How much does camping cost at North Van Houten Campground?

Camping fees at North Van Houten Campground range from Free. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

Is North Van Houten Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

North Van Houten Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. All 7 campsites are available for walk-up use due to the campground's first-come, first-served system.

What is the best time to visit North Van Houten Campground?

North Van Houten Campground is open June to September.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at North Van Houten Campground?

North Van Houten Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does North Van Houten Campground have?

North Van Houten Campground has 7 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at North Van Houten Campground?

Pets are not allowed at North Van Houten Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at North Van Houten Campground?

North Van Houten Campground offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at North Van Houten Campground?

Popular activities at North Van Houten Campground include Fishing, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

North Van Houten Campground

0 review

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

Summer Destination

Featured in:Mountain Camping Montana

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

Check Availability 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

Check Availability 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).

No paid fee categories listed.

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USFS

Provider

406-689-3243

I manage this campground

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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

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.

Weather at North Van Houten Campground

Best Time to Camp at North Van Houten Campground

Summer is the reliable season here. Mornings can drop to 25°F even in July, then warm to the low 70s by afternoon. Snow can linger into June and return by September, narrowing the practical camping window. Pack a warm sleeping bag regardless of the calendar date. The elevation keeps things cool, which means fewer bugs but also means you'll want layers even on sunny days.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Open June–Sept; summer reliable though mornings can be ~25°F and days near 70°F.

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

North Van Houten Campground sits at 6,700 feet in the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, Montana's largest national forest. The 7-unit campground offers access to Van Houten Lake, where fishing and small-boat launching are the main draws. There's no potable water, no trash service, and no cell coverage. Maximum trailer length is 20 feet.

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 SeasonsSummer is the reliable season here. Mornings can drop to 25°F even in July, then warm to the low 70s by afternoon. Snow can linger into June and return by September, narrowing the practical camping window. Pack a warm sleeping bag regardless of the calendar date. The elevation keeps things cool, which means fewer bugs but also means you'll want layers even on sunny days.

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 SceneryDense lodgepole pine forest surrounds the campground at this high-elevation site. Van Houten Lake anchors the setting, its waters reflecting the surrounding conifers and sky. The terrain is mountainous, the forest thick enough to provide genuine solitude. At 6,700 feet, the ecosystem carries the crisp, clean feel of Montana's backcountry. Wildlife appears regularly at dawn and dusk, when the forest edge comes alive.

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.

Scenic ViewsScenic views of Van Houten Lake and surrounding lodgepole pine forests are available.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo lodging or accommodation facilities are mentioned at this campground.

Programs & ActivitiesThere is no mention of cultural or educational programs.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

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 layoutSeven sites total, designed for tents, small RVs, and primitive camping. The 20-foot trailer limit keeps things intimate and rules out larger rigs.

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

North Van Houten Campground is a small, high-elevation site (6,700 feet) surrounded by lodgepole pine trees near Van Houten Lake. There are 7 individual units at the campsite. While the campground offers basic amenities such as ADA-accessible toilets, a boat launch, and picnic tables, it lacks potable water, garbage services, and cell phone coverage. Visitors are strongly advised to pack in and pack out their trash and bring their own water. 'There is no water at this campground. Guests are advised to bring their own,' as noted in the authoritative materials. Additionally, the maximum recommended trailer length is 20 feet.

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

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.

Fishing

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

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.

Trip Planning Tools

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

0.0

0 reviews

Limited Reviews

North Van Houten Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews

There are no user reviews currently available for this campground.

Review Summaries

What Campers Love

Positive aspects cannot be detailed due to the absence of user reviews.

Common Concerns

There are no user complaints or negative feedback recorded.

Site-Specific Reviews

There are no site-specific reviews to highlight the best or worst units.

Pro Tips & Recommendations

No user-generated tips or recommendations are documented.

Seasonal Insights

No data is available to analyze user sentiment by season.

Camper Quotes

User quotes are not available, as no reviews have been provided.

Accessibility Features

No accessibility-related reviews are available at this time.

Pet-Friendly Features

Reviews discussing pet policies or pet-friendly features were not found.

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Go if

Anglers and canoe campers who self-supply everything, including all drinking water, will get the most from the boat launch and lake access. Free, no reservations needed, and only 1.5 miles from Jackson, MT for last-minute resupply.

Skip if

No potable water, no trash service, no cell signal, and July mornings that can hit 25°F. Campers who need hookups, a shower, or connectivity have zero options here, and trailers over 20 feet won't fit.

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Campgrounds

Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest

North Van Houten Campground

From the U.S. Forest Service

Reference information about North Van Houten Campground sourced from official USFS records and forestcamping.com. View official recreation.gov page →

Overview

This is a small high elevation campground surrounded by lodgepole pine near Van Houten Lake.This campsite is equipped with ADA-accessible toilets, a boat launch area, and fishing access. The campground has 7 units.  The maximum recommended trailer length for the area is 20 feet. There is not water available and garbage services are not available, so please pack it in, pack it out.

Open Season: June through September