Fort Peck Project is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Fort Peck Project. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your Montana camping adventure.
This recreation area is part of Fort Peck Project
Downstream Campground is located just below Fort Peck Dam on the Missouri River in northeastern Montana. Recreation enthusiasts and sportsmen enjoy the beauty of Fort Peck Lake's 1,500 miles of shoreline. A variety of high quality outdoor activities are available, including camping, boating, fishing, hunting, sightseeing and wildlife viewing. Fort Peck Dam, which impounds Fort Peck Lake is the first dam built in the upper Missouri River Basin. The area surrounding Fort Peck was first charted by Lewis and Clark in 1804, and the pristine natural condition of the river and surrounding area awed the renowned explorers. When President Franklin D. Roosevelt authorized the Fort Peck project in 1933, thousands of people from all over the country migrated to Montana during the midst of the Great Depression in hopes of earning a living. Today, Fort Peck Lake is a sportsman's paradise with excellent fishing, wildlife viewing and other countless outdoor recreation opportunities. For more information, visit the Fort Peck Project Website or call 406-526-3411.
The vast size of Fort Peck Lake and its remoteness from major population centers provide a variety of high quality outdoor experiences. Popular recreation activities include camping, boating, fishing, hunting, sight-seeing, picnicking, biking, hiking, photography, watching wildlife and just relaxing. Fort Peck Lake: Fifteen hundred miles of pristine shoreline serve as a haven for those wishing to get away from the stresses of modern life. There are 27 recreation areas located around the reservoir. The areas near and around the dam offer paved roads, electricity, showers and playgrounds while facilities around the rest of the lake are more primitive with gravel roads, picnic tables and vault toilets. Access roads to many of the remote areas may be impassable in inclement weather. Fishing: Fort Peck Lake enjoys nationwide recognition as a hot spot for walleye fishing. Fort Peck Lake provides excellent boating and fishing opportunities. The lake also offers excellent fishing for sauger, smallmouth bass, lake trout, chinook salmon and northern pike. The introduction of cisco as a forage fish in 1983 proved successful and has increased both the size and number of game fish. Wildlife Viewing/Hunting: The Fort Peck Lake Area and the Charles M. Russell Wildlife Refuge provide superb hunting of deer, elk, big horn sheep, and prong horn. The Missouri River Breaks are known for producing large elk and other game animals.Trails: Three miles of paved nature trails wind along the Missouri River and through the surrounding wooded area. This trail area is a popular birding and wildlife viewing area. Disc Golf Course: A disc golf course "The Fortress" was installed in summer of 2021. Discs are available to check out at the gate house. Interpretive Center & Museum: The Fort Peck Dam Interpretive Center and Museum offers displays of wildlife dioramas, aquariums, dinosaur fossils and dam construction history. Open Friday through Monday 9am to 4pm.
A shady grove of cottonwoods covers the grassy campground, making Downstream a pleasant place during the heat of the summer. In autumn, the leaves turn a beautiful golden yellow. Three fishing ponds, including scenic Winter Harbor, dot the landscape below the dam.
For facility specific information, please call (406) 526-3224.
Fort Peck Lake is a Montana treasure for its vast size and outdoor recreation opportunities. Six recreation areas within a few miles of the dam provide access for water sports, fishing and hunting. The Fort Peck Interpretive Center and Museum, is located just downstream of Fort Peck Dam. For more information, call 406-526-3493. The Leo B. Coleman Wildlife Pasture, located just outside the Town of Fort Peck and Downstream Campground is home to Fort Peck's Bison Herd and provides an excellent wildlife viewing auto route. __The Historic Fort Peck Theater is located in the town of Ft. Peck is a popular historic destination in summer months. The 1.1 million acre Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge surrounds Fort Peck Lake and helps preserve the natural habitat for numerous wildlife species.
Reservation changes and cancellations can be made on Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777. For more information on rules and policies regarding reservation cancellations and changes, please visit: https://www.recreation.gov/rules-reservation-policies.
