Wilderness Gateway
Open mid-May through September 30. Some sites are reservable via Recreation.gov while others remain first-come-first-served. No potable water is available on-site; campers must bring their own water supply.
Air Quality Alert issued August 10 at 4:38PM MDT by NWS Missoula MT
AQAMSO WHAT: Air Quality Advisory because of degraded air quality due to wildfire smoke. Air Quality Index is forecast to be Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups. WHERE... Clearwater and Idaho Counties outside of reservation boundar WHEN: Extended until 3:00PM 8/12/2026 IMPACTS: Members of sensitive groups may experience health effects. The general public is less likely to be affected. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS: Air pollutants can cause breathing difficult for children, the elderly, as well as persons with respiratory problems. Those individuals who are sensitive to increased particulate matter or smoke are encouraged to avoid prolonged or strenuous outdoor activity during this advisory. Open burning is prohibited by air quality rule. It is also recommended that all other individuals limit prolonged or strenuous activity outdoors. ISSUED BY THE IDAHO DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY, AIR QUALITY GROUP. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT DEQ's Lewiston Regional Office at (208) 799- 4370
About
Wilderness Gateway Campground provides direct access to the Wild and Scenic Lochsa River at milepost 122 on Highway 12, the Lewis and Clark Highway. The campground occupies heavily wooded forest at 2,100 feet elevation, with Boulder Creek cascading through on its descent from the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness. Four camping loops offer 91 total sites: Loop A contains a group site accommodating up to 208 people and 52 vehicles; Loops B and C provide standard single-family camping; Loop D is dedicated to stock camping with hitching rails and a watering station. The Lochsa River is world-renowned for continuous whitewater and does not require a permit to float, though technical expertise is essential. The river also offers destination fly fishing for cutthroat trout, rainbow trout, chinook salmon, and steelhead. Several trails depart from the campground into the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness, the third-largest wilderness area in the lower 48 states, including the 15-mile Lochsa Peak Trail and 27-mile Boulder Creek Trail. A 1-mile birding trail loops the campground, and the Lochsa Historical Ranger Station visitor center sits one mile southwest.
Directions
From Lowell, travel east on Highway 12 for approximately 25 miles. The campground is at milepost 122, 120 miles east of Lewiston, Idaho and 100 miles west of Missoula, Montana.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | — |
| Price | $14 - $280 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 99ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 99ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | Yes |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (208) 942-3113 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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