Corps of Engineers expands reservations at Fort Peck Downstream and West End Campgrounds

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will open the Downstream Campground and West End Tent and Trailer Campground at the Fort Peck, Montana project for camping Monday. Both campgrounds are moving to a full reservation system to streamline site occupancy and payments for visitors and staff. The cash-less process will help reduce the spread of COVID-19.

Campsites will be available by reservation only. All campsites will be reserved through the recreation.gov website or the recreation.gov app. Due to COVID-19, phone calls to the call center will not be accepted at this time. Proof of the reservation can be shown on your electronic device or a printed hard copy.  For visitor convenience and staff efficiency, only credit or debit card payments will be accepted via recreation.gov. Campsite payments will no longer be accepted at the gatehouse or honor box.

West End Tent and Trailer Campground has been a first-come first-serve facility and is new to the reservation system this year. To keep the facility first-come first-serve, only same day reservations will be available. Campsite payment must be made on the same day as arrival through recreation.gov instead of paying at the honor box. Overflow camp sites will be available at West End Tent and Trailer, but will require a reservation. Check-in will be completed by text.

There are also several changes to the operations at the Downstream Campground. The entire campground will be in the reservation program. Reservations and payments will only be made through recreation.gov instead of the gatehouse.  Upon arrival, campers must check in at the gatehouse. Campsites are limited to 10 people and one wheeled camping unit per site; no stacking will be allowed. Beginning Monday, campers can reserve Downstream Campground sites for the summer 2020 season including same day arrivals if sites are available. 

Because of the tactile nature of the Interpretive Center, the building will remain closed until safe operations can be determined.

In keeping with the CDC and Montana Governor Bullock’s guidance, visitors with fever, shortness of breath, cough or other COVID-19 related symptoms are asked to stay home. Frequent hand washing or use of personal hand sanitizers is recommended. The public is asked to maintain social distancing of six feet or more. Montana COVID-19 directives can be found at https://covid19.mt.gov/.

For questions about the reservation system, go to recreation.gov. Questions about Fort Peck Downstream Campground can be directed to (406) 526-3224 or the Project office at (406) 526-3411. Updates will be provided at www.corpslakes.us or on Facebook @USACEFortPeck.