Fly in Campground

✈️ Introduction / Overview

For the highly adventurous and self-reliant Montana resident, the Fly in Campground—formally known as Van Deriet Campground—offers an exceptionally unique and primitive camping experience. Located approximately 30 miles west of Augusta, this small site is not accessible by car. It is a fly-in-only destination maintained with the help of the Montana Aeronautics Division, appealing directly to pilots who use the adjacent airstrip.

Situated within the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest, this campground is the epitome of secluded, back-country camping, designed for those who value profound quiet and proximity to the vast, unspoiled Montana wilderness. Unlike standard drive-up campgrounds, the Fly in Campground provides a genuine escape, filtering out casual visitors and attracting experienced outdoors enthusiasts. The setting is ideal for individuals who want to camp with minimal amenities and use the location as a base for exploring the area on foot or horseback.

While this particular site is known as a Fly In Campground, it is located in a region rich with other beautiful, yet more traditional, forest service campgrounds like Benchmark and South Fork Sun Campground. However, the Fly in Campground's dedication to its unique access method makes it a distinct and memorable choice for local users seeking a story to tell and an unparalleled level of peace.

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📍 Location and Accessibility

The Fly in Campground (Van Deriet) is situated in a remote section of the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest, approximately 30 miles west of Augusta, MT 59410, USA. Its precise location is noted for being close to a small airport, which dictates its unique access method.

The key characteristic of this site is its inaccessibility by vehicle. As a "Fly in only" campground, its primary users are pilots who land at the nearby airstrip. For non-pilots, accessing this campground would require a significant hike or horse ride via a trailhead from an established forest service road, making it a true backcountry experience. There is no vehicle access, and the site is not handicapped accessible.

This stringent accessibility requirement is the very feature that protects the campground from overuse and ensures its remote, quiet ambiance. Campers must plan all logistics carefully, including packing in all necessary supplies, as the remote location means there are no nearby services once on-site. The surrounding landscape is the rugged, scenic beauty of the Rocky Mountain Front—the gateway to the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex.

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🛠️ Services Offered

As a small, primitive, fly-in-only site, the Fly in Campground (Van Deriet) provides only the most basic services necessary for camping while maintaining a minimal impact on the surrounding National Forest environment.

• Campsites: A small number of designated camping sites (typically 6 sites), suitable for tents or small self-contained setups.
• Basic Amenities: Sites usually include fundamental amenities such as a picnic table and an established fire pit or ring.
• Restrooms: The site provides some form of toilet facilities, likely vault toilets (outhouses).
• Fees: Uniquely, no fees are generally required for the use of this site, reflecting its primitive nature and management with the help of the MT Aeronautic Division.
• Water: No potable drinking water is reliably available. Campers must pack in all water or treat natural water sources (e.g., from a nearby stream or creek).
• No Hookups: There are absolutely no electrical, water, or sewer hookups. The site is entirely primitive.
• Safety: Visitors are strongly advised to adhere to food storage regulations (bear safety is paramount) and fire restrictions, as they are deep within the forest.

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⭐ Features / Highlights

The primary highlights of the Fly in Campground are tied to its highly unique accessibility and its location on the doorstep of one of America's great wilderness areas.

• Fly-In Access: The single most distinctive feature is that it is a fly-in-only campsite, offering a unique novelty and adventure for pilots and aviation enthusiasts in Montana.
• Proximity to Bob Marshall Wilderness: The campground is an ideal staging area for ambitious hiking, horseback riding, and hunting trips into the vast and protected Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex.
• Seclusion and Quiet: Due to the lack of vehicle access, the site offers an exceptional level of peace and seclusion, providing a true escape from modern civilization and noise pollution.
• Mountain Scenery: Located in the Rocky Mountain Range Geographic Area, campers are surrounded by breathtaking views of the Rocky Mountain Front, offering fantastic photography and viewing opportunities.
• Hunting and Fishing Basecamp: The surrounding national forest land and nearby streams offer excellent opportunities for fly fishing, deer hunting, and elk hunting.
• Rustic Authenticity: The primitive nature of the site appeals to those Montanans who prefer a rugged, non-commercial camping experience that emphasizes self-reliance and wilderness immersion.

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📞 Contact Information

Since the Fly in Campground (Van Deriet) is a U.S. Forest Service property, the local Ranger District is the official source for current conditions, operational status, and any necessary permits or information regarding the airstrip.

• Address (General Area): Augusta, MT 59410, USA (Lewis and Clark National Forest)
• Managing Entity: U.S. Forest Service, Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest
• Ranger District Phone: Contact the local District Office (e.g., Rocky Mountain Ranger District) for the most accurate information. The Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest general number can be a good starting point.
• General Forest Service Phone: (406) 466-5341 (Associated with the Augusta Ranger Station)

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💯 What is Worth Choosing

The Fly in Campground (Van Deriet) is worth choosing for the Montana resident who is a pilot or an extreme backcountry enthusiast willing to hike in for a unique, uncrowded, and profoundly secluded experience. It is a destination that requires commitment but offers immense rewards.

The central allure is the promise of total wilderness immersion. Its "fly-in only" nature guarantees that the environment remains pristine and quiet, making it the perfect basecamp for serious expeditions into the vast, roadless country of the Bob Marshall Wilderness. For the pilot, it’s a convenient, highly novel way to combine aviation and camping.

In a state full of popular campgrounds, choosing the Fly in Campground means opting for a rugged, authentic, and free experience where the breathtaking Montana landscape and your own self-reliance are the only necessary amenities. If you seek an adventure that few others attempt, this secluded forest service site west of Augusta provides the perfect, unforgettable launching point.