$14 - $15 / night
This recreation area is part of Fort Peck Project
$10 - $15 / night
Self-serve RV Park in Jordan, Montana 8 large back-in sites 2 tandem pull-through sites 50, 30 and 20 amp pedestals City water and sewer Power and sewer are available year round and water is available dependent on the Eastern Montana winter weather All gravel, level sites with easy access Quiet location near park and school Can accommodate most any size RV! Located right off 200 going through town Pet friendly! We will happily reserve you a spot! Our Rates Self-service pay station $30 per night for full hookup Please contact us for weekly, monthly or seasonal rates at our rv park
$30 / night
Downstream Campground is located just below Fort Peck Dam on the Missouri River in northeastern Montana. Recreation enthusiasts and sportsmen enjoy the beauty of Fort Peck Lake's 1,500 miles of shoreline. A variety of high quality outdoor activities are available, including camping, boating, fishing, hunting, sightseeing and wildlife viewing. Fort Peck Dam, which impounds Fort Peck Lake is the first dam built in the upper Missouri River Basin. The area surrounding Fort Peck was first charted by Lewis and Clark in 1804, and the pristine natural condition of the river and surrounding area awed the renowned explorers. When President Franklin D. Roosevelt authorized the Fort Peck project in 1933, thousands of people from all over the country migrated to Montana during the midst of the Great Depression in hopes of earning a living. Today, Fort Peck Lake is a sportsman's paradise with excellent fishing, wildlife viewing and other countless outdoor recreation opportunities. For more information, visit the Fort Peck Project Website or call 406-526-3411.
The vast size of Fort Peck Lake and its remoteness from major population centers provide a variety of high quality outdoor experiences. Popular recreation activities include camping, boating, fishing, hunting, sight-seeing, picnicking, biking, hiking, photography, watching wildlife and just relaxing. Fort Peck Lake: Fifteen hundred miles of pristine shoreline serve as a haven for those wishing to get away from the stresses of modern life. There are 27 recreation areas located around the reservoir. The areas near and around the dam offer paved roads, electricity, showers and playgrounds while facilities around the rest of the lake are more primitive with gravel roads, picnic tables and vault toilets. Access roads to many of the remote areas may be impassable in inclement weather. Fishing: Fort Peck Lake enjoys nationwide recognition as a hot spot for walleye fishing. Fort Peck Lake provides excellent boating and fishing opportunities. The lake also offers excellent fishing for sauger, smallmouth bass, lake trout, chinook salmon and northern pike. The introduction of cisco as a forage fish in 1983 proved successful and has increased both the size and number of game fish. Wildlife Viewing/Hunting: The Fort Peck Lake Area and the Charles M. Russell Wildlife Refuge provide superb hunting of deer, elk, big horn sheep, and prong horn. The Missouri River Breaks are known for producing large elk and other game animals.Trails: Three miles of paved nature trails wind along the Missouri River and through the surrounding wooded area. This trail area is a popular birding and wildlife viewing area. Disc Golf Course: A disc golf course "The Fortress" was installed in summer of 2021. Discs are available to check out at the gate house. Interpretive Center & Museum: The Fort Peck Dam Interpretive Center and Museum offers displays of wildlife dioramas, aquariums, dinosaur fossils and dam construction history. Open Friday through Monday 9am to 4pm.
A shady grove of cottonwoods covers the grassy campground, making Downstream a pleasant place during the heat of the summer. In autumn, the leaves turn a beautiful golden yellow. Three fishing ponds, including scenic Winter Harbor, dot the landscape below the dam.
For facility specific information, please call (406) 526-3224.
Fort Peck Lake is a Montana treasure for its vast size and outdoor recreation opportunities. Six recreation areas within a few miles of the dam provide access for water sports, fishing and hunting. The Fort Peck Interpretive Center and Museum, is located just downstream of Fort Peck Dam. For more information, call 406-526-3493. The Leo B. Coleman Wildlife Pasture, located just outside the Town of Fort Peck and Downstream Campground is home to Fort Peck's Bison Herd and provides an excellent wildlife viewing auto route. __The Historic Fort Peck Theater is located in the town of Ft. Peck is a popular historic destination in summer months. The 1.1 million acre Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge surrounds Fort Peck Lake and helps preserve the natural habitat for numerous wildlife species.
Reservation changes and cancellations can be made on Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777. For more information on rules and policies regarding reservation cancellations and changes, please visit: https://www.recreation.gov/rules-reservation-policies.
