is $25 per vehicle and is good for 7 days.
$25.00
Entrance - Motorcycle
Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers.
$20.00
Entrance - Per Person
Park Entrance is $15 per person and is good for 7 days.
$15.00
Operating hours
Lava Beds National Monument
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.
Campgrounds
Indian Well Campground
Group Campsite
FAQ
- How much does it cost to visit Lava Beds National Monument?
- Entrance to Lava Beds National Monument costs $25.00 (Entrance - Private Vehicle), $20.00 (Entrance - Motorcycle), $15.00 (Entrance - Per Person). The America the Beautiful annual pass ($80) covers entry at every NPS site.
- What are the hours at Lava Beds National Monument?
- 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…
- Do I need a reservation for Lava Beds National Monument?
- No timed-entry reservation is currently required to enter Lava Beds National Monument. Campgrounds and permits may still need to be booked separately on Recreation.gov.