Update: came again in ‘24, on fifth of July. Meant to hit 4th of July, but had car issues. Scar’s old dog Ruby had just passed away, and he was pretty broken up about it. He has recently planted some rows of tree to serve as windbreaks and campsite delineation: they should look pretty good as they grow.

We were disappointed by Craters of the Moon – we brought our dog, and it is off limits. Scar gave us directions to a big cave that *isn’t* on the maps. It was pretty epic.

Can’t say enough good about Scar.

Original 2023 post:

Patriotic with a sense of humour, and the best service we’ve encountered. We have never had a campground sing the Stars and Stripes at sundown, or say the Pledge of Allegiance in the morning. If you want to enjoy being in America, this is the right place!

It’s one downside is that it doesn’t have running water – you have to go to the free public RV dump next door. There’s a shortcut for tenters, so it is not a big deal.

This is the best dog-friendly campsite we’ve ever seen. Think of it as a dog off-leash area merged with a campground.

The price for this is that there are some rules. You can’t leave food or waste around. Dogs will eat it – and one of his has bad allergies. When he asks you to drive very slowly, it is part of what enables the off-leash area (as well as being a good test of character for potential guests). So the host’s rules need to be taken seriously – there is meaningful thought behind them.

About service: the host actually brings in water for showers. He literally keeps a beer fridge for campfires. The hilariously-painted old busses in the photos keep a library, showers, and spaces for travellers in difficulty. He greets you coming in, makes sure you are settled, and makes sure no visitors are unpleasant neighbours.

Needless to say, the character of the man who makes this happen is an attraction in itself. Scar seems to have been through the wars, in every sense. It’s part of the reason he has a lot of care for dogs and people in trouble. If you think of this trip as being about meeting a new friend, you won’t be disappointed.

We’ll come back if we can, this year or next – apparently Arco’s 4th of July is epic.

PS: If you’re a Canadian, Scar apparently cannot text you back to confirm. Try leaving an email address.

PPS: don’t miss the donations can on the way out. It’s beside the gate. Scar won’t ask, so you have to remember.

Super relaxing place to camp. Point your door/flap toward the big hill with all the graduation years on it! So cool. Traveled from Colorado.
This is a definite stress free environment!
Will be back soon!
Paul and Lana East

Read the website and follow the very few simple requests that Scar has. If you feel they don’t apply to you or you’re to entitled than don’t ever bother driving down the lane. If you can follow simple rules you’ll be treated to a one of a kind camping experience with a true america patriot and all around good guy. And if you’re lucky shadow may even like you.

Scar was a great host greeting us as we pulled up. Loved the patriotism and the dusk National anthem and bonfire. Great conversation and area to stay at. Great tip on a nearby hot spring. Will definitely stop in again if we’re in the area. Thank you sir.

6/7-8/24
Highly recommend this place for when camping at Craters of the Moon camping gets filled up (There’s only 30 spots so it’s likely). The only thing that Scar, the owner, requires of you is respect which isn’t hard considering it’s free. Just make sure to read the rules before and pet his two dogs (they are both very friendly). honestly would spend a night there again and probably will if I’m in the area again. I won’t lie, I was intimidated at first but that feeling subsided when we checked-in. Thank you very much Scar!