Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge

The information on this page is intended as a guide to assist hunters and does not contain all Refuge regulations. Please visit our Rules and Policies page for our complete Visitor Use Regulations. 

To get started with general information on Montana...

Boating and fishing is permitted on the Missouri River and Fort Peck Reservoir. Numerous boat ramps and several marinas are located around the Refuge. Fishing for walleye, sauger, paddlefish, and northern pike, among other species, is very popular. A Montana state license is required,...

Campgrounds are available and backcountry camping is allowed on the Refuge. Most of the Recreation Areas, campgrounds and boat ramps located on Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge are operated and maintained by other agencies. The list below is organized by agency and the areas they...

A self-guided auto tour route, which may be accessed from two points along Highway 191 on the west side of the refuge, provides visitors the chance to see the refuge close-up and gain a better understanding of Refuge resources. The tour route follows an all-weather gravel road that...

Hiking is allowed anywhere on the Refuge but there are also established trails scattered around the Refuge with varying levels of development and accessibility. 

On the east side of the Refuge there are several paved walking trails near the Fort Peck Dam Interpretive Center and Museum...

Slippery Ann Elk Viewing Area

Elk breeding usually occurs in September and October and it is during the breeding season, or rut, that large numbers of elk congregate at the Slippery Ann Elk Viewing Area. Peak numbers of bull elk can be viewed in this area around the second...

From spring wildflowers to the fall elk rut and the timeless landscapes in between, the Refuge offers an abundance of photography opportunities year round. Travel along the Auto Tour route to capture scenes of the Missouri River and ponderosa pine forests or visit the east side of the Refuge for...

Horses, mules, llamas, and other types of pack animals may be used on the Refuge but must be tied, hobbled, or picketed while in camp. Pens are provided at some Army Corps of Engineers Recreation sites. Stock water is generally unavailable, so it is best to bring your own water. To prevent the...

Bicycles are permitted year-round and only on numbered roads.