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Established Camping

Wilderness Gateway

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Wilderness Gateway, near Kooskia, Idaho, is a fantastic spot for those looking to immerse themselves in nature. This campground offers spacious sites surrounded by towering trees and lush ferns, providing a sense of seclusion while still being close to fellow campers.

The campground is known for its clean facilities, including flush toilets and drinking water, which many visitors found to be a pleasant surprise. With the Lachsa River running alongside, you can enjoy refreshing dips or even some blue ribbon fishing. One happy camper described it as “absolutely perfect,” highlighting the beautiful drive to the site and the overall cleanliness.

For outdoor enthusiasts, there are plenty of hiking trails nearby, and the area is dog-friendly, making it a great choice for families and their furry friends. Some reviewers appreciated the equine camp, noting that there’s ample room for horses, which adds to the campground's charm.

Whether you’re here for a weekend escape or a longer adventure, Wilderness Gateway has the right mix of amenities and natural beauty to make your stay memorable.

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Location

Wilderness Gateway is located in Idaho

Detail location of campground

Directions

From 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, Mont. It is located at milepost 122 on Highway 12.

Coordinates

46.34 N
115.3066667 W

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Connectivity

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Drive Time

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Connectivity

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Dispersed
  • Group
  • Equestrian

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Reservable
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Sanitary Dump
  • Pull-Through Sites
  • Big Rig Friendly

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Reviews

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5.0

out of 5

7 Reviews

Reviewed Jun. 10, 2024

Big trees and shady groves

Great sites big enough to back a trailer in. Sites are close but feel secluded with trees and ferns. Running water was a bonus, after rafting for a week it felt luxurious!

SiteB8
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Wilderness Gateway by Katherine B., June 10, 2024
  • Review photo of Wilderness Gateway by Katherine B., June 10, 2024
  • Review photo of Wilderness Gateway by Katherine B., June 10, 2024
  • (6) View All
Reviewed Jul. 12, 2022

Spacious

Lots of places and plenty of room for horses.

Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Wilderness Gateway by adelia , July 12, 2022
  • Review photo of Wilderness Gateway by adelia , July 12, 2022
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  • (4) View All
Reviewed Aug. 7, 2021

Remote and Beautiful

Very large campground. The C sites are right along the river and C10 has a gorgeous view of the whole river valley. The equine camp was amazing. The campground was petty deserted when we were there in early August. Water had not been tested so was not considered potable and you can tell it doesn’t get a lot of attention from the local park office.

SiteC10
Month of VisitAugust
Reviewed Aug. 24, 2020

Absolutely perfect!

We arrived on Wednesday with a reservation and stayed through Sunday morning. The drive from Orofino was a long and winding road along the river and oh so beautiful. The campground was clean, had flush toilets and drinking water, plus a dump station. There were plenty of open spots all weekend. Lying in the river was refreshing and recharged our inner batteries. Can’t wait to go back.

  • Review photo of Wilderness Gateway by Tracey  S., August 24, 2020
  • Review photo of Wilderness Gateway by Tracey  S., August 24, 2020
Reviewed Nov. 1, 2019

Great dry camping

We spent a week here this last summer. Awesome place for hikes and hot springs. Also dog friendly Everywhere we went. Beautiful area wit tons of trees.

  • Review photo of Wilderness Gateway by Barbara F., November 1, 2019
  • Review photo of Wilderness Gateway by Barbara F., November 1, 2019
Reviewed Jun. 27, 2017

The nicest Idaho campground I've ever seen!

This large, wooded CG offers separate electric and no hookup loops, with a total of 91 spacious clean sites. The Lachsa River runs along the campground. Sites are $14 and $20 and are more than worth it!

  • Review photo of Wilderness Gateway by Gretchen B., June 27, 2017
  • Review photo of Wilderness Gateway by Gretchen B., June 27, 2017
  • Review photo of Wilderness Gateway by Gretchen B., June 27, 2017
  • (7) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there photos of Wilderness Gateway Campground to view before visiting?

Yes, photos of Wilderness Gateway Campground are available online through various camping platforms and official forest service websites. These images typically showcase the campground's wooded setting, spacious sites, and the beautiful Lochsa River that runs alongside it. Photos help potential visitors visualize the natural surroundings with abundant trees and ferns that create a secluded feel between campsites. Some images also highlight the equestrian facilities and river valley views, particularly from sites like C10.

Where is Wilderness Gateway Campground located in Idaho?

Wilderness Gateway Campground is located in north-central Idaho along the scenic Lochsa River corridor. It's situated on a beautiful stretch of winding road that follows the river, about an hour's drive from Orofino. The campground serves as an excellent base for exploring the surrounding Clearwater National Forest area. Its location provides convenient access to numerous hiking trails, hot springs, and other outdoor recreation opportunities in this pristine region of Idaho.

What do reviews say about Wilderness Gateway Campground?

Wilderness Gateway receives consistently positive feedback for its spacious, clean sites set among abundant trees and ferns that create natural privacy. Campers appreciate the campground's amenities including flush toilets, drinking water, and a dump station. The 91-site facility offers both electric hookup and non-hookup loops at reasonable rates ($14-20 per night). The C-loop sites along the Lochsa River are particularly praised, with site C10 offering spectacular river valley views. The equestrian camping area is well-regarded, and the campground provides access to hiking trails, including routes to Stanley Hot Springs. Despite its excellent facilities, visitors note the campground often has plenty of availability, even during summer months.

Is there a map available of Wilderness Gateway Campground?

Yes, maps of Wilderness Gateway Campground are available through the US Forest Service website and at the campground entrance. The map shows the layout of the 91 campsites divided into separate loops, including electric hookup areas and non-hookup sections. It also indicates the location of amenities like flush toilets, drinking water stations, and the dump station. The map highlights the campground's proximity to the Lochsa River and nearby hiking trails, including the path to Stanley Hot Springs.