Lava Beds National Monument
Tulelake, CA
A volcanic landscape with hundreds of lava tube caves, several open for self-guided exploring. Get the free cave permit at the visitor center, bring helmets and lights, and see the Modoc War sites; entrance fee.
Lava Beds National Monument lies in northeastern California and was formed by eruptions of the Medicine Lake shield volcano over roughly half a million years. The park has more than 800 caves created by hardened lava flows; 24 of them are open to visitors for exploring, most along or near Cave Loop. Mushpot, Valentine, and Skull Caves are considered the least challenging. Before entering a cave you need a free cave permit from the visitor center, which also helps protect bats from white-nose syndrome.
You need a helmet, two light sources per person (a headlamp and a handheld flashlight are recommended), long pants, and sturdy shoes. Some caves are closed at times (as of October 2026), so ask at the visitor center. The Modoc War took place here in 1872–1873, and Captain Jack's Stronghold is a central site. The monument is accessible year-round. Allow at least half a day, or better a full day for several caves and the war sites.
- Nearest town
- Tulelake, CA
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 41.7143, -121.5087
- Editor's pick
- ★
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April, July–August and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
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Campsites nearby
- Hemlock CampgroundCampsite10 mi from Lava Beds National Monument · 19 pitchesTents
- A.H. Hogue CampgroundCampsite10 mi from Lava Beds National Monument · 24 pitchesTents
- Medicine CampgroundCampsite10 mi from Lava Beds National Monument · 22 pitchesTents
- Headquarters CampgroundCampsite10 mi from Lava Beds National Monument · 10 pitchesTents
- Blanche Lake CampgroundCampsite11 mi from Lava Beds National Monument
- Hawk's NestMotorhome stopover12 mi from Lava Beds National MonumentMotorhomes
All campsites in California · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Lava Beds National Monument?
Lava Beds National Monument is in Tulelake, CA, at GPS 41.7143, -121.5087. It is about 38 mi from Klamath Falls.
Can you camp near Lava Beds National Monument?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Indian Well Campground, about 0 mi away; within 25 mi there are 12 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Lava Beds National Monument?
Lava Beds National Monument is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Volcanic Legacy Byway: Mount Shasta to Crater Lake and Fire, ice and lava: by camper along the Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway from Lassen to Crater Lake.
What is there to see near Lava Beds National Monument?
Places worth a stop nearby: McCloud River Falls (42 mi), McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park (49 mi), Castle Crags State Park (57 mi) and Subway Cave (71 mi).
When is the best time to visit Lava Beds National Monument?
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April, July–August and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)