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Duck Creek Primitive Campground

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CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Duck Creek Primitive Campground, near Canyon Ferry Lake, is a straightforward spot for those who appreciate the basics of camping. This area offers a large, open space along the lake, perfect for pitching tents or parking RVs, with rock fire rings scattered throughout for your evening campfires.

Visitors have enjoyed the peacefulness of the campground, with some noting it’s a great place for group gatherings or day trips. The lack of amenities like drinking water and trash service means you’ll need to come prepared, but many campers have found the driftwood plentiful for fires, making it easy to enjoy a cozy evening by the water.

If you’re into fishing, you can cast a line right from the bank, and the scenic views of the lake are a nice bonus. Just be ready for some wind in the afternoons, as it can pick up. As one camper mentioned, “Quite and right in the lake,” which sums up the relaxing vibe here.

For those looking to escape the hustle and bustle, Duck Creek offers a no-frills experience that lets you connect with nature. Just remember, this is primitive camping, so leave no trace and enjoy the simplicity of the great outdoors.

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Location

Duck Creek Primitive Campground is located in Montana

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

46.4632033 N
111.513082 W

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Connectivity

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  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Good Coverage

Detours Nearby

LOCAL FAVORITES PRESENTED BYToyota Trucks
Goose Bay BLM

Goose Bay BLM

29 min away

Grey Sandy Campground

Grey Sandy Campground

59 min away

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-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Good 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)
  • Tent Cabin

Features

For Campers

  • Picnic Table
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Pull-Through Sites
  • Big Rig Friendly

FREE established camping

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


PERMIT might be REQUIRED

We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Duck Creek Primitive Campground needs a permit.


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Reviews

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3.0

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4 Reviews

Reviewed Jul. 9, 2021

Primitive Dispersed Site

Nice area above shoreline with some shade trees for tents and enough flat area to pull a camper in. Good for day trips, group gatherings too.

Month of VisitOctober
Reviewed Aug. 31, 2019

Review of Outdoor Element's Firebiner at Duck Creek camping area

Review of Duck Creek camping area

This was our second camp at Duck Creek this year with our Venturing Crew. This time we conducted a wilderness survival camp at the far opposite end of the camping area from our last camp. We constructed our survival shelters on the sand and gravel shore of Canyon Ferry Lake. We picked the shore in order to get away from the bugs. The cottonwoods and willows held plenty of little vampires looking for blood, the grassy areas had fewer mosquitoes but a recent hatch had occurred and although they didn't bite all those bugs made you thing you were being attacked. So the beach it was, it was amazing that you could walk out on the beach and not have any bugs, what a slight breeze will do. After setting up our shelters it was time to build a fire and cook dinner. Our site had a rock ring built into the sand, but we found this to be to close to the trees for our liking as the wind would blow embers into the vegetation. We built a new ring next to the water for the nigh. You will be unable to find our fire ring as any evidence of our visit was removed the next morning...Leave no trace. Their is no problem finding fire wood at duck creek drift wood is everywhere. If you want to stay at Duck Creek be prepared, this is primitive camping. No vault toilets, no water, no trash service, no metal fire rings, but you do have cell service.

Ranger review of the Firebiner from Outdoor Element.

Gave the firebinder to one of our Scouts to get a fire started, sparks up really well, she had a little problem due to how windy was, but a second try with a cotton ball covered in petroleum jelly had a fire going after three strikes. Our Scouts gave the striker five stars. The cutting blade worked well on string and fishing line, how ever we could not get through 550 para cord, and with such a small opening you are really limited on what you can cut with it. Over all everyone likes the look of the firebiner, and it held up to a weekend of use, is small and light weight and has worked well for clipping items on to packs.

Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Duck Creek Primitive Campground by Dexter I., August 31, 2019
  • Review photo of Duck Creek Primitive Campground by Dexter I., August 31, 2019
  • Review photo of Duck Creek Primitive Campground by Dexter I., August 31, 2019
  • (11) View All
Reviewed Jun. 8, 2019

Relaxing

Quite and right in the lake. You can fish from the bank. Gets windy during the afternoon

Reviewed May. 20, 2019

Ranger Review of Mountain House Chicken & Dumplings at Duck Creek Primitive

Ranger Review of Duck Creek Primitive Campground

We had a weekend district Scouting camporee at Duck Creek campground and really enjoyed our time. Even with several hundred Scouts attending we had plenty of room to spread out and have a large area to our selves.

Duck Creek Primitive campground is located along the shore of Canyon Ferry Lake at the end of Lower Duck Creek Road. Duck Creek primitive campground is a large open area along the lake allowing camping on Bureau of Reclamation land. This is primitive camping, all you are going to find here is a flat grassy area to camp with rock fire rings. No p { margin-bottom: 0.1in; line-height: 115%; }facilities, no water, no trash, no outhouse so come prepared. A lot of the area is in the open with out trees and windy. You can find trees for a wind break in several spots in the camping area. Firewood was not a problem when we visited due to all the available driftwood. Their is no cost to camp at Duck Creek, however there is a 14 day stay limit and all Bureau of Reclamation camping rules apply.

Ranger Review of Mountain House's Chicken & Dumplings

Our new Scout BSA Girls Troop/Venturing Crew gave Mountain House's Chicken & Dumplings a try during camp. I think their was a problem, after taking a taste I handed it to the two girls in camp to try and next they I know they are handing me back an empty bag and they wanted more, this after already eating a full meal before hand. This is the real thing, it would hard to make one at home that taste better than this did. How good, one of our adults in camp asked how much they cost as she would consider serving this at home. I definitely know what one of the meal choices for our backing trips this summer are going to be. This is by far the best Mountain House meal we have tried so far, and that Biscuits and Gravy was hard to beat. Scouts gave it a 6 out of 5 starts.

Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Duck Creek Primitive Campground by Dexter I., May 20, 2019
  • Review photo of Duck Creek Primitive Campground by Dexter I., May 20, 2019
  • Review photo of Duck Creek Primitive Campground by Dexter I., May 20, 2019
  • (10) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get to Duck Creek Campground from Townsend, Montana?

From Townsend, Montana, head north on US-287 toward Helena. After a short drive, watch for signs to Canyon Ferry Lake and Duck Creek Campground on the east side of the highway. Turn onto the access road leading to the lake and follow directional signs to Duck Creek Primitive Campground. The campground is accessible by regular vehicles, though the access road may be unpaved in sections. Contact the local ranger district for current road conditions, especially during or after inclement weather.

What amenities are available at Duck Creek Campground on Canyon Ferry?

Duck Creek Primitive Campground offers basic amenities suitable for those seeking a more rustic camping experience. The campground provides shoreline access to Canyon Ferry Lake, flat areas for tents and campers, and some shade trees in certain sections. As a primitive campground, it doesn't offer electricity, showers, or running water. There are basic vault toilets available for campers. The site has ample open space, making it ideal for group gatherings and larger camping parties while still allowing for privacy.

What are the best camping spots at Canyon Ferry Lake near Duck Creek?

At Duck Creek, the best spots are along the shoreline where you can find flat areas above the water with some shade trees. These locations offer direct lake access for fishing and water activities. The far ends of the camping area provide more privacy and space for larger groups. For a unique experience, the sandy and gravel shore areas are excellent for primitive camping. Other good options around Canyon Ferry Lake include Hellgate Campground, White Earth Campground, and Court Sheriff Campground, each offering different amenities and views.

What activities can you do while camping at Duck Creek on Canyon Ferry Lake?

Duck Creek offers excellent shore fishing opportunities right from the campground—you can fish directly from the bank. Water activities are popular, with easy lake access for swimming, kayaking, and boating. The large open spaces make it perfect for group activities and games. The sandy shoreline areas are ideal for survival skills practice and shelter building. Hiking opportunities exist nearby, and the area is suitable for wildlife observation. Be prepared for afternoon winds that can pick up across the lake. The campground's spacious layout also accommodates day trips and group gatherings.