Fort Peck Project encompasses more than 107 miles of reservoir in northeastern Montana, with water levels fluctuating seasonally based on precipitation and dam operations. Summer temperatures typically range from 70-90°F, while nighttime temperatures can drop significantly even in summer months. The campgrounds surrounding Fort Peck Lake sit at approximately 2,200 feet elevation and experience strong winds across the open reservoir.
What to do
Fossil hunting nearby: The Hell Creek Geologic Formation surrounding parts of Fort Peck Lake contains significant vertebrate fossil concentrations. As one camper at Fort Peck Duck Creek noted, "Be warned though you are pretty much on your own out here so be sure you have a full tank of gas before exploring... While it is illegal to take any vertebrate fossils you can get cool imprints of leaves and other invertebrate animals that lived right alongside the dinosaurs!"
Boating access points: Multiple lake access points provide varying boat launch facilities. The Rock Creek Marina offers "a marina and services, however area is small and very congested. Fills up fast.. Swimming and boating access," according to Jessica B. Arrive early during peak season to secure boat parking.
Swimming opportunities: Several campgrounds feature direct water access for swimming. Hattie R. reports about Duck Creek: "You can walk right down to the water and there were plenty of people boating and swimming. Vault toilets were clean, no other amenities."
What campers like
Secluded locations: Some areas provide isolation from busier campgrounds. At BLM Paulo Reservoir, Caleb J.B. describes "This little gem of a site is small and secluded. You can't even find Paulo Reservoir on Google Maps. It's a good place if you like being away from the bustle of Fort Peck, but you still want to take a kayak or SUP on the water right when you get up."
Sandy beaches: Beach areas are accessible at various points around the lake. At The Pines Campground, Lauren T. observed "20 miles down gravel, but highly trafficked still. But sandy beaches lining the camping areas. Great for animals and kids!"
Rustic amenities: Basic facilities provide necessary comforts without overdevelopment. Kitty K. reports The Pines has "Vault toilets, picnic tables, fire pit, boat ramp, one garbage, group shelter house with playground."
What you should know
Limited site availability: Many campgrounds fill quickly, particularly during summer weekends. Hattie R. noted at Duck Creek: "It was decently busy with a few spots left when we arrived at 2:30pm on a Saturday. By the end of the night all the spots were filled with people squeezing their rigs in between 'sites'."
Road conditions: Access roads vary in quality and maintenance. Jessica B. described McGuire Creek as having "Not the best road going in, vault toilets in area, some picnic table, fire pit spots. Great fishing and swimming."
Water level changes: Drought conditions impact water accessibility. Jessica B. observed at Flat Lake Access Site: "Area is DRY and water level is low, but still a great area. We'll kept grounds."
Insects during summer months: Be prepared for seasonal insect activity. Emily T. warned about Duck Creek: "Also depending on the time of year, there were a lot of crickets and small little chiggers biting skin."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Some campgrounds offer designated play areas. The Pines Campground includes a "group shelter house with playground" according to Kitty K., providing recreational options beyond water activities.
Beach selection for children: Sandy beaches provide safer swimming access for families. Lauren T. recommends The Pines Campground as "Great for animals and kids!" due to its sandy shoreline areas.
Noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience late-night activity. Hattie R. reports about Duck Creek: "I didn't have any trouble sleeping but my boyfriend said there were generators running all night and some fireworks around 11:30p."
Tips from RVers
Generator usage: Some camping areas permit generator use with no quiet hours enforced. Hattie R. observed at Duck Creek that "there were generators running all night," suggesting minimal noise restrictions.
Space constraints: Limited formal parking creates crowding in popular areas. Caleb J.B. notes at Paulo Reservoir: "The only reason this is 4 stars is due to the lack of space for other campers. There are no specified campsites. It would be fairly packed if more than 4 rigs showed up."
Boat launch proximity: Some sites offer convenient water access for trailered boats. Jessica S. highlights that Duck Creek has "Close access to nice boat ramp as well as easy access areas to the water for swimming, and fishing."
