# Wide skies on the Missouri: by camper van on the Hi-Line and in the footsteps of Lewis and Clark

> From the waterfalls at Great Falls past Fort Benton and the Missouri Breaks to Fort Peck Lake: north-eastern Montana is empty, vast and for exactly that…

Source: https://camping-spirit.com/guides/rf-131-montana-hi-line-lewis-clark/

**At a glance:** 5-day road trip of about 582 km (361 mi) with 8 stops, from Great Falls to Wolf Point. About 6 h 27 min of driving in total. From the waterfalls at Great Falls past Fort Benton and the Missouri Breaks to Fort Peck Lake: north-eastern Montana is empty, vast and for exactly that reason a driving experience.

| | |
|---|---|
| Distance | 582 km (361 mi) |
| Driving | 6 h 27 min |
| Suggested days | 5 |
| Stops | 8 |
| Route | Great Falls → Wolf Point |
| States | MT |
| Updated | September 1, 2026 |

*From the waterfalls at Great Falls past Fort Benton and the Missouri Breaks to Fort Peck Lake: north-eastern Montana is empty, vast and for exactly that reason a driving experience.*

## The spirit of the route

Beyond Great Falls the mountains vanish in the rear-view mirror and the sky takes over. On the Hi-Line, US-2 alongside the Empire Builder railway line, grain silos, wheat fields and wind turbines drift past, and in the evening light the farms lie like islands in a golden sea. On the Missouri at Fort Benton history is tangible: this is where the steamboats docked, and downstream the Missouri Breaks begin, a labyrinth of sandstone, juniper and sage through which Lewis and Clark rowed in 1805. At night it is quiet except for the wind and crickets, and above the camper there are more stars than you have ever seen in Europe. The route demands planning for water, fuel and weather: gumbo mud closes tracks within hours after rain. In return, the open space is yours alone.

## Stage-by-stage plan

### Stage 1: Great Falls to Fort Benton (approx. 65 km)

- **The drive:** From Great Falls take US-87 north-east to Fort Benton: well-built two-lane road through wheat country, driving time about 45 minutes. Stock up on supplies, fuel and propane in Great Falls, because after that places to resupply become rare. Watch the weather: thunderstorms and wind are frequent in summer, and in winter the road is often icy.
- **Highlights & must-sees:**
  - Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Interpretive Center in Great Falls: exhibition on the expedition, right on the Missouri; opening times depend on the season, check beforehand. Next to it are the waterfalls of the Missouri (Black Eagle Falls, Ryan Dam Overlook), which forced the expedition into an arduous portage.
  - Giant Springs State Park: one of the largest freshwater springs in the USA, right on the bank of the Missouri, with a trout hatchery and trails along the river; admission with a day fee, busy in summer.
  - Fort Benton: birthplace of Montana, historic steamboat port; reconstruction of the Old Fort, the Upper Missouri Breaks National Monument Interpretive Center with information on routes and weather, the Grand Union Hotel on the riverbank.
- **Official campsite or RV park:** In Fort Benton there is a municipal campground right on the Missouri with basic sites; check facilities, hookups and fees with the town beforehand. Alternatively private RV parks in Great Falls for water and waste disposal, laundry and shopping.
- **Free camping or nature tip (where legal):** Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks operates Fishing Access Sites on the Missouri and Marias; camping there is often allowed for a short time (frequently up to 7 days, heed the signs on site). In the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument (BLM) dispersed camping is widespread, usually with a maximum stay of 14 days; ask about road conditions and rules at the BLM office in Lewistown or at the Interpretive Center in Fort Benton.
- **Insider tip for campers:** The Interpretive Center in Fort Benton is the best place to get current information on the tracks into the Missouri Breaks; gravel roads are muddy after rain and unsuitable for motorhomes. Take care of water and waste disposal in Great Falls.

### Stage 2: Fort Benton to Havre (approx. 140 km)

- **The drive:** From Fort Benton take US-87 north-east via Big Sandy to Havre: straight, quiet, open; driving time about 2 hours. Fuel stations in Big Sandy and Havre. In Havre the route meets the Hi-Line (US-2) and the Amtrak Empire Builder railway line; in summer thunderstorms arrive quickly, and in winter blowing snow is possible.
- **Highlights & must-sees:**
  - Big Sandy and the Bear Paw Mountains country: the lonely Bear Paws range is within sight, visible from afar in clear weather.
  - Havre Beneath the Streets: underground row of shops dating from after the fire of 1904; tours are seasonal, check dates and opening beforehand.
  - Wahkpa Chu’gn: archaeological site of a buffalo jump near Havre, with a museum and guided tours; opening times depend on the season.
- **Official campsite or RV park:** Beaver Creek Park (Hill County) in the Bear Paw Mountains south of Havre: county park with campgrounds, basic facilities, seasonal; check campground status and lengths with the county beforehand. In Havre there are private RV parks with hookups if you need water and waste disposal.
- **Free camping or nature tip (where legal):** Montana FWP Fishing Access Sites along the Hi-Line often allow short-term camping; the rules are signposted on site. Wild overnighting in car parks and rest areas is limited; the length of stay at rest areas is restricted, heed the signs.
- **Insider tip for campers:** Fill up with fuel and fresh water in Havre: east of here as far as Malta there are only small places. Havre is a good base for shopping and laundry; the station is a photo subject for train fans.

