Fort Peck Reservoir spans over 1,520 miles of shoreline in northeastern Montana, exceeding the coastline of California. Camping in Fort Peck Project offers a mix of prairie landscapes with rolling hills and deep ravines carved by the Missouri River. Summer temperatures regularly reach the 90s during the day but can drop into the 50s at night, requiring layers for comfort.
What to do
Boating and swimming: Fort Peck Lake provides extensive water recreation opportunities with multiple boat launches. Duck Creek offers "close access to nice boat ramp as well as easy access areas to the water for swimming, and fishing," according to Jessica S.
Wildlife viewing: Buffalo Camp accommodates both tent and RV campers with designated platforms for tents. Sean F. reports, "A buffalo herd roamed the area and even through the campground at night and in the morning. Prairie dog towns were all over."
Fossil hunting: Areas surrounding Fort Peck Duck Creek contain rich geological features. Alan B. notes, "The 2nd and arguable more important reason I loved this spot so much was due to it being surrounded by the Hell Creek Geologic Formation which has some of the highest concentration of vertebrate fossils in the world!"
What campers like
Spacious campsites: Downstream Campground receives consistent praise for its layout. Clayton B. describes, "Well paved roads, wide spaces, lots of room between spaces, laid out logically and well, and plenty of power."
Recreational trails: Many campgrounds feature walking paths for exercise. Samantha L. mentions Downstream has "tons of shade trees, many different types of camping spots, fishing ponds, walking/running trails all around the campground."
Affordability: Camping remains reasonably priced in the Fort Peck area. Cat T. notes that at Downstream Campground, "Army Corps of Engineers so less than $20. Half price for seniors."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Some campgrounds require advance planning. Clayton B. warns about Downstream Campground: "This is not a campground one can just show up at and get in. Being a Federal facility, it is, of course, a Federal process to 'check in'."
Road conditions: Many campgrounds require travel on unpaved roads. At Hell Creek Recreation Area, Elizabeth R. cautions, "Other reviewers were not exaggerating about the road to get there. It was 20 miles of bumpy gravel road, took us 1.5 hours to get over and our motorhome hated every second of it."
Seasonal variations: Weather conditions change dramatically by season. Keith L. from Duck Creek notes, "Clear sky and full moon. Suddenly I saw the brightest meteor I have ever seen streak 3/4 way across sky. Brighter than the full moon."
Tips for camping with families
Water activities: The Pines offers beach access for children. Lauren T. reports, "Sandy beaches lining the camping areas. Great for animals and kids! Fire rings and plenty of sites, fishing access."
Playground facilities: Some campgrounds feature recreational equipment for younger visitors. Jessica S. reports that Downstream Campground has "reliable hook ups, clean showers. Go back every year!"
Group accommodations: Larger family gatherings can find suitable spaces. Clayton B. observes at Downstream, "There is also a 'group' space that could handle, I'm guessing, around 200 people."
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: RV sites may require additional equipment. J P. at Old Dorm RV notes, "Sites aren't that level, deep gravel. There was a bit of trash strewn around but its quiet and in a good location."
Hookup availability: Water access varies between campgrounds. Clayton B. points out at Downstream, "There is no water at the sites, however, spigots are scattered throughout the camp, if one has 50 feet of hose they can probably get to a spigot."
Alternative camping spots: Fort Peck offers options for different camping styles. Emily T. found at Fort Peck Duck Creek, "There are multiple sites (first come first serve) down a gravel road right on the water. There are picnic tables, fire rings, and a pit toilet."
