Fort Peck Dam

[David & Leslie]

So ... we're tooling along MT state route 200, heading (finally) for Great Falls. Oh, look, there's a rest area. Oh, look, there's a sign ... and we're off to Fort Peck Dam. THIS is what we LOVE about full-timing - if we see an interesting road, we can take it!

Now camped in the Army Corps of Engrs. campground at the base of the dam - electricity, flushers, showers and great water (tho not at each site). Sites are large and far apart, shaded by lovely big Cottonwoods. So far, 'skeeters or other bugs not a huge problem. Using DH's Golden Age pass, our site fee is $8/day - wonderful! If you're traveling thru central MT and need a quiet stop to recharge, fish, boat, etc. we recommend this one. Tours of the dam powerhouses are offered, and there is a dynamite Interpretive Center focusing on the fantastic palentology of the area. DH is not a lover of fossils, but he humors me on this. One proviso - bring all supplies, as there is nothing for 20+ miles 'cept ice at the gate. Happy camping - L 'n D

[Gina D.]

that sounds great!

Pictures?

[Vivian]

Thanks for the great report on Fort Peck Dam. We love Corps of Engineers parks...especially the "old people" price!

If Great Falls is your destination, where do you camp there? We plan to be in that area later this summer and don't know yet where to look for camping.

[David & Leslie]

Gina - as they say, "film at eleven" ... and pics as soon as D get 'em downloaded.

Vivian - we too are clueless as to camping opportunities in the Great Falls area. We see there is a KOA, and will be checking out other options. We'll share all the details as we discovery them. L 'n D

[RonMayo]

I too stumbled across Fort Peck Dam as you did. In addition to being a good campground it is a hugely significant engineering achievement.

Ron Mayo, engineer guy

[Nancy]

Vivian,

Do *not* take Hwy 12 in ID (Lolo Pass area). The road to Lolo Pass was lots of construction. It took us forever.

We did not overnight in Great Falls, so can not help you there. Found a great forest service campsite at Lolo Creek ($5) on MT side of Lolo Pass.

We stayed at West End campground at Ft. Peck (I have this thing about being down stream from a dam). Got there on Friday night and had to stay in overflow. Had beautiful site for $5. (no hookups, right under the tree (shade) near the camp host and close to shower/toilet) with fantastic lake view.

The dam tour was great. Starts at 9:00 am at the Interpretive Center (Dinosaur Exhibit). Other hours also. Meet the tour person at Center, drive to Dam. Get locked inside and have to get out with escort.

If you go through Malta, MT the dinosaur field station is really neat. There is also a small community campground in Malta that we have never stayed at.

Devils Lake, ND. Camping not very available. Stopped at gas station and they said go to WalMart. Better than nothing.

Nancy

[Vivian]

Nancy,

Thanks for the heads up on Hwy. 12 across Lolo Pass, and the other info you have posted. Very helpful.

[JenPB]

We saw an abundance of wildlife while passing along Fort Peck Dam last fall. Get up early for a the nature show!

[Joy A]

Hey you two,

I was looking for Ft. Peck off highway 200 but I was west of Great Falls. Finally looked it up on the computer and found it very much east of Great Falls and just below highway 2.

Anyway, I loved your comments "Oh, look, there's a rest area. Oh, look, there's a sign ... and we're off to Fort Peck".

I'll say you were off to Ft. Peck some 50 or 60 miles. I expected to see it just a tad down the road.

That's what is wonderful about full timing. I can't wait but don't know when I'll do it as who knows when I can sell the house. This ***[at][at][at]*** economy sure fowled up my plans. But the Scamp, Lily and I are ready to roll if and when.