West End Tent And Trailer Campground
4.1233 reviewsWest End Tent and Trailer Campground, 430 DUCK CREEK RD, Fort Peck, MT 59223
West End Tent And Trailer Campground
$15.00 - $25.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$18.00
Hookup Site Fee$25.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Facility rates by season dates: Peak Season (May 01, 2025 - September 30, 2025) Standard Electric: $18.00; Standard Non-electric: $15.00; RV Electric: $25.00. Fees do not include discounts, taxes, or incremental charges.
About this campground
Perched on a scenic hillside overlooking the vast expanse of Fort Peck Lake, West End Tent and Trailer Campground offers a tranquil escape with 13 well-appointed campsites. Each site comes equipped with electrical hookups, sturdy picnic tables, and fire rings perfect for evening gatherings under Montana's star-filled skies. The campground's strategic location has made it a beloved basecamp for anglers, with convenient access to nearby boat ramps that lead to some of the region's finest fishing waters. Additional overflow areas ensure that even during busy weekends, there's room for everyone seeking this peaceful retreat.
The West End Tent and Trailer Campground accommodates diverse camping preferences, including tent and RV camping. Overflow and group accommodations are also available.
Historical SignificanceThe campground sits in the shadow of Fort Peck Dam, an engineering marvel born from America's New Deal era in 1933. This massive earthen dam stands as a testament to the determination of Depression-era workers who transformed the Missouri River valley. Long before the dam's construction, Lewis and Clark navigated these waters in 1804, documenting the untamed beauty of the American frontier. Today's visitors camp on grounds steeped in both Native American heritage and the pioneering spirit that shaped the modern West.
Weather and SeasonsFrom May through September, West End comes alive as warm days and cool evenings create the perfect camping conditions. Summer afternoons often bring nature's most spectacular light shows, as dramatic thunderstorms roll across the lake, offering campers front-row seats to Mother Nature's theater. These months showcase Montana at its finest, with comfortable temperatures ideal for both water activities and fireside relaxation.
ElevationThe campground's hillside setting provides a natural amphitheater effect, with each campsite enjoying commanding views across Fort Peck Lake. This elevated position not only offers cooling breezes on warm summer days but also creates perfect vantage points for sunrise photography and evening wildlife watching.
Natural Features and SceneryFrom your hillside perch at West End, the panoramic views of Fort Peck Lake stretch to the horizon, where water meets sky in an endless blue canvas. Morning mists rise from the lake's surface while white-tailed deer emerge from nearby woodlands to graze in the soft dawn light. As evening approaches, the western sky transforms into a palette of oranges and purples, reflected perfectly in the calm waters below. During summer storms, campers witness nature's raw power as lightning dances across the lake, creating unforgettable memories from the safety of their elevated viewpoint.
Geological RegionWest End Campground occupies a unique position within the Missouri River Basin, where ancient geological forces carved rolling hills and deep valleys now filled by Fort Peck Lake. This diverse terrain creates a landscape of contrasts—from the gentle slopes surrounding the campground to the dramatic shorelines below. The interplay between land and water has shaped not just the physical environment but also the rich ecosystem that thrives here, making it a fascinating destination for those interested in the natural history of the Northern Great Plains.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessible flush toilets, showers, and campsites are available. However, detailed information on accessibility features such as ramps or pathways is lacking.
Sites SizeSites vary in size, some with spacious layouts accommodating RVs.
Sites PrivacySites offer a mix of privacy and lake views, with many providing quiet and serene settings. Overflow sites are noted to be spaced away from the electric sites, reducing generator noise.
Total Campsites13 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites near the lake (e.g., site 5, 6) are praised for views and peaceful settings. Overflow areas are generally quieter but lack some amenities.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in required on the day of arrival.
Stay Limit
- 14 nights per visit
- 14 nights total within rolling 30 days.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutFeatures 13 electrical hookup sites and overflow sections. Sites are mostly spaced apart. Overflow areas lack some amenities like electrical hookups.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen all year. Peak season runs from May 1 to September 30.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made at Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777.
Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come-first-serve availability is mirrored by same-day reservations online. Historically a walk-up campground.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled anytime before the scheduled arrival day. Fees include a $10 cancellation fee and late penalties, such as forfeiting the first night's use fee for individual campsites canceled after midnight, one day before check-in.
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
Flush toilets
Vault toilets
Electricity hookups
Activities you can enjoy
The campground offers a wide array of recreational activities thanks to its proximity to Fort Peck Lake and the surrounding areas. Campers can enjoy fishing, boating, swimming, hiking, wildlife viewing, and more.
