Hells Gate State Park Campground
Idaho State Park
Write a Review 5100 Hells Gate Rd. Lewiston, ID 83501 208-799-5015 Reservations: 888-922-6743 Official WebsiteGPS: 46.358, -117.059
Overview of Hells Gate State Park Campground
Campsite fees don't include the daily Motor Vehicle Entrance Fee (MVEF). This fee is waived if campers have the Idaho State Parks Passport (valid only for Idaho residents) or the Annual MVEF (for out-of-state residents).
Last Price Paid: $40
Reported by The Joslyn Journey (Gary & Lora) on 9/23/2023
Longest RV Reported: 40 feet (Class A)
Reported by Where’s the Beav? on 9/19/2019
Number of Sites 83
Pad Type asphalt
Reservations yes
Elevation 754 ft / 229 m
Tent Camping Yes
Unlock pro campendium features
Q&A - Ask the Community about Hells Gate State Park Campground
To ask questions of the owner or manager please contact the campground directly. 208-799-5015
Campendium users haven't asked any questions about Hells Gate State Park Campground
Reviews of Hells Gate State Park Campground 19 people have reviewed this location.
“Pricey but pretty place on the river with good trails”
Reviewed 9/23/2023
Nightly rate: | $40 |
---|---|
Days stayed: | 2 |
RV Length: | 25' (Truck Camper) |
(stayed 9/14/-9/16) We're pretty glad we found this campground after our third try in a day to find a decent place to stay the night. The campground was fairly full and there were a lot of fisherman there (lots of boats) so it looked like this place was quite popular. Even with that, we were able to find a campsite (without hookup... more
(stayed 9/14/-9/16)
We're pretty glad we found this campground after our third try in a day to find a decent place to stay the night. The campground was fairly full and there were a lot of fisherman there (lots of boats) so it looked like this place was quite popular. Even with that, we were able to find a campsite (without hookups).
The site we stayed in had quite a bit of shade so it may have been challenging if we stayed more than a day or two. Our portable solar panel came to the rescue and we were fine. We ended up staying 2 nights so we could check out the trails, which were a bit more challenging than expected. Great views of the river there too.
There was a dump station with potable water, places to get rid of your trash, AND we had good cell service to plan our next location. It's a nice park but still a bit pricey for us.
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Nice park”
Reviewed 9/16/2023
Nightly rate: | $55 |
---|---|
Days stayed: | 1 |
Site Number: | A11 |
Variety of sites available from no hook-ups to full hook-ups. They are fussy about not checking in before 2pm. Decently spaced sites with grass & some trees. Blacktop roads & sites. Deer, rabbits & turkeys. Some sites are riverside but can't see river due to trees. Some noise from boaters. Price seems high for a state park. The... more
Variety of sites available from no hook-ups to full hook-ups. They are fussy about not checking in before 2pm. Decently spaced sites with grass & some trees. Blacktop roads & sites. Deer, rabbits & turkeys. Some sites are riverside but can't see river due to trees. Some noise from boaters. Price seems high for a state park. There is a paved path to town 5-6 miles away.
Annt would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Steadily going downhill”
Reviewed 7/26/2023
Nightly rate: | $50 |
---|---|
Days stayed: | 11 |
Site Number: | 33 |
RV Length: | 27' (Travel Trailer) |
We were here 2 years ago. There have been no improvements. Low rating is primarily because of inflexible 2pm check in time and dated and poorly maintained restrooms and showers. Restrooms and showers were clean and stocked That being said, we'd probably stay here again. Sites are spacious, hookups (water/electrical) worked. Plen... more
We were here 2 years ago. There have been no improvements. Low rating is primarily because of inflexible 2pm check in time and dated and poorly maintained restrooms and showers. Restrooms and showers were clean and stocked
That being said, we'd probably stay here again. Sites are spacious, hookups (water/electrical) worked. Plenty of shade trees. Grey water dumps were nearby. If you are lucky, maybe you could get one of the few full hookups.
