Indian Well Campground

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This used to be home to the Modoc Native Americans, and this campground really lets you experience how it feels to live surrounded by diverse wildlife and amazing lava beds (not for sleeping on).

Indian Wells is the only campground at Lava Beds, right next to the visitor’s center and the caves, so it’s easy to spend the day exploring the park and then return to your tent. It was constructed by the Civilian Construction Corps during the Great Depression, and the hand-built lava bed picnic tables that the CCC built are still standing 80 years later! If you have a large group coming, there is also a primitive group site that takes reservations. The more the merrier!

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9 ratings · 2 reviews

Emily S.recommends

March 1, 2018

One of few places you can explore caves without a permit or tour guide. Equipment available to rent for the novice cave explorer. An amazing and humbling experience!

Lori R.recommends

October 12, 2017

Bring boots -lava beds are sharp

Your guide to camping in Indian Well Campground

Overview

Hiking

Trails vary from short 1-2 mile hikes to longer, 8 mile hikes to the opposite side of the park. See the caves, craters, buttes, petroglyphs, and bluffs… we promise it ROCKS (no pun intended)! There’s so much history and beauty in these lava beds, not to mention incredible views. The volcanic lava flows are incredible and the lengthy hike to Tule Lake on the northern end of the park is worth the trek. Check out some of the major attractions here.

Horseback riding

Horseback riding is only allowed on three trails: Whitney Butte to the west, and Three Sisters and Lyons in the northeast, which lead to Tule Lake. For your safety… rider and horses should have leg protectors. This park is quite desert-like during the summer, so you can dramatically ride off into the sunset with lava rocks rolling around in the distance (instead of tumbleweeds).

Snow sports

During the winter, you can snowshoe on the quiet and peaceful Whitney Butte trail up to the Callahan Lava Flow which has a beautiful view. This place is described as “a cross between a sci-fi movie and a photo negative.” It definitely feels otherworldly here!

Wildlife watching

Lava Beds is a desert-like environment bursting with life. The caves are home to 14 types of bats and funky cave-dwelling crustaceans and invertebrates. As far as amphibians go, the Boreal toad lives in the mountains and the Pacific Tree frog (the smallest amphibian in California!) lives in cave entrances and under huge lava rocks. You’ll be sure to notice the crazy diagonally-jumping kangaroo rats as well as the insane assortment of birds. Seriously, if you’re into birding (and even if you’re not), you’ll be floored by the wide variety of them.