McGuire Creek

Nelson Creek - Fort Peck Lake

This recreation area is part of Fort Peck Project

Rock Creek Marina

Horse Creek RV & Trailer Park is under new ownership & management. Our online reservation system is now available 24x7; please make your reservations online and pay in advance of your stay, even if it’s after hours or you’re 1,000+ miles away.



Horse Creek RV and Trailer Park

Nelson Creek Recreation Area

## Overview

**Downstream Campground** is located just below Fort Peck Dam on the Missouri River in northeastern Montana. Recreation enthusiasts and sportsmen enjoy the beauty of Fort Peck Lake's 1,500 miles of shoreline. A variety of high quality outdoor activities are available, including camping, boating, fishing, hunting, sightseeing and wildlife viewing. 

**Fort Peck Dam** , which impounds Fort Peck Lake is the first dam built in the upper Missouri River Basin. The area surrounding Fort Peck was first charted by Lewis and Clark in 1804, and the pristine natural condition of the river and surrounding area awed the renowned explorers. When President Franklin D. Roosevelt authorized the Fort Peck project in 1933, thousands of people from all over the country migrated to Montana during the midst of the Great Depression in hopes of earning a living. Today, Fort Peck Lake is a sportsman's paradise with excellent fishing, wildlife viewing and other countless outdoor recreation opportunities. 

For more information, visit the [Fort Peck Project Website](https://www.nwo.usace.army.mil/Missions/Dam-and-Lake-Projects/Missouri-River-Dams/Fort-Peck/) or call 406-526-3411.

## Recreation

The vast size of Fort Peck Lake and its remoteness from major population centers provide a variety of high quality outdoor experiences. Popular recreation activities include camping, boating, fishing, hunting, sight-seeing, picnicking, biking, hiking, photography, watching wildlife and just relaxing. 

**Fort Peck Lake:** Fifteen hundred miles of pristine shoreline serve as a haven for those wishing to get away from the stresses of modern life. There are 27 recreation areas located around the reservoir. The areas near and around the dam offer paved roads, electricity, showers and playgrounds while facilities around the rest of the lake are more primitive with gravel roads, picnic tables and vault toilets. Access roads to many of the remote areas may be impassable in inclement weather. 

**Fishing:** Fort Peck Lake enjoys nationwide recognition as a hot spot for walleye fishing. Fort Peck Lake provides excellent boating and fishing opportunities. The lake also offers excellent fishing for sauger, smallmouth bass, lake trout, chinook salmon and northern pike. The introduction of cisco as a forage fish in 1983 proved successful and has increased both the size and number of game fish. 

**Wildlife Viewing/Hunting:** The Fort Peck Lake Area and the [Charles M. Russell Wildlife Refuge](https://www.fws.gov/refuge/charles_m_russell/) provide superb hunting of deer, elk, big horn sheep, and prong horn. The Missouri River Breaks are known for producing large elk and other game animals.  
 **Trails:** Three miles of paved nature trails wind along the Missouri River and through the surrounding wooded area. This trail area is a popular birding and wildlife viewing area.

**Disc Golf Course:** A disc golf course "The Fortress" was installed in summer of 2021. Discs are available to check out at the gate house. 

**Interpretive Center & Museum: **The Fort Peck Dam Interpretive Center and Museum offers displays of wildlife dioramas, aquariums, dinosaur fossils and dam construction history. Open Friday through Monday 9am to 4pm.

## Facilities

Downstream Campground offers 86 family campsites, 71 of which have electrical hookups; 16 sites are tent-only. One large group campsite is available with electrical hookups. Five day-use picnic shelters are available for reservations, all with electrical hookups as well as two overnight group use areas with shelters.  
  
The campground offers flush and vault toilets, showers, playgrounds, a basketball court and horseshoe pits. A dump station and fish cleaning station are located on-site. 

## Natural Features

A shady grove of cottonwoods covers the grassy campground, making Downstream a pleasant place during the heat of the summer. In autumn, the leaves turn a beautiful golden yellow. Three fishing ponds, including scenic Winter Harbor, dot the landscape below the dam. 