### Stage 3: Havre to Malta (approx. 210 km)

- **The drive:** On US-2 east via Chinook and Harlem to Malta: long straights, little traffic, wheat fields and hills; driving time about 2.5 hours. The wind is often strong, and crosswinds put a strain on tall vehicles. Fuel stations in Chinook, Harlem and Malta; mobile coverage is weak in places. A detour leads from Chinook south to the Nez Perce battlefield.
- **Highlights & must-sees:**
  - Bear Paw Battlefield (Nez Perce National Historical Park): battlefield south of Chinook where the flight of the Nez Perce ended in 1877; a quiet place of remembrance with trails and information boards. Check access and opening with the NPS beforehand.
  - Chinook and Blaine County Museum: museum with regional history and dinosaur finds, open seasonally.
  - Bowdoin National Wildlife Refuge near Malta: bird sanctuary with a driving loop; migratory birds in spring and autumn, pelicans and ducks in summer. Take insect repellent.
- **Official campsite or RV park:** Trafton Park in Malta: town park with basic campsites; check status, facilities and lengths with the town beforehand. Alternatively private RV parks in Malta or Chinook with hookups and waste disposal.
- **Free camping or nature tip (where legal):** On the BLM land north and south of the Hi-Line dispersed camping is possible, usually for up to 14 days; access roads are often gravel or clay and impassable after rain. Overnighting is not permitted in Bowdoin NWR.
- **Insider tip for campers:** Clay tracks (gumbo) are as slippery as soap after rain and impassable for motorhomes: check the weather and stay on tarmac before rain. Fill up with water wherever there are taps – in this area they are rare.

### Stage 4: Malta to Glasgow (approx. 120 km)

- **The drive:** On US-2 further east through the prairie of the Milk River valley to Glasgow: quiet, straight road, driving time about 1.5 hours. Fuel stations in Saco and Glasgow. The landscape becomes hillier, and in early summer wildflowers bloom.
- **Highlights & must-sees:**
  - Milk River Valley: wide prairie with cattle ranches and wheat fields; birds and wildlife (antelope, deer) are often seen.
  - Glasgow: town with the Pioneer Museum and the centre of the region; shopping, fuel station, workshop.
  - Nelson Reservoir (near Saco): reservoir with fishing access and basic campsites; check rules and status in advance.
- **Official campsite or RV park:** In Glasgow there are private RV parks with water and waste disposal. On Fort Peck Lake the Army Corps of Engineers offers further campgrounds; check status and reservations for the next stage.
- **Free camping or nature tip (where legal):** Fishing Access Sites along the Milk River allow short-term camping, heed the signs. BLM land in the surrounding area allows dispersed camping, but access roads are often gravel and risky when wet.
- **Insider tip for campers:** Glasgow is the last larger town before Fort Peck Lake; refill propane, food and fuel here. In summer mosquitoes and storms are frequent; plan a reserve of water and food.

### Stage 5: Glasgow to Fort Peck (approx. 30 km)

- **The drive:** On US-2 a short way east, then on MT-24 south to Fort Peck: paved, quiet road, driving time about 30 minutes. The road runs along the dam of Fort Peck Lake, one of the largest earth dams in the USA.
- **Highlights & must-sees:**
  - Fort Peck Dam: earth dam from 1940, with viewpoints and visitor information; the reservoir is about 135 miles (roughly 215 km) long.
  - Fort Peck Interpretive Center and Museum: fossils (including a Tyrannosaurus skeleton) and exhibitions on the dam and the region; opening times seasonal, check in advance.
  - Fort Peck Lake: boat trips, fishing and water play; the lake gives access to parts of the Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge.
- **Official campsite or RV park:** Fort Peck Downstream Campground (Army Corps of Engineers) at the foot of the dam: sites with water and some hookups; check status, length limit and booking with the Corps beforehand. Alternative: private RV parks in the town of Fort Peck or in Glasgow.
- **Free camping or nature tip (where legal):** In the Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge dispersed camping is permitted under certain conditions; ask the refuge office about the rules (maximum duration, distance from trails, road condition). Roads in the refuge are gravel and closed when it rains.
- **Insider tip for campers:** The refuge network is huge and the roads are mostly clay: do not drive in rain or on a wet road. Have an offline map and your vehicle details with you; help is far away.