Don would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“unexpected find ”
Reviewed 6/19/2023
Nightly rate: | $40 |
---|---|
Days stayed: | 3 |
great level sites
we had no services but the dump station was good
on the cycle path to town
lovely beach
Ant would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“sooooo hot”
Reviewed 7/25/2022
Nightly rate: | $45 |
---|---|
Days stayed: | 5 |
Site Number: | 51 |
We have tented here several times over the years while motorbike camping, this time was in our 5th with the bikes in garage. We stayed in the Birch Loop with water and hydro hook up. Nice mature shade trees with good clearance. Short walk to a great beach. Staff were great to deal with. Short drive for Costco and such. Great location f... more
We have tented here several times over the years while motorbike camping, this time was in our 5th with the bikes in garage. We stayed in the Birch Loop with water and hydro hook up. Nice mature shade trees with good clearance. Short walk to a great beach. Staff were great to deal with. Short drive for Costco and such. Great location for a motorbike base camp. So many great roads...especially the Spiral Highway and Snake River. When the jet boats are out playing which seemed mainly on the weekend it could be annoying to some but we really didn't notice it. Birch loop is well shielded from the river by mature trees. Happy Camping. Oh, and stay off the grass.
Wandering in the Zen Den would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Great River Access”
Reviewed 7/19/2022
Nightly rate: | $45 |
---|---|
Days stayed: | 3 |
Site Number: | 17 |
Overall a nice park. Some things seem to be in disrepair like broken water pumps, branches down everywhere, a lot of sick trees, etc. Nice beach for swimming and launching kayaks. No real view of the water from the campsites but easy access via walking trail. Lewis and Clark center was pretty sparse but the video was interesting. Campe... more
Overall a nice park. Some things seem to be in disrepair like broken water pumps, branches down everywhere, a lot of sick trees, etc. Nice beach for swimming and launching kayaks. No real view of the water from the campsites but easy access via walking trail. Lewis and Clark center was pretty sparse but the video was interesting. Campers were all very respectful and it was very relaxing. I would camp here again. Site #15 in the A loop definitely had the best view of the water. Site #17 was sloped and was just long enough for our 30 ft fifth wheel. Parking with our truck was difficult.
LKE would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Pleasant Stay, resident wild turkeys and deer ”
Reviewed 9/23/2021
Nightly rate: | $33 |
---|---|
Days stayed: | 5 |
Site Number: | 07 |
RV Length: | 27' (Travel Trailer) |
We stayed after the peak tourist season which kept the jet boat river noise lower than the summer time high. The large dump station was a little over a mile away, next time I would probably choose a full service site. They do seem to be sticklers about their grass and early check ins. Plenty of rangers arounds. Park is next t... more
We stayed after the peak tourist season which kept the jet boat river noise lower than the summer time high. The large dump station was a little over a mile away, next time I would probably choose a full service site.
They do seem to be sticklers about their grass and early check ins. Plenty of rangers arounds.
Park is next to the river, but the heavy tree/bush growth prevented any really good views of the river. Bicycle path runs along the edge of the campground.
Don would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Lovely spot but stay off the grass!”
Reviewed 6/9/2021
Days stayed: | 1 |
---|---|
Site Number: | 50 |
Quiet campground, easy access to riverside trails, archery, boat tours, two dump sites with access on both sides (4 RVs can dump at same time). During our stay we had two vehicles parked side-by-side each partially on the grass; apparently this is a no-no and you’ll be approached by a ranger with a slip showing their parking policy. Se... more
Quiet campground, easy access to riverside trails, archery, boat tours, two dump sites with access on both sides (4 RVs can dump at same time). During our stay we had two vehicles parked side-by-side each partially on the grass; apparently this is a no-no and you’ll be approached by a ranger with a slip showing their parking policy. Seems they’re trying to bring the grass back (oddly enough there’s tons of needles from the trees suffocating any chance of this happening...what do I know?). Staff during check in was courteous, a stark contrast to the interaction we had with the park rangers patrolling.
Overall it’s a great location, nice paths and decent amenities.