$14 - $15 / night
This recreation area is part of Fort Peck Project
Self-serve RV Park in Jordan, Montana 8 large back-in sites 2 tandem pull-through sites 50, 30 and 20 amp pedestals City water and sewer Power and sewer are available year round and water is available dependent on the Eastern Montana winter weather All gravel, level sites with easy access Quiet location near park and school Can accommodate most any size RV! Located right off 200 going through town Pet friendly! We will happily reserve you a spot! Our Rates Self-service pay station $30 per night for full hookup Please contact us for weekly, monthly or seasonal rates at our rv park
$30 / night
Legend
Our RV GPS and Waze wanted us to turn on 6th St in Glasgow, which has a 12’ 2” bridge under the railroad tracks. We had seen a review with this warning and seems they have mounted a sign right at the 6th St. turn that warns of the low bridge. We went two blocks further to 4th St. which is the truck route that took us to MT-24 for a 14 mile drive into Ft. Peck Marina. Once we got close, we followed the signs to Fort Peck Marina. We had tried to get reservations at a nearby COE with no luck and found this Campground(CG) via a Google Maps search. We saw the RV Park and pulled into the front of the CG area and took a 200 yard walk down to the tackle shop to check in. The road goes around by the tackle shop and boat ramp and we could have parked down there to check in, but as we are pulling a 40' rig and we couldn't actually see down there we didn't want to risk pulling down the road. Check in was quick. We were not given any kind of CG map or rules sheet. We then proceeded to the CG’s upper level to back-in site 33 with water and 50/30/20 AMP. The CG is essentially a large, well graveled parking lot. There was a ton of room in front of the site, so backing in was a breeze. The electric and water are at the back of the site, so we needed 25 feet of electric cord and water hose to reach the utilities. The site sloped to the driver’s side and we needed to place leveling blocks under that side’s tires. We had no issues with the electric, thankfully, as we were under a heat warning when we were there. Water was okay at about 40 PSI, but had a bad taste, even with our three filter system. There are no trees in the CG, so there was no problem getting a north shot for Starlink. We got 3 bars on Verizon. There’s no Wifi. The sites are long and just wide enough so you can park a boat. Most of the campers here are seasonal and for the most part, they keep their rigs and stuff around the site organized. But, be careful in the vegetated areas as most do not have their dogs on a leash and let them poop where ever. At first, we were wondering how the seasonals are doing their blackwater as the sign as you enter the marina states the nearest dump station is 3.5 miles, which is at Downstream COE CG. The man at the bait shop stated there’s a nice dump station in Glasgow at Scottie's Express Car Wash. He also said there’s a waste truck that will come out to the CG and pump you out, which is what the seasonal guests use. There are no shower facilities here but there is a vaulted restroom near the boat ramp that’s about 150 yards away. We checked out the Downstream COE we had tried to get into and it definiely would have been a better option, but this was our only option at the time.
Traveler
Was hard to find. They only gave us coordinates, so it was very difficult to find. Still do not know if we were in the right spot. Turned down a road that was hard on the car. Ground was very hard, found it difficult to pitch a tent. Was suitable for the night, would not stay any longer.
Scout
We only stayed one night as we were traveling through, the camp host was extremely friendly and welcoming. He called us back promptly with information and also was there to greet us at our site even when we pulled in late (9PM). Sites were level and paved and had lots of space. Spacing between sites was very generous and campground was clean and well maintained.
LegendGeneral: 86-site US Army Corps of Engineers Campground located on the Missouri River in four loops, each with a different name: Lismas, New Deal, Wheeler, and Faranuf. Wheeler is for tent sites, the camper pads are gravel, and there are no electric hookups; the other three loops have mostly 30-amp but several 50-amp sites and the camper pads are paved. Faranuf has pull-thru sites that can accommodate larger RVs.
Site Quality: All sites are level and are spaced a decent distance apart from each other. There are some trees for shade but still many are in full sun.
Bath/Shower House: The New Deal and Wheeler loops have vault toilets and Lismas, and Faranuf have flush toilets and showers. The restroom in Faranuf is air-conditioned! The one in Lismas appears new (the old one is still standing but roped off) but points off for no soap! Also no hand sanitizer in the vault toilet in New Deal.
