Fort Peck Project is located along Montana's northeastern plains at approximately 2,245 feet elevation, where summer temperatures typically range from 50°F at night to 85°F during the day. The reservoir spans over 134 miles with 1,520 miles of shoreline, making it Montana's largest body of water by surface area. Camping options near Fort Peck include both established campgrounds with amenities and more remote dispersed sites along the shoreline.
What to do
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Fort Peck Downstream Campground provides access to numerous wildlife viewing areas. "Wildlife sightings were abundant!" notes Jessica S., who visits annually. The campground features "roughly five miles of mostly paved trails, perfect for early morning or late night walks."
Visit the interpretive center: Located a short walk from Downstream (MT), the Fort Peck Interpretive Center offers educational exhibits. "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," explains camper Mimi.
Water recreation: Roundhouse Point Campgound offers direct lake access for boating and paddling. "There are places to put in and paddle board," states Teal A., adding, "This is a great big rig spot. There is one path that has a high clearance."
What campers like
Spacious campsites: Downstream Campground features well-designed sites with ample space. Dave K. notes, "Sites were level and paved and had lots of space. Spacing between sites was very generous and campground was clean and well maintained."
Quality facilities: The newer amenities at Downstream (MT) receive consistent praise. "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!" shares Mimi.
Peace and quiet: Flat Lake Recreation Area offers tranquil lakeside camping. "Right on the lake, gorgeous and spacious. Pit toilet. Full Verizon service," reports Tee C., who appreciated the serene setting away from crowds.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Many campgrounds require advance booking. At Downstream Campground, Clayton B. advises: "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'. One must, without exception, set up an account with the website recreation.gov."
Water availability: Water access varies between campgrounds. At Shady Rest RV Park, full hookups are available year-round. However, at Downstream Campground, "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 to 'top off the tank'."
Weather considerations: The Fort Peck area experiences significant temperature variations. Clayton B. warns, "This campground is on the high prairie... it can be very windy, and storms come in fast. In the summer, it can be very hot and dry, mid 90's are not unusual. Night time lows are usually in the low 60's on down. If you are there in the fall, it may well get into the lower 30's / upper 20's."
Tips for camping with families
Recreation equipment access: Downstream Campground provides family-friendly amenities. Mimi notes they have a "playground, volleyball net, basketball court and horseshoe pits. They even lend out the equipment you need!"
Accessible recreation options: For families with mobility considerations, Nelson Creek Recreation Area offers accessible options. Johnathan I. describes it as a "Huge area!! Several toilets and one group site. Boat ramp with a wee dock. Well maintained gravel road to the area."
Tent platforms: At Buffalo Camp, Sean F. explains: "Tent sites are walk-in and and on platforms, which you are required to use. This means if you have two tents like us, you'll need two sites. You tie the tents down to lashing points on on the side of the platform."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling needs: Some rv sites near Fort Peck Project require leveling equipment. At Old Dorm RV, J P. notes: "Sites aren't that level, deep gravel. There was a bit of trash strewn around but its quiet and in a good location."
Reservation savings: For rv camping near Fort Peck Project, calling directly can save money. At Shady Rest RV Park, Love4travel T. suggests: "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."
Free camping options: For RVers seeking no-cost options, Teal A. shares that Roundhouse Point is "a free site and we couldn't find a donation box... This would be a great spot for a caravan to pitstop... They don't have any hookups but there is a big trash can and a pit toilet."
