Boomtown Shelter

About

Boomtown Recreation Area sits at the western edge of Fort Peck Dam, offering campers a striking panoramic view of the dam and Fort Peck Lake's 1,500 miles of pristine shoreline. The area features mature cottonwood groves that provide shade and attract diverse wildlife. First charted by Lewis and Clark in 1804, this region retains much of its natural character. The shelter house was destroyed by a storm in fall 2024. The site remains reservable at a reduced price, though the shelter and electric grill are not currently available. Plans exist to rebuild as funds become available. The recreation area includes access to 3 miles of paved nature trails, the Fortress disc golf course, and the nearby Fort Peck Dam Interpretive Center and Museum. Fort Peck Lake provides excellent opportunities for boating, fishing, hunting, and wildlife viewing. The 1.1-million-acre Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge surrounds the lake, preserving habitat for numerous species. Facilities at remote areas like Boomtown are primitive compared to those near the dam.

Directions

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 0.1 miles. Boomtown Recreation area is on the left. 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.