National Monument
Lava Beds National Monument is a National Monument in California. The NPS currently lists 1 active alert, 2 campgrounds and 1 visitor center; entrance fees start at $15.
California National Monument America the Beautiful pass accepted
Updated · NPS Data API
“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.”
Active alerts
1
Closures
0
Campgrounds
2
Visitor centers
1
1 active NPS alert as of Oct 28, 2026: 0 closures, 0 danger, 0 caution and 1 information.
Information
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.
Posted or updated May 19, 2016 ·Details on nps.gov
Entrance fees are collected seasonally at the fee booth at the north end of the park. If that is closed, please proceed to the park's visitor center.
| Fee | Cost | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Entrance - Private Vehicle | $25 | Park Entrance is $25 per vehicle and is good for 7 days. Buy online |
| Entrance - Motorcycle | $20 | Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers. Buy online |
| Entrance - Per Person | $15 | Park Entrance is $15 per person and is good for 7 days. Buy online |
| Pass | Cost | Buy |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Entrance - Park | $55 | Recreation.gov |
The interagency America the Beautiful pass is accepted here. This park is cashless — bring a card or buy your pass online.
Activities the NPS lists for Lava Beds.
Auto and ATVScenic DrivingAstronomyStargazingBikingRoad BikingCampingBackcountry CampingCar or Front Country CampingGroup CampingRV CampingCavingFoodPicnickingGuided ToursSelf-Guided Tours - WalkingHikingBackcountry HikingFront-Country HikingJunior Ranger ProgramSkiingCross-Country SkiingWildlife WatchingBirdwatchingPark FilmMuseum ExhibitsShoppingBookstore and Park Store
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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.
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | All Day |
| Tuesday | All Day |
| Wednesday | All Day |
| Thursday | All Day |
| Friday | All Day |
| Saturday | All Day |
| Sunday | All Day |
Weather: 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.
| Visitor center | Standard hours | Phone | Passport stamp |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lava Beds Visitor Center | Daily: 9:30AM - 4:30PM | 5306678113 | Yes |
| Campground | Total sites | Reservable | First-come | RVs | Fee | Reserve |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Group Campsite | 1 | 1 | 0 | No | $60 | Recreation.gov |
| Indian Well Campground | 43 | 1 | 43 | Yes, up to 30 ft | $20 | — |
Site counts and fees are from the NPS campground data. Fees show the first listed rate; availability is not shown here — check the reservation site.
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