How much does camping cost at South Van Houten Campground?

Camping fees at South 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 South Van Houten Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

South Van Houten Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. First-come, first-served availability. No reservation system in place.

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

South Van Houten Campground is open June through 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 South Van Houten Campground?

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

Are dogs allowed at South Van Houten Campground?

Pets are not allowed at South 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 South Van Houten Campground?

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

What activities can I do at South Van Houten Campground?

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

South Van Houten Campground

5 reviews

South Van Houten Campground, Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, MT

Featured in:Best Campgrounds Montana

Quick Facts

6,700 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

Varies

Season

June through Septemb...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

6,700 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

Varies

Season

June through Septemb...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

South Van Houten Campground

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

This campground does not require any fees; it is free to use.

No paid fee categories listed.

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USFS

Provider

406-689-3243

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

South Van Houten Campground, Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, MT

South Van Houten Campground

South Van Houten Campground, Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, MT

Nearby places

Jackson (approximately 12 miles, 20 minutes)

Nearby supplies

Supplies would likely be available in Jackson, MT, approximately 12 miles away.

Weather at South Van Houten Campground

Best Time to Camp at South Van Houten Campground

The campground operates June through September, with summer bringing the most reliable conditions. Daytime highs in July and August typically reach the low to mid 60s°F, dropping to the low 40s°F at night. June and September see fewer visitors on the first-come, first-served sites. Winter brings deep snow and closes the campground completely.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Campground operates June–September; summer brings most reliable conditions.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: June through September

About South Van Houten Campground

South Van Houten Campground sits in Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest at 6,700 feet, offering free first-come, first-served camping from June through September. The campground has basic amenities. Vault toilets and picnic tables. But no potable water or garbage service. Campers must treat their own water and pack out all trash. There's no cell service, and the access road is long and bumpy.

The campground is suited for trailer camping (up to 30 feet), although detailed descriptions of other types, such as group sites or tent camping, are not provided.

Weather and SeasonsThe campground operates June through September, with summer bringing the most reliable conditions. Daytime highs in July and August typically reach the low to mid 60s°F, dropping to the low 40s°F at night. June and September see fewer visitors on the first-come, first-served sites. Winter brings deep snow and closes the campground completely.

ElevationPerched at 6,700 feet above sea level, the campground offers that sweet spot of mountain elevation where the air is noticeably thinner and cleaner. This altitude brings delightfully cool nights even during summer's peak, making sleeping bags essential and morning coffee especially rewarding as steam rises in the crisp mountain air.

Natural Features and SceneryDense lodgepole pine forest surrounds the campground, providing shade and a sheltered feel. A nearby lake adds variety to the terrain and supports wildlife including cranes, ducks, and geese that visitors regularly spot from camp. The combination of water and woodland at this elevation creates good opportunities for wildlife viewing throughout the summer season.

Geological RegionSet within the vast expanse of Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, the campground showcases the region's signature landscape of dense lodgepole pine forests that have adapted to thrive in this mountain environment. The nearby lake, carved by ancient geological forces, adds a shimmering focal point to the forested terrain, creating a diverse ecosystem where water meets woodland in perfect harmony.

Scenic ViewsThe campground offers views of a lake and surrounding lodgepole pine forests.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere is no mention of lodging accommodations such as cabins or lodges.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Reservation PlatformsNo reservations are required. The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis.

Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-served availability. No reservation system in place.

AccessibilityThe campground has ADA-accessible toilets, but no further details about other accessibility features are available.

Site SizeThe maximum recommended trailer length for the area is 30 feet.

Amenities available

South Van Houten Campground is surrounded by lodgepole pine and situated across the lake from North Van Houten Campground. It is equipped with ADA-accessible toilets and fishing access. Note that there is no potable water or garbage service at the site; visitors must pack out all garbage. Picnic tables are available at this location. According to the authoritative description, 'There is no cell phone coverage in the area.'

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

South Van Houten Campground offers a range of recreational activities including fishing (both ice and lake/pond fishing), picnicking, non-motorized boating, snowmobiling, wildlife viewing, and enjoying scenic views. No information about organized programs or other recreational facilities is provided.

Fishing

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsThe long and bumpy road to the campground can be challenging for larger vehicles or trailers. Additionally, there is no potable water, so campers must bring their own.

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 ServicesNearest emergency services are available at Wisdom Ranger District. Address: 300 Forest Service Rd, Wisdom, MT 59761. Phone: 406-689-3243. Hours: Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (closed on federal holidays).

Trash & RecyclingThere is no garbage service at the site; visitors must pack out all trash.

Water FeaturesThe campground is located near a lake, providing opportunities for fishing and wildlife viewing.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

0.0

5 reviews

Limited Reviews

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

User reviews suggest that South Van Houten Campground offers a relaxing experience with opportunities for fishing, wildlife viewing, and scenic enjoyment. However, the remote location, lack of cell service, and bumpy access road may be drawbacks for some visitors.

Review Summaries

Based on 5 reviews

What Campers Love

Users appreciated the relaxing atmosphere and the presence of wildlife such as cranes, ducks, and geese.

Based on 5 reviews

Common Concerns

The road to the campground is described as long and bumpy, which could be challenging for RVs.

Based on 5 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommend being prepared for the lack of cell service and bringing all necessary supplies due to the absence of water and garbage service.

Based on 5 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is operational from June through September. Seasonal trends in user reviews are not explicitly mentioned.

Based on 5 reviews

Camper Quotes

User review by Jonathan Nelson: 'Long bumpy drive out with an RV, but relaxing campground with cranes, ducks, and geese. Two areas, north shore with a dock, and south shore with difficult lake front...

Based on 5 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

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Go if

Tent campers or small trailer rigs (under 30 feet) who fish, kayak, or just want to sit by the water watching cranes and geese without paying a dime or competing for a site.

Skip if

No potable water on-site is a real logistical hurdle, and the long, rough access road discourages larger RVs. Anyone counting on cell service for navigation or emergencies should plan differently.

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Campgrounds

Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest

South Van Houten Campground

From the U.S. Forest Service

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

Overview

<p>This campground is located across the lake from North Van Houten Campground and surrounded by lodgepole pine. </p><p>This campsite is equipped with ADA-accessible toilets, water, and fishing access. There is no garbage service at this site, so please pack out what you pack in.</p>