Lava Beds National Monument NPS Photo / Nathan Charlton
About this site

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

NPS · National Park Service

Lava Beds National Monument

PASSLANDS ✦ VERIFIED PASS ACCEPTED CONFIRMED

Yes — your pass gets you in.

Your pass covers the $25 park entrance fee.

  • Fee type Entrance fee — The standard per-vehicle park entrance fee. Entrance - Private Vehicle: $25Entrance - Motorcycle: $20Entrance - Per Person: $15
  • HoursThe 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 p
  • Last verifiedJuly 6, 2026 · Confirmed
  • Official pagewww.nps.gov ↗
Where it is
41.7592, -121.5172
Get directions

Lava 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. Services are few and far between and winter driving conditions can be encountered anytime between fall an

Camp at Lava Beds National Monument This site has campsites you can reserve online. Check availability and book directly on Recreation.gov.
Find & book campsites

Common questions

Quick Yes / No / Depends answers for Lava Beds National Monument — always confirm with the managing site before you go.

Yes Does the America the Beautiful pass work at Lava Beds National Monument?

Yes — your pass covers the entrance fee here.

Yes Can you kayak, paddle, or boat here?

Yes — there’s water for boating and paddling at Lava Beds National Monument. Hand-launched craft usually need no permit; motorized boats may need registration or a launch fee.

Yes Can you camp at Lava Beds National Monument?

Yes — camping is available. Reserve ahead where required; you can check availability on Recreation.gov.

Depends Can you have a campfire?

Sometimes — campfires are subject to seasonal fire restrictions and bans. Always check current fire conditions first.

Yes Are there hiking trails?

Yes — trails here include Balcony-Boulevard, Big Nasty Loop, Black Crater, and more. Check length and difficulty before you go.

Yes Can you bike here?

Yes — biking is available at Lava Beds National Monument. Confirm which roads or trails allow it.

Depends Can you ride OHVs or ATVs here?

Yes — off-highway vehicle use is among the activities here. Stay on designated routes and check any permit or registration rules.

Depends Can you bring a dog?

Usually only leashed and in developed areas, campgrounds, and paved paths — not on most trails or in buildings. Pet rules vary by park, so check first.

No Are drones allowed?

No — launching, landing, or operating drones is prohibited on National Park Service land.

Nearby sites

Tule Lake National Monument NPS Photo National Park Service

Tule Lake National Monument

Confirmed

Free entry — there is no entrance fee here, so you won’t need your pass to get in.

Guided ToursSelf-Guided Tours - WalkingSelf-Guided Tours - Auto
CA · No fee
Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge Dave Menke, USFWS / Public domain · Wikimedia Commons U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge

Check

This U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service site may charge a fee your pass covers — confirm before you go.

Auto TouringBoatingInterpretive Programs
CA · Fee unknown
Lower Klamath National Wildlife Refuge Frank Schulenburg / CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

Lower Klamath National Wildlife Refuge

Check

This U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service site may charge a fee your pass covers — confirm before you go.

Auto TouringInterpretive ProgramsHunting
CA · Fee unknown
Clear Lake National Wildlife Refuge Dave Menke, USFWS / Public domain · Wikimedia Commons U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

Clear Lake National Wildlife Refuge

Check

This U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service site may charge a fee your pass covers — confirm before you go.

Hunting
CA · Fee unknown