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Hells Gate
Overview
Hells Gate State Park serves as a lush oasis on the banks of the Snake River, situated at the southern edge of Lewiston. It is famously known as the gateway to Hells Canyon, the deepest river gorge in North America. The park offers a unique blend of manicured green lawns and wild geological history, making it a favorite for those transitioning between urban comforts and rugged wilderness exploration. It provides a peaceful setting where the river's calm flow sets a relaxing pace for any RV stay.
Location & Surroundings
The park is nestled along the Snake River, where ancient basalt cliffs rise dramatically from the water's edge. Because Lewiston sits at a lower elevation than the surrounding Idaho plateaus, the area enjoys a mild climate that often extends the camping season well into the autumn. Visitors can enjoy the striking juxtaposition of the rolling river current against the backdrop of the steep canyon walls that define this iconic section of the Idaho-Washington border.
Amenities & Park Features
RVers will find well-maintained sites that include full hookup options and spacious grassy areas to ensure a comfortable stay. The park features paved pads suitable for larger rigs, reliable dump stations, and clean restroom facilities with hot showers. Outdoor recreation is central to the experience, offering a paved multi-use trail system for biking, a popular disc golf course, and a dedicated swimming beach to cool off during the warm Idaho summers.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
A primary draw is the jet boat tours that depart directly from the park’s marina, whisking passengers into the heart of the canyon. On-site, the Lewis and Clark Discovery Center provides fascinating historical exhibits and an indoor theater for those looking to learn about the Corps of Discovery. For those who enjoy active travel, the trails offer over 20 miles of paths, while the river provides excellent opportunities for steelhead and salmon fishing.
Who This Park Is Best For
This destination is ideal for outdoor adventurers looking to explore the river's depths or the surrounding trails without sacrificing modern conveniences. It appeals strongly to history buffs retracing the steps of early explorers and families who appreciate the safety and open space of a state park. If you prefer a scenic, riverfront basecamp that balances natural beauty with easy access to Lewiston’s local shops and services, this park is an excellent choice.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Nelida Safrit
The state park is beautiful and has a lot to offer. Sites are spacious and have electric and water. There’s a bathhouse for tent campers. The beach area is beautiful! Dogs are not allowed on beach
Joakim Lewin
We hiked to the basalt rock formation and that was a beautiful and fantastic experience. For some strange reason it is not marked on the State Park map and it was unnecessarily difficult to find the way. The hike was 7 km and took us about 2 hours.
Justin Brown
Clean, well maintained campground on the river. Lots of wildlife and trails to walk. River access at the park as well. Would stay again.
Kim Broesch
We love this close to home campground. This time we were in the cottonwood loop with no services. There is however a shower house and restrooms. There are 2 shower stalls, however one of the showers wasn't working (they did get it fixed just before we left). The playground is a good size and right next to the beach. It's a short walk from the camps to the beach regardless of which loop you stay in. We had deer come into our camp 3 times while there, saw bunnies and a turkey!
Angela Fleck
This was a great park. There was plenty of space for everyone, and the sites each had spacious grassy areas. There are lots of beautiful deciduous trees and plenty of trails for hiking. We enjoyed the waterfront trail and the scenic elevated trails accessible from the park. We walked down to the interpretive center and enjoyed the 30-minute film about Lewis and Clark. They even let us bring our dog in on a leash. They also had little doggy treats for her. There was a very nice discuss golf course for those who enjoy the sport. We had full hookups for our RV and utilized one of the pull through sites. The only complaint with this park is that it is on the beach Snake River, but there are no sites that have a good view of the river! There is so much brush that you Woodbridge even know you were on the river from your RV. Also, they are all back in only sites. So even if we got one of the sites that would provide a peek from the height of our front window, it wasn't allowed. It's a beautiful park, and we would definitely go there again if in the area. It's just interesting that it wasn't laid out to enjoy the beauty of the river from THE RV.