Activities: There is a paved recreation path that circles the campground and is about 2.5 miles. Other recreation activities include basketball, volleyball, horseshoes, cornhole, disk golf, and two playgrounds (one in Faranuf and the other in the day-use area). Recreation equipment is available to borrow. There is also a wonderful interpretive center where you can learn about the history of the dam, as well as past and present wildlife. In the summer, it is open Friday– Monday, 9 am– 4 pm and the hours are less in other seasons. A must if you have kids! Many in the campground had boats. Kelly, the volunteer at the gatehouse, was effusive about all the area had to offer.
We were only there for one night passing through, but we did visit the interpretive center, and run on the nature trail. The only bummer about this campground was the persistent wasps that made eating and sitting outside challenging.
Ranger
Good area for car camping. 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. Little privacy but nice views of the water. Also depending on the time of year, there were a lot of crickets and small little chiggers biting skin.
Traveler
This RV park was very accommodating and easy to find. Perfect for a quick stop overnight. They had clean bathrooms, laundry rooms, and grounds.
Legend
Vault toilets, plenty of sites, really nice! Picnic tables, fire pits, easy road in. Very near the dam and interpretive center. Full Verizon cell service.
Legend
Right on the lake, gorgeous and spacious. Pit toilet. Full Verizon service.
GuideVery spacious campground. I was impressed with the sites - lots of mature trees, and they have a reasonably long (4ish mile) nature trail.
One thing I found disappointing was that there is very little river or lake access nearby without a boat. I could barely find any place to let my dog cool off in the lake. Even the nature trail never gets closer than about 50 yards to the river, and is separated from it by a swampy, mosquito infested, cattail laden barrier. They need to provide more beach access. The only swimming beach is a few miles up the road, and as you guessed, NO DOGS ALLOWED. That's a shame, because my dog is cleaner and better behaved than most people.
Be aware that this part of Montana is the Great Plains, and it gets very hot in the summer. Right now, July 24th we're supposed to have a high of 102. And my particular campsite has NO SHADE whatsoever.
This is a much better place to stay if you have a boat, as the lake is really the only attraction here. It's just too bad there is such limited access unless you have a boat.
The nearest town is Glasgow, some, 20ish miles away, and there ain't much there. Fort Peck is closer, about 4 miles, but there's nothing there but a little convenience store.
IMPORTANT: If you're coming in from the east or west on US 2, BE SURE YOU TAKE THE "TRUCK ROUTE" Highway 42 down to the lake, NOT the regular Highway 42, which has a VERY LOW CLEARANCE BRIDGE. I had to stop, and flag down a sheriff's deputy who graciously held traffic up so I could back out of my predicament. There's no warning sign. I made a right hand turn onto 42, and BOOM, there it was a block up the road. 12 feet, 2 inches. My 5th wheel is 13'6".
**NOT FUN**
**IMPORTANT: Don't be tempted to park under the cottonwood trees. Your vehicle will be COVERED with some kind of sap...took two car washes to get it off.
**
Legend
We stayed in OF 8, which has no hookups. The site, as is many around it, is huge. This site is nearest road so keep that in mind. Traffic was relatively quiet when we were there during weekday. Many sites have view of water although some are just peekaboo. Shade in many sites but not the big OF sites. Sites with hookups have nice paved pad. A few of these are really deluxe being off on their own with great views. Campground is not walking distance from lake. Lake is impressively HUGE. Nice fire ring at each site. Most sites appear to not be super level. We did fine in 8.
Guide
Notd that this campground has changed management and so is now technically the Hell Creek Recreation Area, so if Google maps tells you it's closed don't worry about it! You'll still get to the right place.
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. It was absolutely stunning though, and I have to imagine that if we hadn't been in a motorhome we might have felt very differently.
Only electricity at our site, very limited shared water source, and the showers were coin operated. The staff person there was so nice and welcoming.
So, if you have a vehicle that can handle a difficult road and you're willing to rough it a tiny bit, I would definitely recommend this place. If not, maybe skip it for now.
Guide
Great free little campground, very busy on weekends with lots of local traffic. Some spots had shad some didn't, pit toilets. Free Dump and fill outside the Downstream campground.
RangerWe stayed overnight at the Shady Rest on our way to Glacier. Privately owned by a nice couple. Great rate with full hookup and very quiet. Met our need. TIP: Call instead of booking online. The owner Cody is wearing many hats and doesn’t have a chance to check internet. Plus, she’s way nicer to talk to and it saved $5 platform fee from the reservation company.
