Indian Well Campground  campground
Tulelake , California

Indian Well Campground

Mixed (reservable + first-come)
44 campsites

44

Total Campsites

Campground

1

Reservable Sites

Mixed (reservable + first-come)

5

Accessible

ADA-compliant sites

Organization

Managing agency

Overview

About Indian Well Campground

Overview The Indian Well Campground is in the heart of Lava Beds National Monument. The campground is comprised of 43 sites available on a first-come, first serve basis and one group site that is available by reservation April-October. The monument was established as a national monument on November 21, 1925, and includes more than 46,000 acres (190 km2).The monument lies on the northeastern flank of Medicine Lake Volcano, which is the largest volcano by area in the Cascade Range. The Monument has over 800 lava tubes, with 27 having marked entrances and developed trails for public access and exploration. The monument also offers trails through the high Great Basin shrubland desert landscape and vast volcanic fields. Lava Beds National Monument is the site of the Modoc War, involving a band led by Kintpuash (also known as Captain Jack). Recreation Lava Beds National Monument has the largest concentration of lava tubes in North America with over 800 documented in the Monument. 27 caves have marked entrances and developed trails for public access and exploration. Mushpot Cave has electrical lighting; the others are illuminated by ceiling collapse portals or require flashlights. The monument also has 13 hiking trails, all of which cross or enter the backcountry. The most popular trails are short, but lead to a number of historic sites as to several geological areas. This includes sites of the Modoc War that includes Captain Jack's Stronghold. Birding and wildlife viewing is also a popular activity along the north boundary of the monument. Facilities Lava Beds National Monument has the largest concentration of lava tubes in North America with over 800 documented in the Monument. 27 caves have marked entrances and developed trails for public access and exploration. Mushpot Cave has electrical lighting; the others are illuminated by ceiling collapse portals or require flashlights. The monument also has 13 hiking trails, all of which cross or enter the backcountry. The most popular trails are short, but lead to a number of historic sites as to several geological areas. This includes sites of the Modoc War that includes Captain Jack's Stronghold. Birding and wildlife viewing is also a popular activity along the north boundary of the monument. Natural Features Lava Beds National Monument lies on the northeastern flank of Medicine Lake Volcano, which is the largest volcano by area in the Cascade Range. The Monument is geologically significant because of its wide variety of volcanic formations, including over 800 lava tubes, fumaroles, cinder cones, spatter cones, pit craters, hornitos, maars, lava flows, and volcanic fields.The region in and around Lava Beds National Monument lies at the junction of the Sierra-Klamath, Cascade, and Great Basin physiographic provinces. The southern most area of the monument is the highest in elevation and receives the most precipitation, and supports a Ponderosa Pine forest. Farther to the north of the monument, the middle elevations are a juniper and shrub woodland. Extending to the northern boundary are lower grasslands and sagebrush. Despite semi-arid conditions, native wildlife has adapted to the environmental constraints and are abundant and diverse.

  • 44 total campsites listed.
  • 1 reservable sites plus first-come options.
  • 5 accessible campsites listed.
  • Most common site type: standard nonelectric (43).
Indian Well Campground  photo 2
Indian Well Campground  photo 3

Our Take

What makes Indian Well Campground special

Tucked into the volcanic heart of Lava Beds National Monument near Tulelake, California, Indian Well Campground is a basecamp unlike anything else in the state. The landscape here is raw and otherworldly -- ancient lava flows, cinder cones, and more than 700 lava tube caves spread across the high desert plateau of the Modoc region. The campground offers 43 first-come, first-served sites plus a reservable group site, all set among juniper trees and sagebrush at roughly 4,800 feet elevation. Sites are well-spaced and surprisingly sheltered given the open terrain, with each offering a picnic table and fire ring. A short walk from camp leads to the visitor center, where you can borrow flashlights and cave maps before descending into ice-carved passages like Mushpot Cave or the challenging Catacombs. Above ground, the birding is exceptional -- raptors, sage grouse, and migrating waterfowl frequent the area. Nights here deliver some of the darkest skies in Northern California, perfect for stargazing. Indian Well is the kind of place that rewards curiosity: come for the caves, stay for the silence, and leave with a deeper appreciation for the volcanic forces that shaped this stark, beautiful corner of the West.

Campsite Inventory

44 sites to choose from

STANDARD NONELECTRIC

43total sites

0

Reservable

4

Accessible

GROUP STANDARD NONELECTRIC

1total sites

1

Reservable

1

Accessible

Amenities & Details

Everything you need to know

ACCESSIBLE GRILLS

Accessible Grills

ACCESSIBLE TRAILS

Accessible Trails

ACCESSIBLE WALKWAYS

Accessible Walkways

AMPHITHEATER

Amphitheater

CAMPFIRE PROGRAMS

Campfire Programs

CAMPFIRE RINGS

Campfire Rings

Campfire Allowed

Yes

Site capacity

Single

Check-in time

03:00 PM, 3:00 PM

Check-out time

12:00 PM

Condition Rating

Standard

DRINKING WATER

Drinking Water

DRINKING WATER (HAND PUMP)

Drinking Water (hand pump)

Driveway length (ft)

18, 19, 20, 21

Driveway surface

Gravel, Paved

FLUSH TOILETS

Flush Toilets

Fire Pit

Fire Pit

GRILLS

Grills

Reservations & Contact

Plan your stay

Mixed (reservable + first-come)

Phone

530-667-8113

Email

labe_information@nps.gov

FAQ

Common questions

Everything you need to know before your trip to Indian Well Campground .

How do reservations work for Indian Well Campground ?

Reservation availability for Indian Well Campground can vary by season and campsite type. Check the contact and access section before booking.

What campsite types are available at Indian Well Campground ?

Indian Well Campground currently lists STANDARD NONELECTRIC (43), GROUP STANDARD NONELECTRIC (1).

Where is Indian Well Campground located?

Indian Well Campground is in California near Tulelake .

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