## Camping practice & local rules

### Wild camping & overnight parking

- Dispersed camping is widespread on BLM land and in National Forests, usually up to 14 days in one place; check the rules on the BLM Lewistown map and with the Fort Peck administration. Observe fire bans in dry conditions.
- Montana Fishing Access Sites often allow short-term camping, frequently up to 7 days; heed the signs on site.
- The Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge has its own rules for camping, fires and roads; get information from the refuge office or on the internet.
- On tribal land (Fort Belknap, Fort Peck Indian Reservation) access is limited to approved roads and sites; ask the tribe about permits.
- Car parks and rest areas often allow only a time-limited stay, heed the signs; ask in the store about supermarket car parks.
- Apps: iOverlander, Campendium, The Dyrt, Recreation.gov; road status: Montana Department of Transportation (511 MT).

### Waste disposal & supplies

- Hookups and dump stations in Great Falls, Havre, Malta, Glasgow and Fort Peck at private RV parks and some campgrounds; otherwise rare. Check fresh water and waste disposal before every stage.
- Drinking water only from taps at campgrounds; filter or boil river or lake water.
- Propane in Great Falls, Havre, Malta and Glasgow; European cylinders need adapters, and rental vehicles have permanently installed US tanks.
- Fuel: fuel stations are 40–100 km apart; fill up completely in Havre, Malta and Glasgow.
- Shopping: supermarkets in Great Falls, Havre, Malta and Glasgow; smaller places have only a basic range.
- Electricity: hookups only at private RV parks and at Downstream Campground; generators only at permitted times.

### Vehicle size & traffic rules

- Speed limits in mph: US-2 mostly 65–70, in built-up areas 25–35; watch for wildlife and crosswinds.
- Tolls: no toll roads on the route; admission to state parks and museums is charged individually.
- Dimensions: legal height 14 ft (4.27 m); gravel roads are often unsuitable for motorhomes.
- Season: summer hot and windy, thunderstorms frequent; spring and autumn cool, winter snowy; wildfire season July to September.
- Traffic law for travellers: right turn on red after stopping, unless a sign prohibits it; mobile phone use while driving is not regulated statewide in Montana, so for safety use hands-free only; open alcohol containers in the passenger compartment prohibited; seat belts for all occupants.
- Emergency: 911; mobile coverage is weak in places and help can be far away; carry a reserve of water and fuel.

## CampingSpirit packing & preparation checklist

- Extra water canisters and a fuel reserve: the distances between places to resupply are large.
- Levelling ramps and a tow rope: clay tracks and pitches are often sloping and slippery after rain.
- Windproof jacket, sun protection and insect repellent: the prairie offers hardly any shade, and there are many mosquitoes by the water.
- Binoculars for birds and wildlife in Bowdoin NWR and Fort Peck.
- Offline maps, a paper map and a satellite emergency device: reception is poor in the Missouri Breaks.

_As of 2026-09. Closures, fees and booking rules change: check official sources before you go._

## Stop-by-stop itinerary

1. **Great Falls** (MT)
2. **Fort Benton** (MT)
3. **Havre** (MT)
4. **Chinook** (MT)
5. **Malta** (MT)
6. **Glasgow** (MT)
7. **Fort Peck** (MT)
8. **Wolf Point** (MT)

## Best time to go

The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August and October. Cold, short days in December–March. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)

## FAQs

**How long is Wide skies on the Missouri: by camper van on the Hi-Line and in the footsteps of Lewis and Clark?**
5-day road trip of about 582 km (361 mi) with 8 stops, from Great Falls to Wolf Point. About 6 h 27 min of driving in total.

**How many days do you need for Wide skies on the Missouri: by camper van on the Hi-Line and in the footsteps of Lewis and Clark?**
We suggest 5 days: about 6 h 27 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.

**Where does Wide skies on the Missouri: by camper van on the Hi-Line and in the footsteps of Lewis and Clark start and end?**
It starts in Great Falls and ends in Wolf Point.

**Which states does Wide skies on the Missouri: by camper van on the Hi-Line and in the footsteps of Lewis and Clark pass through?**
Montana.

**Where can you camp along Wide skies on the Missouri: by camper van on the Hi-Line and in the footsteps of Lewis and Clark?**
OpenStreetMap lists 20 campsites and motorhome stopovers within 19 mi of the stops on this route. For example: ChoCoFair Campground, Chouteau County Canoe Launch Campground and Benton RV Park.

**When is the best time for Wide skies on the Missouri: by camper van on the Hi-Line and in the footsteps of Lewis and Clark?**
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)