State: Idaho
Open: Seasonal
Number of Sites: 105
Reservations: Yes - Check Recreation.gov for information
About: This campground is generally open from mid-May to late October, depending on weather conditions. 25 family sites, one group site and one group shelter, with fireplace, may be reserved from Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day Weekend. 39 additional family sites are available on a first-come first-serve basis throughout the season.
Wilderness Gateway Campground is located in north-central Idaho, adjacent to the beautiful Wild and Scenic Lochsa River. The Lochsa River is world famous for its exciting white water rafting opportunities. You do not need a permit to float the Lochsa, but technical expertise is a must. The Lochsa River is a destination fly fishing experience for cutthroat and rainbow trout, chinook salmon and steelhead. Highway 12, also known as the Lewis and Clark Highway, winds along the narrow river canyon through evergreen trees and large rock outcroppings. Boulder Creek cascades down into the campground on its decent from the 1.5 million acre Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness area. Several trails head into the wilderness from the campground. Lochsa Historcial Ranger Station, a living history visitor center, is one mile from the campground and access to the National Historic Lolo Trail Corridor is just one hour away. Visit the Clearwater National Forest web-site for a list of outfitter and guides for rafting, fishing, horseback riding, hunting and sight-seeing trips.
Campground has paved roads and spurs, with flush and vault toilets in Loops A and B, vault toilets only in Loops C and D. Each site has a campfire ring, picnic table and tent spot. Firewood is not provided or always available. No cell phone coverage – nearest phone is 23 miles west of campground in Lowell, Idaho.
Fees: See Forest Service website
Water: Potable Water
Restrooms: Vault Toilet
Directions: Located 120 miles east of Lewiston, Idaho, on State Highway 12 at Milepost 122. Located 100 miles west of Missoula, Montana, on State Highway 12 at Milepost 122.