Camping in extreme places is nothing new, but what about camping near a volcano? For some thrill-seekers in the US, this is exactly the type of camping trip to rival all trips. Some of these locations are not just thrilling, but also double as some of the most beautiful spots in the country to set up shop for the night.
The best part is that no special gear is needed for a trip such as this (although a bubble tent never hurt anyone!); in fact, the simpler the setup, the better. With views like these, you'll be more tempted to sleep under the stars than to sleep in an actual shelter. Volcano camping isn't nearly as intimidating as it seems, and this is where campers can have the trip of a lifetime.
Mount St. Helens National Volcano Monument, Washington
Washington State is home to some of the most beautiful scenery in the entire country, so it's no surprise that one of the best volcanic camping trips can be had here, too. Mount St. Helen has quite the history, as an earthquake back in 1980 led to a partial mountain collapse, which then led to an eruption.
This eruption devastated the surrounding land, however, everything was perfectly preserved in the volcanic ash aftermath. To this day, everything remains the same, making it a stunning, yet dramatic landscape. Those wanting to see this dynamic ecosystem can camp at Climber's Bivouac Campground, which is right near the trailhead leading to the base of the volcano.
Newberry Crater National Monument, Oregon
Oregon's Newberry Crater isn't just a great place to camp, it's also a unique land formation, well-known by everyone in the area. Found in the volcanic field of Oregon, this land spans more than 1,200 square miles and is home to more than 400 cinder cones and volcanic vents.
The park itself is beautiful and also features obsidian flows that leave shiny black streaks through the landscape. Campers can get pretty close to (still active) volcano by camping at either Paulina Peak or along the lakeside near the crater.
Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument, Arizona
At either Bonito Campground or Coconino National Forest, campers can spend the night close to Sunset Crater, which a truly wild environment. It's home to Arizona's fissures, squeeze-ups, lava tubes, and a wide variety of volcanic rocks.
While it might seem a bit otherworldly, just walking around these volcanic fields is a unique experience. For those camping, a weekend will give plenty of time to explore this geological goldmine. Sunset Crater itself is classified as a cinder core and makes for some interesting and dynamic visuals.
Hawaii Volcanos National Park, Hawaii
It's no surprise that Hawaii is home to a great option for volcanic camping, but it also offers the experience in a way that no other does. For starters, camping at Kulanaokuaiki Campground or Nāmakanipaio Campground is one of the only ways visitors can camp in the US and have the chance to see active lava flows.
Kilauea Volcano has been active for some time now (more than decades) and it's at this shield-type volcano that campers might be able to witness its activity in action. The last major eruption happened back in 2018 but that doesn't mean campers shouldn't be weary - there's always a chance for an active volcano to be unpredictable in its activity.