About Boomtown Shelter
Overview Boomtown Recreation area is located just to the west of Fort Peck Dam on the Missouri River in northeastern Montana. Recreation enthusiasts and sportsmen enjoy the beauty of Fort Peck Lake's 1,500 miles of shoreline. A variety of high quality outdoor activities are available, including camping, boating, fishing, hunting, sightseeing and wildlife viewing. Fort Peck Dam, which impounds Fort Peck Lake is the first dam built in the upper Missouri River Basin. The area surrounding Fort Peck was first charted by Lewis and Clark in 1804, and the pristine natural condition of the river and surrounding area awed the renowned explorers. When President Franklin D. Roosevelt authorized the Fort Peck project in 1933, thousands of people from all over the country migrated to Montana during the midst of the Great Depression in hopes of earning a living. Today, Fort Peck Lake is a sportsman's paradise with excellent fishing, wildlife viewing and other countless outdoor recreation opportunities. For more information, visit the Fort Peck Project Website or call 406-526-3411. Recreation The vast size of Fort Peck Lake and its remoteness from major population centers provide a variety of high quality outdoor experiences. Popular recreation activities include camping, boating, fishing, hunting, sight-seeing, picnicking, biking, hiking, photography, watching wildlife and just relaxing. Fort Peck Lake: Fifteen hundred miles of pristine shoreline serve as a haven for those wishing to get away from the stresses of modern life. There are 27 recreation areas located around the reservoir, including several with primitive camping sites on a first come, first serve basis. The areas near and around the dam offer paved roads, electricity, showers and playgrounds while facilities around the rest of the lake are more primitive with gravel roads, picnic tables and vault toilets. Access roads to many of the remote areas may be impassable in inclement weather. Facilities Fishing: Fort Peck Lak
How to Get There
From Glasgow: head south on MT-42 S/State Hwy 24 W and continue onto MT 24 S for 15 miles. Turn right into the Boomtown recreation area. (just before Hwy 117 turnoff). Shelter area is the first right. From Nashua: Take MT-117 S to Hwy 24. Turn right for .1 miles. Boomtown Recreation area is on the left approximately .1 mile. Shelter area is the first right. From MT-200: Take MT-24 N for 59.6 miles. Turn right into Boomtown Recreation area. Shelter area is the first right.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
- 👕
Moisture-wicking T-shirt
Light color, breathable.
- 🩳
Lightweight shorts or pants
Quick-dry preferred — sweat dries fast.
- 🧢
Brimmed sun hat
Better than a cap for back-of-neck protection.
- 🥾
Trail runners
Breathable mesh uppers.
🎒 What to Pack
- 💧
Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection
Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to Boomtown Shelter
Heading to Boomtown Shelter? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Boomtown Shelter?
No central reservation system listed for Boomtown Shelter. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/10253032) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Boomtown Shelter?
From Glasgow: head south on MT-42 S/State Hwy 24 W and continue onto MT 24 S for 15 miles. Turn right into the Boomtown recreation area. (just before Hwy 117 turnoff). Shelter area is the first right. From Nashua: Take MT-117 S to Hwy 24. Turn right for .1 miles. Boomtown Recreation area is on the left approximately .1 mile. Shelter area is the first right. From MT-200: Take MT-24 N for 59.6 miles…
How do I contact Boomtown Shelter?
You can reach the park at phone: 406-526-3411.
References & Official Resources
