North Van Houten Campground
00 reviewNorth Van Houten Campground, Wisdom Ranger District, Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest
North Van Houten Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
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
There is no fee required to use this campground; it is completely free ($0).
About this 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.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe vault toilets at the campground are ADA-accessible. No further details about other accessibility features are provided.
Sites SizeThe campground has 7 units, but specific site dimensions are not mentioned. The maximum trailer length is 20 feet.
Total Campsites7 campsites
Recommended CampsitesLimited recommendations due to small size; all 7 sites are fairly similar in amenities and surroundings.
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 are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground is small with only 7 campsites available.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen season: June through September. Closed season: October through May.
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.
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.
Fishing
The 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.Boating
A boat launch area is available for non-motorized boating activities. Further details about boating conditions or restrictions were not provided.Wildlife viewing
The area offers opportunities for wildlife viewing, although species commonly seen are not specified.Winter Activities
Snowmobiling is one of the winter recreational activities available at the campground.Water Sports
Non-motorized boating is supported at this campground.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
Hazards
General hazardsPotential 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.
Weather forecast
76
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 20%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 6.5 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
The 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.
Good to know
Peak season datesJune to September.
Trash and recyclingThere is no garbage service at the campground, so visitors must pack out all trash.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is located near Van Houten Lake and offers fishing and non-motorized boating opportunities.
Common complaintsLimited facilities (no potable water, trash service), remote location, and lack of cell phone coverage.
Campground Map
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.
Camper Reviews
0.0
0 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.
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.
Site-Specific Reviews
There are no site-specific reviews to highlight the best or worst units.
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.
Last updated August 10, 2025