South Van Houten Campground
Closed — Closed for the season. The campground operates June through September. No reservations; first-come, first-served.
R1-2024-01 Weed Free Forage & Mulch Products Order for the Northern Region
It is illegal to possess, store or transport straw, hay, grain, seed or other forage or mulch products on Forest Service lands without documentation that the product is certified as “weed free” by a state certification process that meets or exceeds the North American Weed Free Forage standards.
R1-2025-01 Camping stay limits & prohibitions on pallets and refuse use for target shooting
This order defines the maximum length of occupation at a single location or cumulatively at any number of locations within a calendar year, within all national forests in Montana, and the Dakota Prairie National Grasslands, Idaho Panhandle and Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests.
R1-2023-02 - NCDE Food and Wildlife Attractant Storage Order
Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem Food/Wildlife Attractant Storage Order for the Flathead, Lolo, Kootenai, Helena-Lewis and Clark, and Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forests within the Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem.
R1-2023-01 Northern Region Camping Restrictions
This order defines the maximum length of occupation at a single location or cumulatively at any number of locations within a calendar year, within the states of Montana, North Dakota, and South Dakota.
R1-2025-02 Use of Vehicles Off Road
Use of vehicles off road prohibition for the Nez-Perce Clearwater and Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forests and Dakota Prairie Grasslands.
Use of Vehicles Off Road
Possessing or using a vehicle off National Forest System Roads is prohibited on all National Forest System lands on the Nez-Perce Clearwater and Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forests and Dakota Prairie Grasslands.
Madison Ranger District 8325A and 8325B Roads Closure
U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Forest ServiceBeaverhead-Deerlodge National ForestMadison Ranger District
Road/Trail Prohibitions, Off-Road Prohibitions in Recommended Wilderness Areas
This order describes the off-road prohibitions in Recommended Wilderness.
Annual Food Storage Order
Food storage order is in effect annually from March 1 to December 1 on the National Forest System (NFS) lands within the Beaverhead- Deerlodge and Bitterroot National Forests.
Pallet Prohibition Order Butte Ranger District
The following is prohibited on the National Forest System (NFS) lands in the Butte Ranger District, Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest: possessing or storing any material containing nails, screws, or other metal hardware, including wood pallets and construction debris, that could be used as fir
Thompson Park Area Closure for Camping and Fires
The purpose of this Order is to provide for public health and safety and resource protection resulting from high levels of undeveloped (dispersed) camping in the area.
Elkhorn Mill and Mine Area Closure
The purpose of this Order is for public safety. The mill site is unstable with heavy metals in the soil and the audit area is flooded with falling rock at the portal entrance.
About
South Van Houten Campground is a small, rustic campground located in the Wisdom Ranger District of the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest. Situated across the lake from North Van Houten Campground and surrounded by lodgepole pine, this campground sits at an elevation of 6,700 feet and offers 3 established campsites. The campground provides a peaceful setting for camping, fishing, and enjoying the natural beauty of southwestern Montana. The campground features vault toilets and ADA-accessible facilities, picnic tables at each site, and access to the lake for fishing and non-motorized boating. There is no potable water available, no trash service (pack out what you pack in), and no cell phone coverage in the area. The maximum recommended trailer length is 30 feet. Best of all, there is no fee to camp here, making it an affordable option for budget-conscious campers. From Jackson, travel 1.5 miles south on Highway 278 and turn onto Forest Road 181. Continue for 10.5 miles to reach the campground. The campground operates seasonally from June through September and is a first-come, first-served facility with no reservations.
Directions
From Jackson travel 1.5 miles south on Highway 278 and take Forest Road 181. Continue for 10.5 miles to the campground.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | No |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $0 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | 30ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (406) 689-3243 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
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