Camping spots near Jordan, Montana cluster primarily around Fort Peck Lake, a massive reservoir with 1,520 miles of shoreline. Most campgrounds require traveling 20-30 miles from Jordan on gravel roads that can become challenging in wet weather. Water levels fluctuate seasonally, affecting shoreline camping access and boat launching conditions, particularly during drought years when ramps may require extensions to reach water.
What to do
Fishing and boating access: Fort Peck Duck Creek provides multiple access points for water recreation with minimal facilities. "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 a camper.
Wildlife viewing: The remote settings around Fort Peck Lake support diverse wildlife. At Duck Creek, campers can explore fossil-rich terrain. "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," reports one visitor.
Stargazing: The minimal light pollution creates excellent stargazing opportunities. A camper at Duck Creek Campground shared: "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."
What campers like
Spacious lakefront sites: Many camping areas feature open, grassy peninsulas rather than designated sites. A visitor to Duck Creek Campground observed, "Lots of space between campsites. But, being central Montana, there are almost no trees or brush. So, there is no privacy."
Swimming areas: The lake offers numerous swimming spots with gradual entries. "Great fishing and swimming," notes a camper at McGuire Creek, which features basic amenities including "vault toilets in area, some picnic table, fire pit spots."
Remote solitude: The distance from population centers ensures quiet camping experiences. At Nelson Creek Recreation Area, one camper reported: "If you are looking for a quiet getaway with a camping spot on the lake, this is it. No services except vault toilets, picnic tables, fire pits and boat launches. Fantastic sunsets."
What you should know
Limited facilities: Most camping areas offer only basic amenities. At The Pines, campers find "vault toilets, picnic tables, fire pit, boat ramp, one garbage, group shelter house with playground."
Road conditions: Access roads are predominantly unpaved and can become problematic. "Not the best road going in," notes a McGuire Creek visitor, while another camper at Nelson Creek Recreation Area warns: "It is a 4-mile drive in on a dirt/gravel road, and mostly dirt road in the campground area, so if you don't have four-wheel drive the rainy season might get tricky."
Supply preparation: Services are minimal across the region. A camper at Nelson Creek advises: "When they say bring what you need they mean it. There are toilets, fire pits and picnic tables...no wood and no water." Another notes: "Bring everything you'll need as nothing is available here."
Tips for camping with families
Visit group shelters: Several campgrounds feature covered group areas ideal for family gatherings. The Pines includes a "group shelter house with playground" that provides shade and recreation space for children.
Wildlife education opportunities: The Hell Creek Formation surrounding Duck Creek offers educational value. A camper shares: "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!"
Consider timing: Weekends bring significantly more traffic to popular spots. At Hell Creek Recreation Area, one visitor noted: "Some sites reserved for walk-ups, some sites close to docks, clean, outhouses, swimming," making it suitable for families seeking developed facilities.
Tips from RVers
Length and access restrictions: Many campgrounds cannot accommodate larger RVs. A visitor to Hell Creek Recreation Area warns: "It was 20 miles of bumpy gravel road, took us 1.5 hours to get over and our motorhome hated every second of it... 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."
Limited hookups: Most campgrounds offer no utilities. At Old Dorm RV, one of the few sites with hookups, a camper noted: "Sites aren't that level, deep gravel... I backed in my van and had a view of horses grazing in a field near an old barn... it was easy to access and had full hookups."
Water access challenges: Boat ramps can be difficult to navigate during low water periods. A Hell Creek visitor observed: "One issue: it is very hard to get in when it rains if you don't have a 4WD vehicle. Road leading in was absolute mush."
