Forum Discussion

Texas_Roadrunn1's avatar
May 31, 2019

Campgrounds along or near Hwy 12 in Idaho

DH and I will be going over the Lolo Pass from Missoula and looking for campgrounds near or along Hwy. 12 in late July or early August. I noticed that there are several NFS CGs along the Hwy. However, only two look like they would work for our 38 ft. fiver, Wendover and Wilderness Gateway. Our trailer is 13’4”” tall, we need good area for maneuverability and some open sites. An old Coleman NFS CG directory states that there are both wooded and open sites in both. Does anyone have knowledge of these campgrounds or any privately owned campgrounds that they would recommend along this route between Missoula and Kooskia. Thanks in advance for your help.
  • You're welcome. Hwy 12 is a good drive. Two lane, very scenic. Even some spots to pull over. We have dogs and have had to stop over for them to get out. At the Lolo Pass visitor center is a huge parking lot that will fit any size of RV.
  • Thank you all so much, I. Really appreciate all the info. ReneeQ, I will check those websites and Campendium. Have not previously heard of it! DH loves to fish and I have been known to wet a hook, so camping along the Lochsa sounds inviting. How tough a pull is Hwy 12 along that stretch? Should have included that question in my original post.
  • Our FW is 36' and 12'10" tall. We stayed at Wilderness Gateway. There are several pull throughs in the first loop, probably the roomier of the two. Go to Campendium, create a login and you'll be able to see a few good photos of Wilderness Gateway under the Kooskia listing in Idaho. Also go to this full-timer's web site, scroll down to 2010, to the Lochsa and Clearwater Rivers North Central ID link. Jerry Johnson campground is another possibility for you. The information is listed. In case the link doesn't work the address is https://www.fulltime.hitchitch.com/

    Yes, there are wooded and open sites, at least in the first loop for sure. Not sure of the second as we did not see it.
  • I have stayed at Wilderness gateway several times. I am only 26 ft. There are a lot of open sites and there appear to be many that will take larger RVs.
    It is a beautiful spot and I always look forward to our time there fishing the Lochsa River.
  • Fulltimers wrote:
    Check the lolo square dance campground. We stayed there a few years back.


    That is a good idea. Get an early morning start and enjoy the drive.
  • Check the lolo square dance campground. We stayed there a few years back.
  • Pretty drive. I usually use Google satellite view to find pull off spots, but that road doesn't show too many of those. Must be hilly.

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