James Kipp Recreation Area Camping Area

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

The James Kipp Recreation Area Campground is located in the beautiful Fort Peck Reservoir watershed of Montana.


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Summary

The area offers breathtaking views of the Missouri River and the surrounding countryside. Visitors to the campground can enjoy a variety of activities including fishing, boating, hiking, and wildlife watching. The area is home to a number of notable points of interest including the Fort Peck Dam, the Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge, and the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center.

The campground amenities include picnic tables, fire pits, restrooms, and drinking water. There are also boat launches and a fish cleaning station available for those who wish to fish. In addition, the campground offers access to a number of hiking trails that provide stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

One interesting fact about the area is that the Fort Peck Dam is one of the largest earth-filled dams in the world. It stands at 250 feet tall and 4 miles long. The dam was constructed in the 1930s as part of the New Deal program.

The best time to visit the area is during the summer months when temperatures are warm and there is plenty of daylight for outdoor activities. Average temperatures during this time range from the mid-70s to low 80s Fahrenheit. However, it is important to note that the area can experience sudden changes in weather and visitors should be prepared for sudden thunderstorms and other weather events.

Sources:

- USDA Forest Service. (n.d.). James Kipp Recreation Area. Retrieved from https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/mtnf/recarea/?recid=21372
- Fort Peck Dam. (n.d.). History. Retrieved from https://www.nwd.usace.army.mil/Fort-Peck/History/

       

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Camping Essential Practices

Pack It In, Pack It Out
Take all trash, food scraps, and gear back with you to keep campsites clean and protect wildlife.
Respect Wildlife
Observe animals from a distance, store food securely, and never feed wildlife to maintain natural behavior and safety.
Know Before You Go
Check weather, fire restrictions, trail conditions, and permit requirements to ensure a safe and well-planned trip.
Minimize Campfire Impact
Use established fire rings, keep fires small, fully extinguish them, or opt for a camp stove when fires are restricted.
Leave What You Find
Preserve natural and cultural features by avoiding removal of plants, rocks, artifacts, or other elements of the environment.

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