GuBulldogs would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Clean, easy, good trails and near water”
Reviewed 3/27/2021
Nightly rate: | $35 |
---|---|
Days stayed: | 2 |
Site Number: | 32 |
We stayed in Birch Loop for 2 nights. This was our maiden voyage so we opted for something close to a city as we were still setting up our camper coming out of winter. Our spot was plenty long enough, but not as wide as I would have liked. There are two big trees on passenger side that prevent setting up a comfy patio. That said, t... more
We stayed in Birch Loop for 2 nights. This was our maiden voyage so we opted for something close to a city as we were still setting up our camper coming out of winter.
Our spot was plenty long enough, but not as wide as I would have liked. There are two big trees on passenger side that prevent setting up a comfy patio. That said, the fire pit area is perfect size.
The center of the loop is for groups, so noise is centralized. Other than that, good space between sites and all are pretty level and paved.
Great Verizon coverage at site and on trails. Streamed movies at night.
The hiking trails are great with lots of options for easy hikes by the water or tougher ones up the mountain. Either way, you can’t go wrong. The noise on the river from jet boats was mild as it is only end of March.
DavKy16 would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“A tainted review perhaps . . .”
Reviewed 9/6/2020
Nightly rate: | $33 |
---|---|
Days stayed: | 1 |
We arrived on a Thursday without reservations. We had been boondocking and dry camping for over 2 weeks, so having power, water, flush toilets, TV reception and green grass was wonderful. I can see how those camping around you could ruin your experience and I can see how the noisy jetboats could also ruin your experience. Best to v... more
We arrived on a Thursday without reservations. We had been boondocking and dry camping for over 2 weeks, so having power, water, flush toilets, TV reception and green grass was wonderful.
I can see how those camping around you could ruin your experience and I can see how the noisy jetboats could also ruin your experience. Best to visit mid week. Be aware that the riverside sites are not riverview and will cost you an extra $2. There is a paved path that will be between you and the river as well as a lot of brush. Site pads were large and level, especially the pull through sites. Restrooms were out dated, but clean.
This is a huge shady park. Besides camping there is a large day use area with picnic tables, shelters, restrooms, disc golf and a swimming area. There is a small marina and small camp store. The discovery center had some good outdoor exhibits, inside was taped off due to Covid. There is a paved trail that goes through the campground and along the river into town.
FourFeetFourPaws would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“I will never stay at Hells Gate State Park again. It was not a good 4 days and 3 nights.”
Reviewed 6/28/2020
Days stayed: | 4 |
---|---|
Site Number: | Locus and Clark cabins |
The office employees were not helpful. They were rude, inconsiderate and did not know what their own web site stated. When I asked a question about something listed on their web site, the woman office employee told me she did not know what I was talking about and I had the wrong website. I tried to show her what was listed very plainly... more
The office employees were not helpful. They were rude, inconsiderate and did not know what their own web site stated. When I asked a question about something listed on their web site, the woman office employee told me she did not know what I was talking about and I had the wrong website. I tried to show her what was listed very plainly on their webpage but she told me I was wrong. The rangers were very nice and competant. I will never recommend anyone stay at this park.
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
Be the first to add a note for Hells Gate State Park Campground!
Be the first to add a video for Hells Gate State Park Campground!
Hells Gate State Park – Lewiston, Idaho | Those Young Guys
The drive from Weiser to Lewiston along Hwy 95 is one of our favorite drives. From New Meadows to Whitebird the highway parallels the Little Salmon River and provides great views and...
Contact us to update this listing.
Amenities
Hookups
- 50 Amp
- 30 Amp
- 20 Amp
- water
- dry camping
- sewer
- Full Hookups
Recreation
- boat ramp
- boat rental
- fishing
- marina
- picnic area
- recreation trail
- swimming beach
- water access
Site Amenities
- big rig
- pull thru
Facilities
- cabins
- dump station
- general store
- ADA Accessible
- restrooms: flush
- showers
- trash
- water available
Pets
- pets
Nearby
Please select a reason for flagging this item: