Fort Peck Lake
Overview
According to the World Almanac, Fort Peck Dam, MT is the largest embankment dam in the United States with the fifth-largest man-made reservoir. The vast size of Fort Peck Lake and its remoteness from major population centers provides a variety of high quality outdoor experiences including camping, boating, fishing, hunting, sightseeing, and wildlife viewing. Managed by the Army Corps of Engineers, Fort Peck Lake is home to 19 recreation areas with amenities including campsites, boat ramps, a marina, picnic areas, playgrounds, a swimming area, and hiking trails. Many historic buildings from both the 1860s trading post and the Depression-era boomtown still stand and are accessible to visitors. Visitors can also access the dam's powerhouse and museum on guided tours, which are conducted 4 times daily. Interpretive programs, theater presentations, amphitheater programs, and nature hikes covering a wide variety of topics are presented weekly throughout the summer. The entire Fort Peck project lies within the Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge.
Activities
Boating
Boat docks and ramps, and storage are available in several of the lake's recreation areas. Boat rentals are available at Hell Creek and Fort Peck West. Motorized boats are permitted on the lake.
Bicycling
Bike trails are available.
Camping
Camping is available in most of the recreation areas. Many campsites have showers, restrooms, picnic areas, and fireplaces.
Fishing
Fort Peck Lake enjoys nationwide recognition as a hot spot for walleye fishing. The lake also offers excellent fishing for sauger, smallmouth bass, lake trout, chinook salmon and northern pike.
Hiking
Hiking trails in the area surrounding the lake offer wildlife viewing opportunities and scenic views.
Historic Sites
Many historic buildings from both the 1860s trading post and the Depression-era boomtown still stand and are accessible to visitors. Visitors can also access the dam's powerhouse and museum on guided tours, which are conducted 4 times daily. Interpretive programs, theater presentations, amphitheater programs, and nature hikes covering a wide variety of topics are presented weekly throughout the summer.
Hunting
The Fort Peck Lake Area and the Charles M. Russell Wildlife Refuge provide superb hunting of deer, elk, big horn sheep, and prong horn.
Picnicking
Most recreation areas have designated picnic shelters, tables, and fireplaces.
RVing
Campsite amenities include potable water, dump station, and electric hookups
Water Sports
The lake is 134 miles long, has 1520 miles of shoreline, and has a maximum depth of 220 feet and provides opportunties for motorized and non-motorized water sports
Wildlife Watching
Inhabitants of the area include more than 60 species of mammals such as elk, deer, and the endangered black-footed ferret. In addition, there are more than 250 species of birds, ranging from bald eagles to sage grouse.
Winter Sports
The recreation areas are open for winter sports, although not all amenities are available in the off-season.
Seasonality/Weather
Some of the attractions of Fort Peck Lake are limited seasonally; the off-season is October 1 to April 30. This includes the Interpretive Center and Museum, the amphitheater, and scheduled powerhouse tours. Hours of these facilities vary in the off-season. The park is accessible for winter sports.
Directions
Driving
From Glasgow, MT, take Highway 24 south 17 miles to Fort Peck. Or from Nashua, MT take Highway 117 south 12 miles to Fort Peck.
Phone Numbers
Primary
(406) 526-3411Links
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