Gateway Boat Camp
Open — Open year-round, though access is dependent on weather conditions and reservoir water levels. Boat access may not be possible during reservoir drawdown.
R1-2024-01 Weed Free Forage & Mulch Products Order for the Northern Region
It is illegal to possess, store or transport straw, hay, grain, seed or other forage or mulch products on Forest Service lands without documentation that the product is certified as “weed free” by a state certification process that meets or exceeds the North American Weed Free Forage standards.
R1-2025-01 Camping stay limits & prohibitions on pallets and refuse use for target shooting
This order defines the maximum length of occupation at a single location or cumulatively at any number of locations within a calendar year, within all national forests in Montana, and the Dakota Prairie National Grasslands, Idaho Panhandle and Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests.
R1-2023-02 - NCDE Food and Wildlife Attractant Storage Order
Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem Food/Wildlife Attractant Storage Order for the Flathead, Lolo, Kootenai, Helena-Lewis and Clark, and Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forests within the Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem.
Spar Lake Road #384 Road Closed to Motorized Vehicles
A closure order is now in effect for motorized vehicles on the Three Rivers Ranger District for Forest Service Road #384 (Spar Lake). The closure is to provide for public safety until crews make appropriate repairs to road damage caused by the December 2025 flood event.
Rexford Bench Campground Road & Boat Launch Closure
A temporary closure order is now in effect on the Rexford Ranger District for Rexford Bench Campground Road #7940 and boat launch. The closure is to provide for public safety and safe construction operations while the boat ramp asphalt is replaced with concrete.
Upper Young Creek Road #7202 Closure
A closure order is now in effect on the Rexford Ranger District for Forest Service Road #7202 (Upper Young Creek Road). The closure is to provide for public safety due to a washout making the road impassable.
Flood Events & Safety Reminders
Over the past week, portions of the Kootenai National Forest have experienced heavy amounts of rainfall due to an atmospheric river moving through the area.
Ross Creek Cedar Flood Update
After the recent flood events that occurred across the Kootenai National Forest, the Ross Creek Cedars unfortunately sustained significant damage. The damage is currently being assessed.
Kootenai Flood Event & Inaccessible Areas
Portions of the Kootenai National Forest have recently experienced heavy amounts of rainfall due to an atmospheric river moving through the area.
Isabella & Lost Girl Fires- Road and Trail Closure
Due to the Isabella and Lost Girl Fires on the Cabinet Ranger District, a closure order is now in effect for a portion National Forest System Road 407, National Forest System Trail #407A, and Trail #646 (St. Paul Lake Trail).
About
Gateway Boat Camp offers a secluded backcountry camping experience on the shores of Lake Koocanusa in the Kootenai National Forest. Located just 0.18 miles from the Canadian border and approximately 8.5 air miles from Eureka, this primitive campground is accessible primarily by boat, though trail access by foot or horseback is also available. There are no boat docks, so watercraft must be beached. The campground provides 5 campsites, each equipped with a picnic table and fire ring. A pit toilet and hitching rack are available on-site. This is a primitive camping area with no drinking water, trash service, or modern amenities. The remote location provides excellent opportunities for solitude and a true backcountry experience. Boat access is dependent on reservoir water levels. During reservoir drawdown periods, the campground may not be accessible by boat. The campground sits at an elevation of 2,460 feet along the 90-mile-long Lake Koocanusa, formed by Libby Dam.
Directions
Located approximately 8.5 air miles from Eureka on Lake Koocanusa, 0.18 miles from the Canadian border. Primary access is by boat (must be beached). Trail access is available by foot or horseback. No road access.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $0 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (406) 293-6211 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
Useful Links
| Gateway Boat Camp |
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