The camping areas around Fort Peck Project in Montana range from basic to more developed sites. Montana Downstream Campground sits close to the Missouri River with enough room between sites for comfort. Shady Rest RV Park has water, electric, and sewer hookups for campers with RVs. Most roads to these camping spots are in good shape, though you'll hit some gravel sections that can be rough after rain. If you stay at Montana Downstream, you'll find regular bathrooms with showers - a nice perk when camping for several days. Deer wander through the camping areas regularly, and you'll see lots of birds if you're paying attention. Keep your food locked up tight since wildlife will definitely check out anything left out. Summer is busy here when people come for swimming and boating, but be ready for the wind that can pick up quickly. Some people camp during winter, but you'll need serious cold-weather gear to be comfortable. The mix of natural setting and decent facilities makes Fort Peck Project work well for many different campers.
Compare 2 top campgrounds at a time to find your favorite!
Round 1 of 5
"This campground has great lakeside sites and the people at the marina are very friendly!"
"Pros: some sites reserved for walk-ups, some sites close to docks, clean, outhouses, swimming. Cons: open and no privacy."
$15 - $250 / night
"Water taps are located in several locations within the campground to fill your tank. Dump station located outside campground."
"Great views, great walking paths. Wildlife sightings were abundant! Reliable hook ups, clean showers. Go back every year!"
$15 - $25 / night
"This is a similar spot to other areas located around the reservoir in that it is wide open giving you that fantastic Montana Big Sky feeling. "
"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."
$10 - $15 / night
"Near the campground, there is a research HQ for the reserve which is not open to the public and otherwise we didn't see anyone else the entire time. "
"This is one of the best places to take in that Big Sky that Montana is famous for! The combination of the rolling hills that seem to go on forever and the reservoir make this a great spot to camp! "
"Free Dump and fill outside the Downstream campground."
"First reason it was so great was because of the seclusion due to it being on the south side of Lake Ft. Peck and away from any city. "
"Close access to nice boat ramp as well as easy access areas to the water for swimming, and fishing. Adequate vault toilets in area as well."
$30 / night
"There was a bit of trash strewn around but its quiet and in a good location."
TravelerThis is a lovely little campground with a great view of Fort Peck Lake. The sites are spacious with lots of trees. The only drawback is there’s no sewer connection.
GuideGlasgow is a delightful town, with mid-century vibes. Several gas stations and a coop with a propane fill station are not far from The Park. The Park itself was packed! No open sites, and yet so quiet that we felt alone. Mosquitoes were very bad in the evening, but gone in the morning. Just plan to make a meal in your rig if you’re staying in the hot summer months.
ScoutTo describe the area; it’s a gravel area with one picnic table/roofed, one toilet and one garbage can. Claim your spot. I was alone in the area on a Sunday-Monday. Few people (vehicles) passing by
TravelerThis is our 3rd year coming here for fishing. It's a nice little campground but there are some things to keep in mind. There are 25 miles of washboard dirt roads to get here. Sometimes it's graded, sometimes not. Sometimes it's hot, windy and buggy. Sometimes it's fabulous weather, but it is a highly sought after camping area for anglers. Sites have electrical or dry camping only, one water fill-up and dump station. Nice little store and launch.
GuideVery nice campground below the Ft Peck dam with large campsites widely spaced. A mix of 30 and 50 amp electric with a shower building. Water taps are located in several locations within the campground to fill your tank. Dump station located outside campground. Well maintained area with numerous trails and access to a very challenging frisbee golf club course.
TravelerNice place to run the dogs and take a little break.
GuideThis site was fantastic! It is a free site and we couldn't find a donation box. There are places to put in and paddle board. There are 12 official sites but SO much space! This would be a great spot for a caravan to pitstop. This is a great big rig spot. There is one path that has a high clearance. They don't have any hookups but there is a big trash can and a pit toilet.
GuideReally nice and accessible. Each of the roughly 10 sites has a picnic table and fire pit. The pit toilet is well-maintained. Stayed on a Saturday and I was the only one here.
LegendWanted a campground with showers and cell service on our way west and this place had it! Safe, clean, and quiet on our one-night stay mid-week.
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.
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!"
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."
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."
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."
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."
Frequently Asked Questions
What campgrounds are available at Fort Peck Lake?
Fort Peck Lake offers numerous campgrounds scattered around its vast shoreline. Duck Creek provides spacious sites with stunning reservoir views and that famous Montana Big Sky feeling. Hell Creek Recreation Area features excellent lakeside sites with marina access. Other options include West End Campground, Downstream Campground, Fort Peck Marina Campground, The Pines, Nelson Creek, and Roundhouse Point. Most campgrounds provide basic amenities like fire rings and picnic tables, though facilities vary by location. Many sites offer direct access to the water for boating and fishing opportunities, especially during peak summer months.
What amenities are available at Downstream Campground in Fort Peck, MT?
Downstream (MT) offers a well-maintained campground with spacious sites and mature trees providing shade. Amenities include reliable hookups, clean shower facilities, and picnic tables. The campground features approximately 4 miles of nature trails for hiking and wildlife viewing. While the campground is near the river, there is limited water access without a boat. Visitors consistently report abundant wildlife sightings throughout the area. The campground is managed by the Army Corps of Engineers and provides a peaceful setting with good separation between sites.
What are the best recreation areas around Fort Peck for camping?
For exceptional recreation and camping, Fort Peck Duck Creek stands out for its seclusion on the south side of the lake, offering solitude and pristine outdoor experiences. Buffalo Camp in the American Prairie Reserve provides a unique opportunity to experience Montana's native grasslands with nearby hiking trails. Both areas showcase Montana's spectacular open skies and natural landscapes. The Duck Creek area offers abundant recreation opportunities from fishing to hiking, while Buffalo Camp provides a more primitive experience with opportunities to spot native wildlife. These locations are ideal for those seeking to immerse themselves in Montana's natural beauty with fewer crowds.
Is RV camping allowed at Fort Peck Reservoir?
Yes, RV camping is definitely allowed at Fort Peck Reservoir with several accommodating options. West End Campground has huge sites, some with hookups, that can accommodate RVs of various sizes. Old Dorm RV provides RV-specific sites, though they feature deep gravel and may not be perfectly level. Many campgrounds around the reservoir offer RV-friendly amenities including hookups at select locations. Buffalo Camp even has dedicated RV sites (7 total) for those exploring the American Prairie Reserve area. Be prepared for varying levels of amenities, from primitive to full-service depending on which campground you choose.
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