Indian Well Campground
Lava Beds National Monument is in northeastern California, 62 miles northwest of Alturas and 165 miles northeast of Redding. Because of its remote location, the monument sees few visitors compared to other California parks. Those who do make the drive are treated to an array of lava tube caves which are open to exploration on your own. In fact, the park even loans flashlights to facilitate explorations.
Cave explorers are required to check in at the Visitor Center and pick up a cave permit before venturing into the lava tubes. Rangers at the Visitor Center can provide complete information about the best caves to explore. Visitors should note that gasoline is not available in the monument nor at any nearby locations.
Indian Well Campground at Lava Beds National Monument is situated ½ mile from the visitor center. The campground has 43 sites spread among scattered trees. The campsites themselves are not particularly attractive, but the uniqueness of the park with all its lava caves more than makes up for any shortcomings in camping ambiance. The campsites are all available on a first come, first served basis. They can accommodate RVs, trailers, and tents. There is also a Group Camp
| Indian Well Campground Basics |
| Indian Well Campground Location: |
Lava Beds National Monument Road, off Road 44N01 off Highway 139, northwest of Alturas |
| Elevation: |
3,300 feet |
| Mileage from gateway city: |
Redding - 165 miles |
| Number of Sites: |
43 |
| Camping Season: |
Open year-round |
| Max. People per Site: |
8 (including children) |
| Vehicles per Site: |
2 vehicles or 3 motorcycles |
| Pets: |
Dogs on leash and attended at all times. |
| Operated by |
Lava Beds National Monument |
| Lava Beds National Monument Visitor Center: |
(530) 667-8113 |
| Reservations |
| No Reservations |
All campsites at Indian Well Campground are first-come, first-served. |
| Maximum RV/trailer Length: |
30 feet |
| Wheelchair Accessible Sites: |
2 accessible campsites, amphitheater, some trails and overlooks, visitor center |
| Fees: |
$10 per night |
| Check-in, check-out: |
Check-out Noon |
| Indian Well Campground Amenities |
| Campsites: |
Picnic table, cooking grill, fire ring; no hook-ups |
| Campground: |
Restrooms with flush toilets, piped water, amphitheater |
| Showers: |
No |
| Dump station: |
No |
| Attractions near Indian Well Campground: |
Explore local hiking trails, the lava tube caves, and historic sites. Visit volcanic attractions. Drive to Medicine Lake or Glass Mountain. Spend time at the Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge and visit the Tule Lake Unit of WWII Valor in the Pacific National Monument. |
Indian Well Group Campsite
The group campsite at Indian Well Campground can accommodate between 15 and 40 people. The campsite is for tents only; however, one vehicle at a time is permitted into the site for unloading or loading. Vehicles must be parked in the A-loop overflow parking area or at the visitor center. the campsite includes picnic tables, a large cooking grill, a group fire ring, a water spigot, and 2 pit toilets.
Fees: $3 per person (minimum of $45 and maximum of $60)
Reservations: (530) 667-8113 (up to 3 months in advance)
General Camping Information
Opening and closing dates of campgrounds are only estimates, usually dependent on snow conditions. Not all campsites can accommodate trailers or RVs of all lengths.
In order to prevent the spread of invasive insects, obtain firewood locally.
Accessible Sites
Designated Accessible sites are usually reserved for people with disabilities who have a vehicle displaying an accessible parking placard or license plate