Hiking
The Beaver Creek Nature Area, located five miles from the campground, features three miles of trails suitable for hiking and biking.Fishing
Fort Peck Lake is recognized as a hotspot for walleye fishing and also supports fishing for sauger, smallmouth bass, lake trout, chinook salmon, and northern pike. A user noted, "The fishery at Fort Peck is awesome."Swimming
Swimming is available in Fort Peck Lake, which offers vast recreational opportunities.Biking
Biking is supported on the trails at the nearby Beaver Creek Nature Area.Boating
Boating is a significant activity, supported by two boat ramps within two miles of the campground. Canoeing and kayaking are also popular.Wildlife viewing
The area is rich in wildlife, including deer, elk, and pronghorn. The nearby Charles M. Russell Wildlife Refuge enhances these opportunities.Winter Activities
No specific winter activities were mentioned, but the campground may experience reduced usability due to snowy conditions.Water Sports
Canoeing, kayaking, and paddleboarding are available on Fort Peck Lake.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fire rings provided at each site. No specific restrictions noted on fire use.
Hazards
General hazardsHigh winds, such as the July 4, 60 mph storm noted in a user review, may pose hazards. Wildlife like deer may roam in the area. Extreme thunderstorms might occur occasionally.
Weather forecast
81
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 22%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 2.6 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Emergency services are available in Glasgow, MT, 16 miles away, including medical facilities, police, and fire services.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 1 to September 30 annually.
Trash and recyclingTrash facilities are available, but specific information on recycling and pickup schedules is not detailed.
Proximity to water featuresLocated within two miles of boat ramps at Fort Peck Lake. Overlooks the lake.
Common complaintsComplaints about reservation difficulties were prominent. User reviews mentioned issues like hard-to-level sites, lack of shade, and delays in maintenance response after wind damage.
HostCheck-in/out via text or with camp host. Some reviewers found hosts helpful, while others mentioned unhelpful experiences.
Campground Map
West End Tent and Trailer Campground, 430 DUCK CREEK RD, Fort Peck, MT 59223
Driving directionsFrom Glasgow, MT, travel on Montana 42-S then Montana 24-S for 16 miles toward Fort Peck Dam. Turn right onto Duck Creek Rd travel 0.6 miles bearing right at the 'Y'. Campground will be on your left. From Nashua, MT, travel on Montana 117-S for 10 miles. Turn right onto Yellowstone Rd/MT-117-S travel 2.5 miles. Slight Right onto Montana 24-N travel .5 miles. Turn left onto Duck Creek Rd travel 0.6 miles bearing right at the 'Y'. Campground will be on your left. From Interstate 94, Glendive/Circle exit, take Montana 200-W for 76 miles to Montana 24-N. Turn right onto Montana 24-N travel 60 miles. Turn left onto Duck Creek Rd travel 0.6 miles bearing right at the 'Y'. Campground will be on your left.
Duck Creek Rd leads to the campground from Montana 24. Road access is paved and well-marked. Seasonal accessibility challenges are not noted.Nearby places
Glasgow, MT (16 miles, approximately 25 minutes)
Nashua, MT (12 miles, approximately 20 minutes)
Glendive, MT (approximately 136 miles, 2 hours)
Nearby supplies
Essential supplies like groceries, camping gear, and fuel can be found in Glasgow, MT (16 miles away).
Camper Reviews
4.1
33 reviews
West End Tent And Trailer Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
The campground has mixed reviews, with some users praising the cleanliness, quietness, and lake views, while others report issues with reservations and site conditions.
Review Summaries
Based on 33 reviews
What Campers Love
Highlights include the cleanliness of the facilities, availability of showers and flush toilets, beautiful lake views, and quiet atmosphere. One user commented, "Great, quiet campsite with great...
Based on 33 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Frequent complaints revolve around the reservation system, which is described as cumbersome. There are also reports of poor cell phone reception, unhelpful hosts, and the need for upgrades to the...
Based on 33 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Users recommend booking early since sites fill quickly. Overflow sites are quieter due to distance from generator noise. Campers suggest bringing extra shade supplies as tree cover is limited. A user...
Based on 33 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Reviews highlight that summer is the busiest and most popular season. Visitors appreciated the clean facilities and lake access but mentioned occasional windstorms and tree damage.
Based on 33 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Loved the campground set up and the fact that they have showers!" "Nice and peaceful and lots of shade but not really like how you do the reservations." "Showers where excellent, going to stay...
Based on 33 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site 10 is noted for its poor condition; one user rated it 1 and mentioned that the host gave away personal information. Sites 5 and 6 in the West End Loop are positively reviewed for spaciousness...
Based on 33 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
Specific accessibility reviews are limited, but the presence of accessible flush toilets and showers is appreciated.
Based on 33 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No specific reviews related to pets were provided.
Based on 33 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025