ScoutSites aren’t that level, deep gravel. There was a bit of trash strewn around but its quiet and in a good location. I backed in my van and had a view of horses grazing in a field near an old barn…along with a bit of backyard junkyards but that’s the nature of this remote small town. I could walk to everything, the owner was very kind and it was easy to access and had full hookups. Great stay while I visited family.
LegendThis is an amazing campground on the shore of the Missouri River by Fort Peck Dam. Nice big sites. Bathhouses are less that 2 years old. Great park like seeing with playground, volleyball net, basketball court and horseshoe pits. They even lend out the equipment you need!
It's a short walk to a really wonderful interpretive center - definitely worthwhile to visit! And there's a great trail system to walk on and enjoy the views.
GuideVery nice, spacious campground. Clean grounds and facilities, with a new shower house. Electric only at the sites, but fresh water fill and dump station available.
LegendNice campground. Spaces are fairly spacious. Some are almost private. Great hot showers. Nice to have mature trees too give shade. The Army Corps are obviously working constantly to improve the sites. Most are pull through, a bit tight to get in and out of with my 29' 5th wheel, will choose a back in in the future. I love that this campground is run as a first come first serve by only allowing day of reservations! A great model!
Really nice interpretive center free admission. We'll worth a visit. Marina nearby packed with fishermen. Play area is in the group camp area nearby.
GuideLots of space between campsites. But, being central Montana, there are almost no trees or brush. So, there is no privacy.
There is another campsite half a mile west that is set down in a private hollow. No table but really nice if you can do without.
Good light show... ??
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. WOW! Do they do this light show every night or was this done just for me?
GuideGreat staff at gate. Sites are very well spaced. Half full at best in mid September. Nice bike and walking trail, and view of the dam. Interesting history. We had electric. Clean restrooms and showers. I loved the space around us and it was really quiet. Agree with another reviewer that it would be a great dark sky park. That is the reason for four instead of five stars.
TravelerBeautiful sunrise and sunset views from nearly each site. Clean restrooms w warm showers. The camp host clearly keeps the campground neat and picked up. Be sure to get your recreation.gov slot early as they fill up. I felt it was a treat to be there.
RangerVery well kept campground and good in between spot for travelers. Nice bathrooms and showers.
TravelerThere are few camp sites on route 2 and this is a gem!
GuideThe name fits this campgrounds perfectly. It is a great place to stop on your way to something or if you are attending an event in the area.
It has a lot of shady, full hookups, clean showers and bathhouse, a store, and even a place to wash clothes. It does have wifi but it was weak at my site #23. My cellular service was strong. The owners are wonderful. One note, if using GPS to find use the name. The address may get you into a different park that is hard to turn around in.
If you need a safe, clean stop this is what the Shady Rest Campground is.
Guide
VAult toilets, boat ramp, beautiful lake. No potable water, no electricity, etc. Some fire rings and picnic tables, limited spaces. Area is DRY and water level is low, but still a great area. We'll kept grounds.
TravelerI was expecting more when I saw this site online but honestly it was the total opposite. Beautiful none the less but I was expecting a bit more privacy and there absolutely is none. The site was full with what looked to be more rv sites than tent sites so we moved up the road (24) and found another site which was equally as open and full of rocks called Westend. But we needed a place to stay for the night so we did.
GuideNot the best road going in, vault toilets in area, some picnic table, fire pit spots. Great fishing and swimming.
GuideNice little area on Fort Peck offering a marina and services, however area is small and very congested. Fills up fast.. Swimming and boating access.
Camping near Fort Peck Project, Montana, offers a unique blend of outdoor adventure and serene landscapes. Whether you're pitching a tent or parking your RV, there are plenty of spots to enjoy the great outdoors.
Camping near Fort Peck Project, Montana, offers a variety of experiences for everyone. Whether you're looking for adventure or relaxation, there's something for you in this beautiful area.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Fort Peck Project?
According to TheDyrt.com, Fort Peck Project offers a wide range of camping options, with 34 campgrounds and RV parks near Fort Peck Project and 3 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Fort Peck Project?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Fort Peck Project is Hell Creek Receation Area with a 4-star rating from 5 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Fort Peck Project?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 3 free dispersed camping spots near Fort Peck Project.
What parks are near Fort Peck Project?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 1 parks near Fort Peck Project that allow camping, notably Dakota Prairie National Grasslands and Custer National Forest.
