Cashless FAQ

Why is the monument changing to cashless operations?

Reducing cash collected in fee operations allows a park unit to be a better steward of our visitors’ dollars. It allows Lava Beds National Monument to:

• Reduce the amount of time park staff spend managing cash (i.e. reduce our administrative burden).
• Improve accountability, reduces the chance of errors, and allows the park to maximize funding available for visitor services and critical projects.
• Reduce transaction times.
• Cashless fee collection helps us stay safe, secure, and effective and allows our rangers to spend more time with visitors.

When does the park plan to start cashless operations?

Cashless operations will start on January 1, 2025.

Will the entrance station be cashless?

Yes, the park entrance station will go cashless when it opens for 2025 summer season.

What if I only have cash?

The park has worked with the Lava Beds Natural History Association (NHA) who are interested in selling park passes for cash. Visitors who prefer to use cash can purchase a $25 single-vehicle entrance pass, good for 7 days, at the NHA store at the Lava Beds Visitor Center.

Can I use contactless payments (e.g., Apple Pay or my pre-paid Wallet phone app)?

Yes, you can use Apple Pay and other contactless payments systems at entrance stations.

Can I use a personal check or cashier’s check?

No. Only credit, debit, and other forms of electronic payment will be accepted at entrance station, vistior center and campground.

Can I purchase a pass before I get to the park?

Yes. Visitors can go to recreation.gov to purchase a Lava Beds National Monument Annual Pass (valid for one year), or a Lava Beds National Monument Private Vehicle Pass, a Lava Beds National Monument Motorcycle Pass, or Lava Beds National Monument Individual Pass – all valid for 7 days.

Can I show a digital copy of my pre-paid entrance pass at park entrance stations?

Yes.

Can I still use cash inside Lava Beds National Monument?

No, cash is not accepted at entrance station, visitor center or campground.
However, the Lava Beds Natural History Association (NHA) gift shop and bookstore does accept cash and cards.

What advantages does this have to the park visitor?

Uniform cashless policies should decrease wait times and reduce errors around making change.

What are entrances fees used for?

Entrance fees are an important source of revenue used to improve the visitor experience, including road and facility repairs and maintenance, trail improvements, accessibility improvements, visitor, and resource protection services, and more.

Can visitors pay cash at the Indian Well Campground?

No. There is a self-pay Automated Fee Machine at the entrance of the campground that accepts contactless cards or other contactless payments (such as Apple Pay or my pre-paid Wallet phone app, etc.) for all first-come, first-served sites. The Group Site is reservable in advance at recreation.gov.