North Van Houten Campground

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North Van Houten Campground, Wisdom Ranger District, Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest

Summer Destination

Quick Facts

6,700 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

7 campsites

Season

Open season: June th...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Wisdom Ranger District site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

6,700 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

7 campsites

Season

Open season: June th...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Wisdom Ranger District site

Official Website

Get Directions

North Van Houten Campground

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

There is no fee required to use this campground; it is completely free ($0).

Standard Site Fee$0.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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USFS

Provider

406-689-3243

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Campground Map

North Van Houten Campground, Wisdom Ranger District, Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest

North Van Houten Campground

North Van Houten Campground, Wisdom Ranger District, Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest

Driving directionsFrom Jackson, MT travel 1.5 miles south on Highway 278. Take Forest Road 181 for 10.5 miles to the campground.

Road access involves traveling on Forest Road 181 for 10.5 miles from Highway 278. The road condition is not described, but users should account for potential unpaved road challenges typically found in forested areas.

Nearby places

Jackson, MT (1.5 miles south on Highway 278)

Wisdom, MT (exact distance not provided but may be inferred as significantly farther).

Nearby supplies

Closest supplies (groceries, fuel, camping essentials) are not explicitly identified in the source materials but are likely available in Jackson, MT or Wisdom, MT due to proximity.

Best Time to Camp at North Van Houten Campground

From June through September, North Van Houten transforms into a high-altitude haven where summer takes on a distinctly mountain character. Here, crisp mornings often begin with temperatures dipping to a bracing 25°F, while afternoon sunshine can warm the pine-scented air to a pleasant 75°F. Pack your warmest sleeping bag—nights remain delightfully frigid even in midsummer, perfect for stargazing under crystal-clear skies. Early and late-season visitors should come prepared for nature's surprises, as snow can dust the landscape well into June and return as early as September, adding an extra touch of wilderness adventure to your stay.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Open June–September; peak season with paddling, fishing, and crisp mountain mornings.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.0 / 5

Open into September only (early fall); fewer days and cooler temps limit seasonality.

Spring(Mar-May)

Not recommended

Campground closed in spring months (open season June–September).

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Campground is closed October–May; winter camping not supported at this site.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: June to September.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open season: June through September. Closed season: October through May.

About North Van Houten Campground

Tucked away in the pristine lodgepole pine forests of Montana's high country, North Van Houten Campground offers an intimate escape at 6,700 feet above sea level. This secluded mountain retreat sits alongside the sparkling waters of Van Houten Lake, where anglers cast their lines into crystal-clear waters and boaters launch into peaceful morning paddles. Despite its remote feel, the campground welcomes all adventurers with thoughtfully designed ADA-accessible facilities, ensuring everyone can experience the magic of this alpine sanctuary.

North Van Houten Campground accommodates tent camping, with space suitable for small trailers (up to 20 feet). There are no mentions of group sites, cabins, or glamping options.

Weather and SeasonsFrom June through September, North Van Houten transforms into a high-altitude haven where summer takes on a distinctly mountain character. Here, crisp mornings often begin with temperatures dipping to a bracing 25°F, while afternoon sunshine can warm the pine-scented air to a pleasant 75°F. Pack your warmest sleeping bag—nights remain delightfully frigid even in midsummer, perfect for stargazing under crystal-clear skies. Early and late-season visitors should come prepared for nature's surprises, as snow can dust the landscape well into June and return as early as September, adding an extra touch of wilderness adventure to your stay.

ElevationPerched at an impressive 6,700 feet, North Van Houten Campground delivers the authentic high-country experience that mountain lovers crave. At this elevation, the air carries a refreshing crispness that instantly clears your mind, while the thinner atmosphere creates those brilliantly blue skies that make every photograph look like a postcard. This alpine setting naturally keeps temperatures cool and comfortable, offering a refreshing retreat from summer heat and creating the perfect environment for restful sleep under a blanket of stars.

Natural Features and SceneryStep into a world where towering lodgepole pines create nature's own cathedral, their straight trunks reaching skyward like ancient pillars. Van Houten Lake serves as the campground's jewel, its pristine waters reflecting the surrounding forest and endless Montana sky. At 6,700 feet, you'll find yourself immersed in a true alpine wilderness where the air is pure, the forests are dense, and the sense of solitude is profound. This is the kind of place where you can hear the wind whispering through the pines and watch eagles soar overhead, far from the hustle of everyday life.

Geological RegionNorth Van Houten Campground claims its place within the vast wilderness tapestry of the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, Montana's largest national forest. At 6,700 feet elevation, the campground occupies a special niche in this mountainous landscape where dense lodgepole pine forests dominate the terrain. This high-elevation ecosystem, shaped by centuries of natural forces, creates a unique environment where Van Houten Lake nestles like a hidden gem among the peaks, offering visitors a genuine slice of Montana's rugged backcountry heritage.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Open 24 hours/day.

Check-out

Open 24 hours/day.

Groups

Group camping sites are not mentioned.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutThe campground is small with only 7 campsites available.

Reservation PlatformsNo advance reservations required. Sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Walk-in AvailabilityAll 7 campsites are available for walk-up use due to the campground's first-come, first-served system.

AccessibilityThe vault toilets at the campground are ADA-accessible. No further details about other accessibility features are provided.

Site SizeThe campground has 7 units, but specific site dimensions are not mentioned. The maximum trailer length is 20 feet.

Total Campsites7 campsites

Recommended SitesLimited recommendations due to small size; all 7 sites are fairly similar in amenities and surroundings.

Amenities available

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

North Van Houten Campground offers a range of outdoor recreational activities, including fishing, non-motorized boating, wildlife viewing, snowmobiling, and picnicking. Visitors can enjoy serene views of lodgepole pines and Van Houten Lake.

FishingThe campground provides fishing access. Guests can enjoy fishing in nearby ice or lake/pond environments. No specific details about fish species or fishing regulations are available.

BoatingA boat launch area is available for non-motorized boating activities. Further details about boating conditions or restrictions were not provided.

Wildlife viewingThe area offers opportunities for wildlife viewing, although species commonly seen are not specified.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include cold temperatures, snow in all but peak summer weeks, and limited accessibility due to its remote location. There is no cell phone service.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Emergency ServicesThe closest emergency services are located at the Wisdom Ranger District. Address: 300 Forest Service Rd Wisdom, MT 59761. Phone: 406-689-3243. Operational hours: Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Closed on federal holidays.

Trash & RecyclingThere is no garbage service at the campground, so visitors must pack out all trash.

Water FeaturesThe campground is located near Van Houten Lake and offers fishing and non-motorized boating opportunities.