Permits & Reservations

Reservations

Caving:

No reservations are needed to visit the dozens of self-guided caves found on Cave Loop and elsewhere in the park. Have fun exploring on your own, but be sure to visit the caving page

Camping:

We only accept reservations for our group campsite which requires a minimum of 15 people. Reservations for the group campsite can be made up to three months in advance, reserve by calling visitors center. The rest of the campgrounds is a first come, first served campground. For additional information please visit our campground page.

IMPORTANT PLANNING NOTE:

Due to our remote and small operation, Lava Beds is not able to accept debit or credit cards for entrance and campground fees at this time. Please bring cash or checks for your visit.

 

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Special Use Permits

Within Lava Beds National Monument you can find many places that can be ideal for a variety of special activities. Most special events and activities held within the park require a permit. These permits are issued and approved only after National Park Service staff determines that the activity will not impair park values, resources, and visitor enjoyment.

The goal of the park in issuing a permit is to maintain public health and safety, protect environmental or scenic values, protect natural or cultural resources, allow for equitable allocation and use of facilities, or avoid conflict among visitor use activities.

Please visit our Special Use Permits page to determine what kind of permit you might need or you can contact the Park Special Uses Coordinator by emailing [e-mail] or calling 530-667-8111 for more information

 

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Scientific Research and Collecting Permit

Scientific or Research Permits are separate from Special Use Permits and are required before conducting any research within the park. This permit is required for most scientific activities pertaining to natural resources or social science studies in National Park System areas that involve fieldwork, specimen collection, and/or have the potential to disturb resources or visitors.

When permits are required for scientific activities pertaining solely to cultural resources, including archeology, ethnography, history, cultural museum objects, cultural landscapes, and historic and prehistoric structures, other permit procedures apply. You can apply for a Scientific Research and Collecting Permit online through the National Park Service Research Permit and Reporting System.

For more information about research at Lava Beds please contact the Chief of Integrated Resources Management at 530-667-8103.