How much does camping cost at Wilderness Gateway?

Camping fees at Wilderness Gateway range from $14-$280/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Wilderness Gateway first-come first-served or reservation?

Wilderness Gateway accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Wilderness Gateway before I book?

Yes! Wilderness Gateway has 6 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Wilderness Gateway?

Wilderness Gateway is open April 06 to September 15. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Wilderness Gateway?

Wilderness Gateway does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Wilderness Gateway?

Fire policies at Wilderness Gateway: Don't Move Firewood: Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Wilderness Gateway have?

Wilderness Gateway has 52 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Wilderness Gateway?

Pets are not allowed at Wilderness Gateway. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Wilderness Gateway?

Wilderness Gateway offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Dump Station. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Wilderness Gateway?

Popular activities at Wilderness Gateway include Hiking, Fishing, Biking, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Wilderness Gateway

4.01

106 reviews

Fenn Ranger Station, 831 Selway Rd

Top 8%Fall

Scenic ViewsTent Camping

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

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

Book on Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

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

Book on Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests Official Website

Get Directions

Wilderness Gateway

$14.00 - $280.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP SHELTER NONELECTRIC: $14.00; GROUP STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $280.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $14.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee...

Group Site Fee$280.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

208-926-4258

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Wilderness Gateway

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Campground Map

Fenn Ranger Station, 831 Selway Rd

Wilderness Gateway

Fenn Ranger Station, 831 Selway Rd

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).

Weather at Wilderness Gateway

Current alerts(4)

A $2 fee is charged per day, for extra vehicles
A minimum of 32 people is required to reserve the group campsite
Click here for more information on the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests
There is no cell phone service within the campground; the nearest town with reception is Kooskia, ID, 49 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Wilderness Gateway

Best season: fall. Fall offers crisp, clear weather and dramatically reduced crowds after Labor Day, making it the best time to experience the Lochsa River and surrounding trails. Expect daytime highs in the mid-40s to mid-50s °F and nights that commonly dip into the 20s–30s °F through September and October; these conditions bring brilliant cottonwood and aspen color along river corridors and excellent visibility for wildlife viewing. Fishing and hiking are at their peak—river flows have eased from spring snowmelt Peak months: September, October, August, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 8% in US

Fall called best conditions: crisp weather, fewer visitors and excellent scenery after Labor Day.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: April 06 to September 15. 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.

About Wilderness Gateway

Wilderness Gateway sits along the Lochsa River in the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests near Kooskia, Idaho. Operated by the Forest Service, this mid-sized campground offers tent sites, RV spots, and group camping with flush and vault toilets, a dump station, and potable water. Guests fish, hike, bike, and watch wildlife in the surrounding foothills, with reviewers praising the river access and site privacy despite occasional maintenance lapses.

Wilderness Gateway accommodates both individual and group camping, catering to tent camping, RVs, and equestrian use. Loop D is specifically designated for equestrian campers.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers crisp, clear weather and dramatically reduced crowds after Labor Day, making it the best time to experience the Lochsa River and surrounding trails. Expect daytime highs in the mid-40s to mid-50s °F and nights that commonly dip into the 20s–30s °F through September and October; these conditions bring brilliant cottonwood and aspen color along river corridors and excellent visibility for wildlife viewing. Fishing and hiking are at their peak—river flows have eased from spring snowmelt Peak months: September, October, August, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation2100 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies a river valley at 2,100 feet elevation where the Wild and Scenic Lochsa River winds through dense forests of Douglas fir, cedar, and pine. Ancient geological forces carved the deep valleys and dramatic peaks visible from camp. Site privacy varies. Some areas have good tree cover and screening, while others feature dense brush that limits movement within individual sites. The surrounding Selway-Bitterroot ecosystem provides access to old-growth forest and river corridors where cottonwoods and aspens add color in fall.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere are no hotel-style lodgings within the campground.

Programs & ActivitiesThe Lochsa Historical Ranger Station, located one mile from the campground, serves as a living history visitor center.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum consecutive stay is 14 nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

The group campsite accommodates up to 208 people and 52 vehicles. Individual campsites are suitable for smaller groups.

Groups

The group site can accommodate up to 208 people and 52 vehicles. A minimum reservation size of 32 people is required.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov online, through its mobile app, or by contacting the facility.

AccessibilityThe campground has accessible facilities, including toilets and a group shelter.

Site SizeThe sites vary in size, accommodating tents, RVs, and large groups. The group site can handle up to 208 people and 52 vehicles.

PrivacyPrivacy levels vary. Some reviewers mentioned well-treed and private sites, while others noted dense brush limiting access within certain sites.

Total Campsites52 campsites

Recommended SitesLoop D is recommended for campers with horses; Loop A or B for larger rigs; and C-loop for proximity to the river and privacy.

Best CampsitesSites B05, C22, B10, and B12 receive consistent praise in reviews for privacy, cleanliness, and accessibility.

Need help booking Wilderness Gateway?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

The Wilderness Gateway Campground, located at an elevation of 2,100 feet, provides an array of amenities for various types of campers, including those with horses, RVs, and tents. "The campground offers dozens of accessible, single-family campsites and a large-group site, available for tent and RV camping." Utility hookups are not available. Camping amenities include tables and campfire rings with grills at all campsites, and a group shelter with a stone fireplace, tables, and utility access upon reservation. Parking surfaces are paved.

Potable water

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

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.

Hiking

Fishing

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Cultural and Educational Programs

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.0

106 reviews

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...

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...

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...

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,...

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