Wilderness Gateway

Star4.09
106 reviews
Fenn Ranger Station, 831 Selway Rd

Quick Facts

2,100 ft

Price

$14 - $280/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

52 campsites

Season

The campground opera...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests site

Official Website
Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Wilderness Gateway
$14.00 - $280.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The nightly rate for standard nonelectric campsites is $14. Group standard nonelectric sites cost $280 per night. Additional fees may apply for extra...
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Standard Site Fee$14.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$280.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
208-926-4258
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What Campers Say

4.09

Satisfactory

Based on 106 reviews

22 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsclean

"User reviews are mixed, with an average sentiment rating of 3.8 for campground-specific experiences. While some campers praised the natural beauty, spacious sites, and clean facilities, others criticized maintenance issues such as locked restrooms, lack of potable water, and overflowing dumpsters."

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Campground Map

Fenn Ranger Station, 831 Selway Rd

Wilderness Gateway

Fenn Ranger Station, 831 Selway Rd

Driving directionsFrom Lowell, travel east on Highway 12 for about 25 miles to the campground. The campground is located 120 miles east of Lewiston, Idaho, and 100 miles west of Missoula, Montana. It is located at milepost 122 on Highway 12.
The campground is accessible via Highway 12, also known as the Lewis and Clark Highway, which winds along a narrow river canyon through evergreen trees and large rock outcroppings. Roads are paved and accessible year-round, although seasonal closures or adverse weather may affect conditions.
Nearby places
Lowell (25 miles, approximately 30 minutes)
Kooskia (49 miles, approximately 1 hour)
Lewiston (120 miles, approximately 2.5 hours)
Missoula, Montana (100 miles, approximately 2 hours).
Nearby supplies
Kooskia, ID, approximately 49 miles away, provides grocery stores, camping supplies, and fuel stations. Lowell, ID (25 miles away) may have limited supplies or small convenience stores.

Best Time to Camp at Wilderness Gateway

Summer transforms Wilderness Gateway into an outdoor paradise, with comfortable daytime temperatures reaching a pleasant 64°F and cool nights dipping to 39°F—perfect for campfire gatherings and restful sleep. The season brings remarkably dry conditions with only a 14% chance of rain, while generous 15-hour days provide ample time for river adventures and trail exploration. As autumn arrives, the forest explodes in golden hues, and winter blankets the landscape in snow, creating a serene wonderland for those seeking solitude and pristine beauty in the colder months.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.5 / 5

Great weather and activities in summer but overcrowding and maintenance complaints are common.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

First-come/first-served season and off-season reviews note increased solitude and beauty.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Opens May 14; late spring offers river access and trails though full spring season is short.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed for winter beyond Oct 30; winter visit not supported.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 14 - September 6.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: The campground operates from May 14 to September 6 during the peak season, with first-come, first-served availability from September 7 to October 30.
  • Current Alerts: No cell service is available within the campground. Water quality issues have been reported, with signs indicating untested water at several spigots.

About Wilderness Gateway

Where the pristine Lochsa River meets ancient forest trails, Wilderness Gateway Campground serves as your basecamp for extraordinary Idaho adventures. Whether you're drawn by the thrill of navigating world-class whitewater rapids, the zen of fly fishing in crystal-clear waters, or the simple pleasure of camping beneath towering pines, this versatile destination welcomes all explorers. From cozy single-family sites to spacious group areas and specialized equestrian loops complete with horse facilities, every type of outdoor enthusiast—whether arriving by RV, pitching a tent, or traveling with their four-legged companions—will find their perfect spot in this wilderness sanctuary.
Wilderness Gateway accommodates both individual and group camping, catering to tent camping, RVs, and equestrian use. Loop D is specifically designated for equestrian campers.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
11:00 AM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum consecutive stay is 14 nights.

Amenities available

Potable water
Flush toilets
Dump station
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Camping at Wilderness Gateway offers a wide range of activities. Visitors can enjoy whitewater rafting, hiking, horseback riding, bird watching, and fishing. The setting is noteworthy for its adjacency to the Wild and Scenic Lochsa River and the nearby Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness, offering various recreational opportunities.
HikingSeveral trails originate from the campground, including the 15-mile Lochsa Peak Trail and the 27-mile Boulder Creek Trail. A 1-mile birding trail loops around the campground and the half-mile Downriver Trail leads to a scenic river overlook.
FishingFishing opportunities include fly fishing for cutthroat and rainbow trout, chinook salmon, and steelhead in the Lochsa River. Specific access points are available along Highway 12.
BikingThe campground and surrounding areas are suitable for biking. Although no specific trails are mentioned, the terrain is described as well-suited for outdoor activities.
BoatingThe Lochsa River is known for whitewater rafting. Visitors do not need a permit to float on the river, but technical expertise is required due to the challenging currents.
Wildlife viewingWildlife commonly seen in the area includes elk, deer, moose, bear, cougar, and mountain goats. Bird watching is also popular, with a variety of birds active in the region.
Cultural and Educational ProgramsThe Lochsa Historical Ranger Station, located one mile from the campground, serves as a living history visitor center.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include wildlife such as bears, cougars, and moose, as well as swift river currents. Campers are advised to exercise caution and use bear-proof dumpsters.
Active AlertsNo cell service is available within the campground. Water quality issues have been reported, with signs indicating untested water at several spigots.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Weather at Wilderness Gateway

Reviews

4.1
106 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Wilderness Gateway is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews are mixed, with an average sentiment rating of 3.8 for campground-specific experiences. While some campers praised the natural beauty, spacious sites, and clean facilities, others criticized maintenance issues such as locked restrooms, lack of potable water, and overflowing dumpsters.
Review Summaries
Based on 106 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive reviews emphasize the campground's natural beauty, proximity to the Lochsa River, clean facilities, and diverse recreational opportunities. "Our site was clean and private, and had lots of...
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Based on 106 reviews

Common Concerns

Negative reviews frequently mention maintenance issues, such as locked restrooms, water contamination, and insufficient restroom supplies. "No camp host. The only open bathroom was three bathroom...
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Based on 106 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing enough water, firewood, and supplies, as these may not always be available. "Make sure to take a road trip to the Jerry Johnson hot springs about 20 miles up the road."
Based on 106 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews often highlight overcrowding and maintenance issues, while off-season reviews are more positive, focusing on solitude and natural beauty.
Based on 106 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Great place. Had flushable toilets and potable water near the restrooms." "No camp host. The only open bathroom was three bathroom buildings away." "Beautiful area. Lots of construction going on,...
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Based on 106 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Loop A (group site): Issues with water contamination; Loop B: Mixed reviews, some sites were private but others had maintenance issues; Loop C: Positive reviews for privacy and proximity to the...
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Based on 106 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessible features such as flush toilets and the group shelter are appreciated, but some concerns about uneven pathways and limited maintenance are raised.
Based on 106 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pet policies are not explicitly mentioned, but no significant pet-related issues or highlights were found in user reviews.
Based on 106 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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