Camper submitted image from North Van Houten Campground - 1

View Photos

Camper submitted image from North Van Houten Campground - 2
Nature
Camper submitted image from North Van Houten Campground - 3
Animals
Camper submitted image from North Van Houten Campground - 4
Roads
Camper submitted image from North Van Houten Campground - 5
People
Unlock Planning Tools in App
pro

Free Camping Collection

Established Camping

North Van Houten Campground

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

North Van Houten Campground is located near the rugged terrain of Montana, featuring forests and mountains. Temperatures can range from lows in the 30s Fahrenheit during cooler months to highs in the 80s during summer. Campers can explore nearby attractions such as the Big Hole National Battlefield and the scenic Bitterroot National Forest.

Suggest an Edit

Location

North Van Houten Campground is located in Montana

Detail location of campground

Directions

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

Coordinates

45.246568 N
113.477947 W

Open in Google Maps

Connectivity

Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Drive Time

Presented byToyota Trucks

Connectivity

Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Dispersed
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • Picnic Table
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

FREE established camping

Enjoy camping on government land. Limited or no services at this camping area.

Contact

General Info


2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Reviews

Add Review

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

50%
50%
0%
0%
0%

4.5

out of 5

2 Reviews

Reviewed Aug. 2, 2023

Nice fishing lake

Nice little campsite near a small, quiet fishing lake. About 5 sites here with a pit toilet. No cell service. 10 mile rocky road in, but saw a fifth wheel, so its not impassable by any means! There’s also South Van Houten on the other side, but I can’t imagine this serene little patch of heaven gets too full. Saw folks swimming, fishing, and boating in the lake.

Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of North Van Houten Campground by Tee C., August 2, 2023
  • Review photo of North Van Houten Campground by Tee C., August 2, 2023
  • Review photo of North Van Houten Campground by Tee C., August 2, 2023
  • (7) View All
Reviewed Dec. 7, 2020

Beautiful and desolate

If you’re looking to get far off the beaten path, this is your spot. Vault toilets and trash, very small loop. Possible to fit 30’ trailer. Will be difficult to maneuver. Bit of a drive from Dillon and you’ll want to stock up on supplies. Dry camping for sure. Lots of trees and you’re over looking a like. Only one camp site was being used in early June. Gets real chilly at night and mornings. Long drive through cattle country on mostly dirt roads with plenty of cattle that cross in their time. I’d recommend going for several days, not just a 1 nighter. Plenty of fishing and hiking available. Drivable Forrest paths as well. Tons of wild life to spend time with.

Frequently Asked Questions

How crowded does North Van Houten Campground get?

North Van Houten Campground remains relatively uncrowded due to its remote location and challenging access. With only about 5 sites available, even when fully occupied the campground maintains a quiet, peaceful atmosphere. This is an ideal destination for campers seeking solitude and a genuine wilderness experience away from crowds.

What are the basic facilities available at North Van Houten Campground?

North Van Houten Campground offers primitive camping with minimal amenities. The site features vault toilets and trash collection. There are approximately 5 campsites arranged in a very small loop. No water, electricity, or other hookups are available, making this a dry camping experience. The campground is situated near a small, quiet fishing lake with plenty of trees providing shade and natural surroundings.

What is the road access like to North Van Houten Campground?

Access requires driving approximately 10 miles on a rocky, unpaved road. While the road is rugged, it's passable for most vehicles including larger rigs with careful driving. Consider bringing a vehicle with decent clearance for a more comfortable journey. The remote location means you'll want to arrive prepared with supplies and fuel.

Is North Van Houten Campground suitable for RVs and trailers?

The campground can accommodate trailers up to about 30 feet in length, though maneuvering will be difficult due to the small loop layout. Fifth wheels have been spotted at the campground, so access is possible despite the challenging road. Be prepared for tight turns and limited space when bringing larger rigs. Smaller trailers and RVs will have an easier time navigating the campground.

What activities are available at or near North Van Houten Campground?

Fishing is the primary attraction, with a small, quiet lake adjacent to the campground. The peaceful setting is perfect for nature appreciation, wildlife watching, and enjoying the serenity of a remote mountain location. Hiking opportunities likely exist in the surrounding area, though you'll want to bring appropriate maps since cell service isn't available for navigation.

Is there cell phone service at North Van Houten Campground?

There is no cell service at North Van Houten Campground. Plan accordingly by downloading maps offline, bringing physical maps, and informing others of your travel plans before arrival. For emergency communications, consider bringing alternative devices like satellite messengers if needed.

What should I bring when camping at North Van Houten Campground?

Pack all necessary supplies before arrival as the campground is approximately 10 miles from the main road and quite far from Dillon, the nearest town. Bring ample food, water, fuel, and any other camping essentials. Since this is dry camping with no hookups, ensure you have adequate water for your entire stay. A good first aid kit, offline maps, and emergency supplies are recommended given the remote location and lack of cell service.

What makes North Van Houten Campground special?

This campground offers a genuine off-the-grid experience far from the beaten path. With its small fishing lake, tree cover, and scenic overlook views, North Van Houten provides a perfect retreat for those seeking solitude in nature. The limited number of sites and remote location ensure a peaceful atmosphere rarely found in more accessible campgrounds. It's truly a hidden gem for campers willing to venture away from more developed areas.

What type of camper would enjoy North Van Houten Campground?

This campground is ideal for self-sufficient campers who value solitude and natural surroundings over amenities. It's perfect for fishing enthusiasts, nature lovers, and those seeking to disconnect completely from the digital world. Campers comfortable with primitive facilities who don't mind a challenging drive to reach their destination will find this spot particularly rewarding. If you enjoy stargazing, wildlife watching, and the quiet of remote areas, you'll appreciate what North Van Houten offers.

Are there any alternatives to North Van Houten Campground in the area?

South Van Houten Campground is located on the other side of the same lake. However, campers report that North Van Houten offers a particularly serene experience that may be preferable. For those seeking more amenities, looking toward campgrounds closer to Dillon would provide additional options, though they likely won't offer the same level of seclusion and natural beauty.