## Nearby Attractions

  * [**Fort Peck Lake**](https://www.nwo.usace.army.mil/Missions/Dam-and-Lake-Projects/Missouri-River-Dams/Fort-Peck/) is a Montana treasure for its vast size and outdoor recreation opportunities. Six recreation areas within a few miles of the dam provide access for water sports, fishing and hunting. 
  * The **Fort Peck Interpretive Center and Museum** , is located just downstream of Fort Peck Dam. For more information, call 406-526-3493. 
  * The **Leo B. Coleman Wildlife Pasture** , located just outside the Town of Fort Peck and Downstream Campground is home to Fort Peck's Bison Herd and provides an excellent wildlife viewing auto route. 
  * The [**Historic Fort Peck Theater**](https://www.fortpecktheatre.org/) is located in the town of Ft. Peck is a popular historic destination in summer months. 
  * The 1.1 million acre [**Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge**](https://www.fws.gov/refuge/charles_m_russell/) surrounds Fort Peck Lake and helps preserve the natural habitat for numerous wildlife species.



## contact_info

For facility specific information, please call (406) 526-3411.

## Charges & Cancellations

Reservation changes and cancellations can be made on Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777. 

For more information on rules and policies regarding reservation cancellations and changes, please visit: <https://www.recreation.gov/rules-reservation-policies>.

Downstream (MT)

A state of staggering variety, Montana is truly one of the nation’s best camping destinations. The eastern part of the state characterized by badlands and prairie, the west is where most of the fun is found. Camping in Montana means sleeping in some of the most sensational landscapes anywhere in the USA.


With no fewer than 50 state parks and two of the greatest national parks in America, Montana is an adventurer’s paradise. The brightest star in Montana’s firmament is Glacier National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is blessed with magnificent mountainscapes. If you’re looking to go camping in Montana, Glacier should be at the top of your list.


Many explorers look for camping in Montana’s Yellowstone National Park, a sliver of which lies along the state’s southwestern border. Few people know this, but Montana is a superb access point to the world’s very first national park. If a visit to Yellowstone is on your itinerary, make sure to enter the park via the scenic Beartooth Highway.


Another great camping destination in Montana is gorgeous Flathead Lake, located within the Kootenai Tribes Flathead Reservation and the contiguous USA’s largest freshwater lake west of the Mississippi. Numerous recreation areas surround Flathead Lake, offering excellent picnicking, fishing and camping. More adventure-minded travelers might want to attempt an ascent of Granite Peak, the highest mountain in the state.


If you’re looking to travel off the beaten path, Montana offers you plenty of opportunities to do so. With more than 70 different mountain ranges belonging to the giant Rocky Mountains chain, it is easy to unplug and get closer to nature while camping in Montana. Pick a lesser-known campground and explore Montana “behind the scenes”.


In addition to fishing, rock climbing, and camping in Montana, there are myriad other ways to enjoy the state’s glorious natural scenery. Go mountain biking, whitewater rafting, horseback riding, backpacking...the list of choices is never-ending!

Montana

The Best Camping in Montana | 100+ MT Campgrounds

Searching for the best camping near Vida, MT? Vida is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Vida and user-submitted reviews.

Vida

The Best Camping Near Vida, Montana

Flat Lake Recreation Area

Circle Town Park

Flat Lake

hilltop overlook campgroud- fort peck lake

Billings is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Billings is surrounded by family-friendly activities. Discover great camping spots near Billings, reviewed by campers like you.

Billings

The Best Campgrounds in Billings, MT | MT Camping

The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Missoula. Missoula is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Missoula, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.

Missoula

The Best Camping in Missoula, MT | MT Camping

Great Falls, MT is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. Great Falls is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. Find the best campgrounds near Great Falls, MT. Read reviews from campers like you and find your perfect campsite.

Great Falls

The Best Camping Near Great Falls, Montana

In beautiful Montana, Bozeman is less than 100 miles from Yellowstone but stands alone as a destination for all to visit. With plenty of national forests surrounding it, Bozeman is one of the best outdoor cities to visit.

The best camping near Bozeman is located just 30 minutes away near Livingston, MT in the Absaroka Beartooth wilderness area. This USFS land has ample free campsites and is in the backyard of Yellowstone National Park. Of course, Yellowstone itself is one of the best places for hiking and camping. However, if you plan to visit the park, you’ll likely want to stay in one of the park’s campgrounds, not Bozeman. Bozeman, on its own, has much to offer with an abundance of places to park an RV or set up a tent. Bozeman is a can't-miss stop if you’re going to or from Yellowstone.

Bozeman

Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Bozeman, MT is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Bozeman, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.

The Best Camping in Bozeman, MT | Montana Campgrounds

Searching for the best camping near Butte-Silver Bow, MT? Butte-Silver Bow is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Butte-Silver Bow. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.

Butte-Silver Bow

The Best Camping Near Butte-Silver Bow, Montana

Are you in need of a campground near Helena, MT? Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Helena. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your Montana camping adventure.

Helena

The Best Camping in Helena, MT | Montana Campgrounds

Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Kalispell, MT is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Kalispell is surrounded by family-friendly activities. Find the best campgrounds near Kalispell, MT. Read reviews from campers like you and find your perfect campsite.

Kalispell

The Best Camping Near Kalispell, Montana

Anaconda is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. Anaconda is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Anaconda. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.

Anaconda

The Best Camping Near Anaconda, Montana

The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Havre. Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Havre, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your Montana camping adventure.

Havre

The Best Camping Near Havre, Montana

Join the fun near Miles City. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Miles City is surrounded by family-friendly activities. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Miles City, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.

Miles City

The Best Camping Near Miles City, Montana

Join the fun near Bitterroot National Forest. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. Bitterroot National Forest is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Bitterroot National Forest camping trip.

Bitterroot National Forest

The Best Camping Near Bitterroot National Forest, Montana

Surrounded by the majestic Rocky Mountains in Montana, Glacier National Park boasts over 700 miles of hiking trails and plenty of campsites for weary hikers to spend the night. Near the picturesque cities of Columbia Falls and Whitefish, MT, campers can enjoy a day of shopping or dine at one of the area’s restaurants in between taking in the park’s sights. Avalanche Creek and Granite Park are two popular campgrounds, and RV drivers will find plenty of places to pull up for a night or extended stay. While camping, visitors will have plenty of opportunities to see the area’s diverse wildlife that include grizzly bears, mountain goats, and more.

Glacier National Park

The Best Camping Near Glacier National Park, Montana

Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Flathead National Forest, MT has a lot to offer. There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. Find the best campgrounds near Flathead National Forest, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.

Flathead National Forest

The Best Camping Near Flathead National Forest, Montana

Join the fun near Lewis and Clark National Forest. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your Montana camping adventure.

Lewis and Clark National Forest

The Best Camping Near Lewis and Clark National Forest, Montana

Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Gallatin National Forest, MT is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. Gallatin National Forest is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your Montana camping adventure.

Gallatin National Forest

The Best Camping Near Gallatin National Forest, Montana

Helena National Forest, MT is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. Helena National Forest is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Helena National Forest and user-submitted reviews.

Helena National Forest

The Best Camping Near Helena National Forest, Montana

Kootenai National Forest, MT is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Kootenai National Forest, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. Find the best campgrounds near Kootenai National Forest, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.

Kootenai National Forest

The Best Camping Near Kootenai National Forest, Montana

Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, MT has a lot to offer. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest camping trip.

Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest

The Best Camping Near Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, Montana

Searching for the best camping near Lolo National Forest, MT? Lolo National Forest is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. Discover great camping spots near Lolo National Forest, reviewed by campers like you.

Lolo National Forest

The Best Camping Near Lolo National Forest, Montana

Are you in need of a campground near Custer Gallatin National Forest, MT? There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that Montana camping has to offer. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your Montana camping adventure.

The Best Camping in Vida

Top Campgrounds in Vida (18)

1.