Bonito campground and Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument
For those of you who have a 5-year-old or have been around a 5-year-old, you talk a lot about volcanos. Like, a lot. So, one day I said, let’s go camp at a volcano! And that’s exactly what we did.
Sunset Crater is the youngest volcano in the Colorado Plateau and named for the great crater left from the last volcanic eruption an estimated 900 years ago. Thorough out the area the dark lava flows have cooled and hardened into jagged rocks and cinder cones which makes for amazing hikes along a wholly unique terrain.
The Bonito campground sits just outside the entrance to the monument and is named for the Bonito Lava Flow that rolled through the area during an eruption. The campground has large sites, many that back up to the dried cinder, lava rocks and dried lava flows. Roads within the campground are all paved making access easy. They have drinking water but no potable water and no electricity. Nice bathrooms with flushing toilets, but no showers. The night sky in this secluded area is breathtaking.
Other important notes.
- There are 44 campsites each set up for RV, travel trailer, or tent.
- Campground does not take reservations so arrive early. The good news, you can stay an extra day since no one has your spot reserved. But you’ll need to pack up after 14 days.
- You can bring a generator since there is no electricity, but it’s got to shut down by 10 pm.
- Each site has a table, fire ring and a grill or grate.
- Closest town for supplies is Flagstaff.
- Bonito closes in early October and doesn’t open until early May.
- Campsites are $24.00 for one car and $8.00 for each additional vehicle.
Why it works
This is a fantastic area with so much to see and explore. The visitor center as plenty of information about nearby hikes and bike paths. The lava flow trail is unlike anything I’ve experience before and a terrific opportunity to learn about the volcanoes of the Colorado Plateau. And if you have campers who are not big on exploring and hiking, no big deal! Temperatures in the area are moderate so you can relax under the ponderosa pines and watch the birds.
Who’s going to love it
I can’t imagine anyone who couldn’t find something to love about this trip. There is something for everyone. Bring the dogs but remember to keep them on a leash at all times and keep them off the trails inside the monument.
Things to consider
This is a fragile ecosystem so always use care. There is no backcountry hiking allowed to protect the areas geological and archaeological features. Always stay on the trails and don’t forget your water. It may be colder than you anticipate in the spring and fall so bring layers. Our visit was in May and we were surprised when there was snow on the ground in the morning. There was zero cell phone signal.
See you at the campsite!
