About this campground
Lava River Cave, part of the Newberry National Volcanic Monument, offers self-guided exploration of a mile-long lava tube. Formed 75,000 years ago during a dramatic eruption of Newberry Volcano, Lava River Cave was one of the first lava tubes to be discovered in Oregon and is the longest continuous cave in the state. It takes approximately 1 hour to tour the entire cave (~2.2 miles roundtrip). Initial access descends stairs to a combination of flat boardwalk, and uneven walking surfaces. Located near the city of Bend, OR Lava Rive Cave is a popular tourist destination and an excellent location for the general public to be exposed to caving.
Getting there
From Bend, OR travel south on Highway 97 to Exit 151/Cottonwood Rd. Turn left after exiting and proceed through underpass following signs to Lava River Cave. Cave is about 1 mile down the road on your left.
Never miss an opening at Lava River Cave Timed Reservation Tickets
Popular Oregon campgrounds book out months ahead — but cancellations happen every day. We watch Lava River Cave Timed Reservation Ticketsaround the clock and alert you the moment a sold-out site reopens for your dates, so you don't have to keep refreshing Recreation.gov.
Details from Recreation.gov's official RIDB catalog. Conditions change — confirm with the managing office or on Recreation.gov before you go. Not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.