James Kipp Recreation Area
RV Guide
Introduction
Looking for a fantastic campground to call home during your visit to the Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge? If so, consider calling the James Kipp Recreation Area home. Located on the banks of the Upper Missouri National Wild and Scenic River and on the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail, James Kipp Recreation Area is known for its 34 site campground that does require a fee to use. Despite not offering free dry-camping sites, James Kipp Recreation Area is well worth the money, since it will allow you easy access to some of the best recreation activities in Montana.
Featuring over a million acres, the Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge is perfect for outdoor lovers wanting to have some fun in the sun. Since the James Kipp Recreation Area is on the banks of the Missouri River, most of the recreational activities revolve around it, such as fishing, paddling, and boating. Off the water, you can also explore the many hiking trails, go hunting, or learn more about the history of the area at the Fort Peck Dam Interpretive Center and Museum.
James Kipp Recreation Area is the only campground that is maintained by the BLM within the Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge, but if you are considering staying somewhere else in the park, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from. Peak season at James Kipp Recreation Area runs from April until September.
RV Rentals in James Kipp Recreation Area
Transportation
Driving
James Kipp Recreation Area is one the easiest places for visitors wanting to check out the Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge since it is located right off the U.S Highway 191. There is one entrance to the recreation area directly off the highway, so it will be very easy to find no matter whether you are coming from the north or the south. The road into the recreation area is kept in fantastic condition and there should be no obstacles that could damage your RV.
There are no supplies or amenities near the James Kipp Recreation Area so it is vital that you pick up anything you may need on your way. If you are traveling from the north you can check out Hays (around 31 miles away) or Harlem (around 68 miles away) while visitors coming from the south can visit Roy (around 29 miles away). The closest city to James Kipp Recreation Area is Lewistown, which is around 64 miles to the southwest.
During the wintertime this area of Montana is usually blanketed in a thick snowfall so accessing the recreation area will be very difficult. The services at the campground close down at the beginning of December, so if you are visiting during this time you won't be able to stay here.
Parking
Public Transportation
Campgrounds and parking in James Kipp Recreation Area
Campsites in James Kipp Recreation Area
Reservations camping
Hell Creek State Park Campground
If you are looking for an RV camping option with more amenities you should consider staying at the campground within Hell Creek State Park. The campground has five loops that contain a total of 71 sites with 44 being equipped with electric hookups to add a little luxury to your stay.
Each site also comes with a fire ring so you can cook some smores and a picnic table to relax at. Some of the other campground-wide amenities include showers, toilets, water collection points and easy access to a boat ramp and fish cleaning area.
Accessing Hell Creek State Park Campground isn't for the faint at heart since there is around 20 miles of gravel road that you have to navigate before you arrive. Pets are allowed but there is no cell phone reception at all so plan accordingly. Reservations can be made prior to your arrival and the campground is open all year round.
First-come first-served
James Kipp Recreation Area Campground
The most common place for RV lovers to stay during their visit to the James Kipp Recreation Area is at the campground within the recreation area itself. Although it is operated by the BLM you will still have to pay a small fee to use it, but it is well worth it since the location is right on the banks of the river!
There are 34 campsites to choose from at the James Kipp Recreation Area Campground, all of which are primitive with no electrical hookups available. RVs up to 45 feet in length will be able to stay here and some of the sites are quite large so they are classified as being multi-group sites suitable for more than one RV. The campground has some handy amenities, such as eight vault toilets, a dump station, water collection points, and dumpsters.
All sites at the James Kipp Recreation Area Campground are available on a first-come, first-served only basis and are open all-year-round, but during the wintertime, there will be no camp host.
Seasonal activities in James Kipp Recreation Area
In-Season
Fort Peck Interpretive Center
Looking to learn more about the area? If so, the Fort Peck Interpretive Center is the place to visit. Featuring multiple exhibits, tour options, and archives, the interpretive center is a great way to spend a day inside when visiting the James Kipp Recreation Area. Open throughout the peak season and by appointment only during the winter, Fort Peck Interpretive Center also will have staff on hand to answer any questions you may have before you go and explore the wildlife refuge.
Picnicking
Spending a summer afternoon with a picnic is one of the best ways to relax within the James Kipp Recreation Area. There is plenty of room for you to throw out a picnic blanket near the river, but if you would like to sit down at a table, you can make the most of the picnic area available at each campsite. There are no water collection points or food kiosks, so keep that in mind when you are planning your picnic.
Boating
James Kipp Recreation Area is the perfect place to go boating thanks to the concrete boat launch that will assist you in getting out on the river. The boat ramp is used by many boaters and paddlers who are wanting to explore the badlands section of the Upper Missouri National Wild and Scenic River with some paddlers even floating down from Judith Landing (which is around a four to five-day trip). There are no boat rentals available at the recreation area, however, you may have some luck at one of the marinas that are within the wildlife refuge.
Off-Season
Hunting
If you are interested in doing some hunting during your visit to the James Kipp Recreation Area you will be able to hunt until your heart's content. While hunting within the recreation area isn't recommended since it is so small, the rest of the wildlife refuge is open for big and small game hunting. There are also two ADA accessible hunting blinds so nobody has to miss out. The most popular animals hunted are mule deer, elk, and antelope.
Fishing
Anglers rejoice! You won't have to travel far at all to enjoy the fun of fishing thanks to the recreation area being located right on the banks of the Upper Missouri National Wild and Scenic River. The river offers visitors the chance to catch some large walleye, northern pike, paddlefish and sauger without having to travel too far. If you do want to explore more of the waterway there are also numerous marinas within the wildlife refuge that you can check out.
Birdwatching
A great way to spend an afternoon within the James Kipp Recreation Area is to pull out your binoculars and do some birdwatching. Due to the river being so close by there are many species that will visit the recreation area to have a drink throughout the day. Some of the common species found within the area include owls, woodpeckers, pheasants, and American white pelicans. A bird checklist may be available from the interpretive center, but if they are out you can also ask the staff for their birding tips.
