Fort Peck Project encompasses Montana's largest reservoir with over 1,500 miles of shoreline, making it a popular destination for outdoor recreation. Located in the northeastern part of the state, the area experiences significant temperature fluctuations with summer highs occasionally exceeding 100°F and winter temperatures dropping well below freezing. Camping options range from developed campgrounds with hookups to primitive sites along the shoreline.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: The 134-mile-long reservoir at Fort Peck Duck Creek offers excellent angling for walleye, northern pike, and lake trout. "Duck Creek has nice camping spots, with no hook ups, but does have picnic tables and fire pits. Close access to nice boat ramp as well as easy access areas to the water for swimming, and fishing," notes Jessica S.
Wildlife viewing: The prairie landscapes surrounding the reservoir host diverse wildlife. At Buffalo Camp, you can observe native species in their natural habitat. "A buffalo herd roamed the area and even through the campground at night and in the morning. Prairie dog towns were all over," shares Sean F.
Fossil hunting: The Hell Creek Geologic Formation near Fort Peck contains some of North America's richest fossil beds. "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," explains Alan B.
Recreational trails: Multiple paved and unpaved paths offer walking and biking opportunities around the reservoir. Visitors at Downstream Campground appreciate the extensive trail system. "There are miles of relatively flat, paved, walkways, including to fishing ponds," reports Clayton B.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Campers consistently mention the generous spacing between campsites throughout the Fort Peck area. "The combination of the rolling hills that seem to go on forever and the reservoir make this a great spot to camp," says Alan B. about Duck Creek.
Waterfront access: Many dog friendly campgrounds at Fort Peck Project provide direct lake access. "At most of the grassy camping peninsulas you can launch your boat or SUP right into the water," notes Alan B., making these locations perfect for water-loving pets and their owners.
Night sky viewing: The remote location offers exceptional stargazing opportunities. At Roundhouse Point Campground, visitors can enjoy unobstructed night skies. "Really nice and accessible. Each of the roughly 10 sites has a picnic table and fire pit," reports Josh P.
Clean facilities: Campers appreciate the well-maintained amenities at established campgrounds. "This campground is run by the Army Corps of Engineers, and it shows. Well paved roads, wide spaces, lots of room between spaces, laid out logically and well," notes Clayton B. about Downstream Campground.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Some campgrounds require advance booking through recreation.gov. "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'," explains Clayton B. about Downstream Campground.
Weather conditions: The high prairie location experiences extreme temperature variations and strong winds. "If mountains and lots of pine trees are what you are looking for, this isn't it," warns Clayton B.
Water access: Most sites lack direct water hookups. "There is no water at the sites, however, spigots are scattered throughout the camp," notes Clayton B. about Downstream Campground.
Cell service limitations: Connectivity is inconsistent throughout the area. At Flat Lake Recreation Area, Tee C. reports "Full Verizon service," but coverage varies significantly by location and provider.
Tips for camping with families
Accessible facilities: Downstream Campground offers wheelchair-friendly amenities beneficial for families with diverse mobility needs. "For those who are in a wheelchair, this campground is a real treat. The showers and facilities are handicap accessible," notes Clayton B.
Educational opportunities: Visit the interpretive center near Roundhouse Point. "Very near the dam and interpretive center," mentions Tee C., making it an excellent educational stop for children interested in learning about the dam's construction and purpose.
Swimming areas: The Pines Campground offers beach access appropriate for children. "Sandy beaches lining the camping areas. Great for animals and kids!" shares Lauren T.
Weekend planning: Plan weekday visits when possible to avoid crowds at popular dog friendly campgrounds. "Very busy on weekends with lots of local traffic," warns Nathan B. about Duck Creek.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Downstream Campground offers electrical hookups but limited full-service sites. "Most electrical hookups are 30A; roughly 1/3 are 50A," notes Clayton B., adding that "There is a dump station on the road into the camp, there are no full service sites."
Site selection strategy: When booking at Fort Peck campgrounds online, research site locations thoroughly. Clayton B. advises, "One must pick dates and location... a difficult process without any knowledge of the layout of the campground or what sites are close to what... like playgrounds... or bathrooms."
Alternative RV options: Shady Rest RV Park in nearby Glasgow provides full hookups for those wanting more amenities. "It has a lot of shady, full hookups, clean showers and bathhouse, a store, and even a place to wash clothes," reports Leos P.
Level site considerations: Some campgrounds have uneven sites. "Sites aren't that level, deep gravel," notes J P. about Old Dorm RV, so bring leveling blocks.
