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.

## Overview

 Wilderness Gateway Campground provides direct access to the Wild and Scenic Lochsa River. Visitors enjoy a variety of recreational opportunities, including world famous whitewater rafting. Hiking and horseback riding trails abound in the nearby Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness area, which is the 3rd-largest in the lower 48 United States. This large and unique campground offers respite for a variety of campers, including those with horses, horse trailers and RVs.
## Recreation

 The Lochsa River is world famous for its exciting whitewater rafting opportunities. Visitors do not need a permit to float the Lochsa, but technical expertise is a must. The river is also a destination fly fishing experience for cutthroat and rainbow trout, chinook salmon and steelhead. There are a number of river access points near the campground, along Highway 12. Highway 12, also known as the Lewis and Clark Highway, winds along the narrow river canyon through evergreen trees and large rock outcroppings. Visitors to the area enjoy the scenic drive and historic sites along the way. Elk, deer, moose, bear, cougar and mountain goats make the steep canyon country their home, as well as other wildlife. A variety of birds are also active in the area. Boulder Creek cascades down into the campground on its descent from the neighboring 1.5-million acre Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness area. Several trails head into the wilderness 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. All trails are open to hiking and the wilderness trails are also open to horseback riding. The Lochsa Historical Ranger Station, a living history visitor center, is located one mile southwest of the campground.
## Natural Features

 The campground is located in heavily wooded forest in north-central Idaho at an elevation of 2,100 feet. It is adjacent to the Lochsa River. Lochsa is a Nez Perce word meaning \"rough water.\" The 70-mile river and its tributaries have no dams and flow is unregulated from its headwaters near the Powell Ranger Station in the Bitterroots, to Lowell, where it joins the Selway River to form the Middle Fork of the Clearwater River. The Lochsa is one of the world's best for continuous whitewater. 
## Nearby Attractions

 \*1 hour from access to the National Historic Lolo Trail Corridor \*1 mile from the Lochsa Historical Ranger Station and Visitor Center 
## Contact Info

 For facility specific information, please call (208) 942-3113.

Wilderness Gateway

Searching for the best camping near Weippe, ID? Weippe is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. Find the best campgrounds near Weippe, ID. Read reviews from campers like you and find your perfect campsite.

Weippe

The Best Camping Near Weippe, Idaho

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!

The nicest Idaho  campground I've ever seen!

Great place for campers of all walks of life has trails to Stanley hot springs and has about everything you could ask for. 

Large camp along the river

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.

Great dry camping 

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. 

Absolutely perfect!

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. 

Remote and Beautiful

Lots of places and plenty of room for horses. 

Spacious 

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! 

Photos of Wilderness Gateway

Real photos from real campers