Van Deriet Campground
Open seasonally, typically late June through early October depending on snow conditions. No fees or reservations required. Mandatory bear-resistant food storage is in effect forest-wide. No vehicle access; fly-in only.
Flood Watch issued May 30 at 11:46AM MDT until June 1 at 6:00PM MDT by NWS Great Falls MT
* WHAT...Flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be possible. * WHERE...Portions of central and north central Montana, including the following areas, in central Montana, Gates of the Mountains. In north central Montana, Cascade County below 5000ft, East Glacier Park Region, Eastern Glacier, Western Toole, and Central Pondera, Eastern Pondera and Eastern Teton, Northern High Plains, Southern High Plains and Southern Rocky Mountain Front. * WHEN...Through Monday afternoon. * IMPACTS...Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Creeks and streams may rise out of their banks. Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - Rainfall amounts of 1 to 2 inches are expected with a 10% chance for 3 inches are possible in localized areas. The steadiest period of moderate to locally heavy rainfall will occur between late this afternoon through Sunday morning. Light rainfall lingers Sunday afternoon through at least Monday. The greatest impacts will be along creeks and rivers emanating from the Rocky Mountain Front, including but not limited to Badger Creek, Sun River, Marias River, and Saint Mary River. Some unpaved rural roads may become impassable. In addition, isolated thunderstorms are possible through this evening with brief intense precipitation rates which will be monitored for potential impacts in more sensitive locations such as burn scars and areas of steep terrain. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood
About
Van Deriet Campground, also known as Vanderiet Memorial Pilots Campground, offers a rare backcountry camping experience exclusively for pilots who can fly into the adjacent airstrip. Located 30 miles west of Augusta amid the Rocky Mountain Front, this primitive 6-site campground provides vault toilets and drinking water from a hand pump. The campground honors Ray Van De Riet, a local cattle rancher instrumental in developing camping facilities at Montana's backcountry airstrips. The site sits near the edge of the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex, offering access to some of Montana's most pristine backcountry. Bears frequent the area, and mandatory food storage in approved containers is required. Campers must store food out of sight and remove all food from the area after eating. Light usage makes this an uncrowded destination for adventurous aviators seeking solitude on the Rocky Mountain Front.
Directions
No vehicle access. Fly into the adjacent backcountry airstrip approximately 30 miles west of Augusta along the Benchmark Road corridor. The campground is located at the south end of the airstrip.
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $0 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (406) 562-3247 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
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