Wilderness Gateway Campground

Signs and Info

Campsites

Facilities

Recreation

Name: Wilderness Gateway Campground

Wilderness Gateway Campground is on the Lochsa River where Boulder Creek joins the river. The Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness Area surrounds the campground area on the east and south sides. The campground is meant to be a "gateway" to that wilderness. Wilderness Gateway Campground is large and has many things to enjoy. There are four "loops". Loop A is reservable as a group site. Loop B is on the flat and is heavily wooded. Loop C is across Boulder Creek and is perhaps a little more open. Loop D includes a water trough and feed bunk at each site for horses. There is also a commercial outfitters camp above Loop D. Make sure you read the info signs along the highway at the entrance to the campground.

Campsites: There is tent camping and RV camping available at any site. As I mentioned, there are four loops. Loop A is on the flat by the Lochsa River near a beautiful group shelter. Loop A and the shelter can be reserved for your group activities. There are 26 sites. Each site has paved driveways, a picnic table and a fire ring. There is one flushing toilet and one vault toilet. Loop B is also on the flat next to Loop A and is very much the same as A. However, Loop B cannot be reserved as a group. There are 27 camping sites in Loop B. There is one flushing toilet and one vault toilet. Loop C is across Boulder Creek and is on the slope above Boulder Creek and the Lochsa River. The sites above the river are more likely to be a bit more open. There are 26 camping sites in Loop C. Each site has paved driveways, a picnic table, and a fire ring. There are two vault toilets. Loop D is up the hill above Loop C and is equipped for horses. The sites are large and are spaced farther apart than the sites in the other loops. As with the other loops, the roadway and driveways are paved. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring. Each site also has a water trough and feed bunk for your horses.

Water: There is a pressurized water system with water available throughout the campground. It is very good water.

Garbage Services: Yes, in "bearwise" cans.

Restroom: There are two toilets in each loop except in Loop D which only has one. Loop A and Loop B each have a restroom with flushing toilets. There is an additional flushing toilet near the group shelter.

Handicap Accessible: Yes

Pets: On a leash.

Recreation: There are many attractions here. The Lochsa River is great for whitewater activities and fishing. Lochsa Historic Ranger Station is just a mile down river. There is the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness Area for hiking, backpacking and horseback riding. There are trails around the campground for easy hiking and bird watching. Check out the Lolo Motorway.

Fishing: Fishing opportunities abound at Wilderness Gateway Campground. One can fish both Boulder Creek and the Lochsa River near the campground. Hungery Creek (named and spelled by Lewis and Clark) is to the west across the river downstream. There are several lakes and streams in the Selway - Bitterroot Wilderness Area. If you are going into the wilderness area, be prepared. Some of the trails are long and steep. Be sure to check your fishing regulations.

Boating: There are no boat access facilities at Wilderness Gateway Campground. You may use the facilities downstream at Split Creek and upstream at White Pine.

Wildlife: Deer, elk, moose and bear live here. Use caution with your food and garbage. There are many birds for you bird watchers. There is a special bird watching trail.

Phone service: We had no reception on our ATT phones, and there is no pay phone at the campground.

Nearby Services: The nearest services to the west is Lowell, Idaho, about 26 miles away on US Hwy 12. The Lochsa Lodge is near Powell Campground. It is 39 miles to the east on US Hwy 12. Each of these locations has gas, pop, ice, phone and other services. Lochsa Lodge has showers for a small fee. They were a little rustic but adequate. Bring your own towels.

RV Dumping Site: Yes, two stations.

Location/Driving instructions: From Kooskia, Idaho, travel 47 miles east on US Hwy 12 toward the Lolo Pass and Montana. The campground is on the right about one mile past the Lochsa Historic Ranger Station.

Coordinates: 46.342889,-115.307654

Elevation: 2113 Feet

Reviewed Date: June 2010

This information is accurate as of the date of the review.