- UL Bend National Wildlife Refuge/
- Camping
The best camping in UL Bend National Wildlife Refuge, MT
Discover the wild beauty of UL Bend National Wildlife Refuge.
Top-rated campsites near UL Bend National Wildlife Refuge
American Prairie Buffalo Camp
1. American Prairie Buffalo Camp
13mi from UL Bend National Wildlife Refuge · 13 sites · Tents, RVs
This is a remote property—roughly 2.5 hours from the nearest paved road, deep in Phillips County. Sun Prairie is where our conservation bison herd is most visible. Bands of bison move across rolling shortgrass prairie, graze near prairie potholes, and shift with the weather and season. Watching them cross an open horizon is one of the defining experiences of this landscape.
But bison aren't the only story. Prairie dog towns chirp with excitement. Telegraph Creek carves a riparian corridor that draws birds, mammals, and insects. Coyotes call at dusk. Larb Hills offer a sense of scale that photos can't quite capture. And at night, the stars are unreasonable.
This is still a ranched landscape with active grazing operations and, in season, active hunting areas nearby. You'll share the roads with pickups, cattle, RVs with boats pulled behind, and the occasional gate that needs opening and closing. Go slow. Respect the neighbors. That's part of it.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
American Prairie Antelope Creek Campground
2. American Prairie Antelope Creek Campground
40mi from UL Bend National Wildlife Refuge · 26 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Antelope Creek Campground sits just off Highway 191 between mile markers 96 and 97.
While it is more accessible than other remote properties—you can reach us in a standard passenger car and park right by the bathhouse—the wilderness feels just as close. You can watch the local prairie dogs right from your lawn chair.
This is also one of the premier stargazing locations in Montana. With minimal light pollution and wide-open horizons, the Milky Way is brilliantly visible on clear nights, and meteor showers put on a spectacular show.
Wildlife & Exploration
In the spring, sage grouse leks come alive within a short walk of the camp. Our permanent residents, the prairie dogs, provide a constant soundtrack to the plains. For those looking to explore, the Antelope Creek Wilderness Study Area is accessible through a pedestrian gate just west of the walk-in tent sites, offering coulees, ponderosa pines, and total solitude in every direction.
The Surrounding Area
Our "Mars Vista" point sits near the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation, offering views toward the towns of Hays and Lodgepole, as well as Mission Canyon in the Little Rocky Mountains. If you need supplies, the town of Malta is just 20 minutes away and has everything you might have forgotten to pack.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Antelope Creek Campground
3. Antelope Creek Campground
40mi from UL Bend National Wildlife Refuge
The Antelope Creek Campground at Mars Vista stands out as a unique lodging option due to its picturesque setting on rolling sage and shortgrass prairie, making it an ideal retreat for nature enthusiasts. Conveniently located just seven miles north of the Missouri River along US 191, this campground offers easy access to a variety of outdoor adventures.
Guests can explore an interpretive hiking trail that winds through the stunning landscape, while a nearby prairie dog town provides a fascinating glimpse into local wildlife. Birdwatchers will delight in the wetlands that surround the area, perfect for observing a diverse range of bird species.
The campground features a variety of accommodations, including tent spaces, RV sites equipped with power, and cozy small cabins available for reservation. Visitors will also appreciate the convenience of a bathhouse with showers, ensuring a comfortable stay. Whether you're seeking solitude or a family getaway, Antelope Creek Campground offers a memorable experience in the heart of nature.
Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next UL Bend National Wildlife Refuge adventure.
Top-rated campsites near UL Bend National Wildlife Refuge
American Prairie Buffalo Camp
1. American Prairie Buffalo Camp
13mi from UL Bend National Wildlife Refuge · 13 sites · Tents, RVs
This is a remote property—roughly 2.5 hours from the nearest paved road, deep in Phillips County. Sun Prairie is where our conservation bison herd is most visible. Bands of bison move across rolling shortgrass prairie, graze near prairie potholes, and shift with the weather and season. Watching them cross an open horizon is one of the defining experiences of this landscape.
But bison aren't the only story. Prairie dog towns chirp with excitement. Telegraph Creek carves a riparian corridor that draws birds, mammals, and insects. Coyotes call at dusk. Larb Hills offer a sense of scale that photos can't quite capture. And at night, the stars are unreasonable.
This is still a ranched landscape with active grazing operations and, in season, active hunting areas nearby. You'll share the roads with pickups, cattle, RVs with boats pulled behind, and the occasional gate that needs opening and closing. Go slow. Respect the neighbors. That's part of it.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
American Prairie Antelope Creek Campground
2. American Prairie Antelope Creek Campground
40mi from UL Bend National Wildlife Refuge · 26 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Antelope Creek Campground sits just off Highway 191 between mile markers 96 and 97.
While it is more accessible than other remote properties—you can reach us in a standard passenger car and park right by the bathhouse—the wilderness feels just as close. You can watch the local prairie dogs right from your lawn chair.
This is also one of the premier stargazing locations in Montana. With minimal light pollution and wide-open horizons, the Milky Way is brilliantly visible on clear nights, and meteor showers put on a spectacular show.
Wildlife & Exploration
In the spring, sage grouse leks come alive within a short walk of the camp. Our permanent residents, the prairie dogs, provide a constant soundtrack to the plains. For those looking to explore, the Antelope Creek Wilderness Study Area is accessible through a pedestrian gate just west of the walk-in tent sites, offering coulees, ponderosa pines, and total solitude in every direction.
The Surrounding Area
Our "Mars Vista" point sits near the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation, offering views toward the towns of Hays and Lodgepole, as well as Mission Canyon in the Little Rocky Mountains. If you need supplies, the town of Malta is just 20 minutes away and has everything you might have forgotten to pack.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Antelope Creek Campground
3. Antelope Creek Campground
40mi from UL Bend National Wildlife Refuge
The Antelope Creek Campground at Mars Vista stands out as a unique lodging option due to its picturesque setting on rolling sage and shortgrass prairie, making it an ideal retreat for nature enthusiasts. Conveniently located just seven miles north of the Missouri River along US 191, this campground offers easy access to a variety of outdoor adventures.
Guests can explore an interpretive hiking trail that winds through the stunning landscape, while a nearby prairie dog town provides a fascinating glimpse into local wildlife. Birdwatchers will delight in the wetlands that surround the area, perfect for observing a diverse range of bird species.
The campground features a variety of accommodations, including tent spaces, RV sites equipped with power, and cozy small cabins available for reservation. Visitors will also appreciate the convenience of a bathhouse with showers, ensuring a comfortable stay. Whether you're seeking solitude or a family getaway, Antelope Creek Campground offers a memorable experience in the heart of nature.
UL Bend National Wildlife Refuge camping guide
Overview
About
Embarking on an unforgettable encounter with nature's finest displays all while camping near the UL Bend National Wildlife Refuge. This refuge redefines wildlife watching, offering campers a rare glimpse into the lives of various animals in one of Montana's most remote areas. Setting up camp near UL Bend is an unusual experience, as it's here that elk continue to inhabit their native prairie throughout the year. The refuge's vast landscapes are also home to deer, pronghorn antelope, birds, prairie dogs, and bighorn sheep. All these creatures add to the rich tapestry of life in the area. The UL Bend National Wildlife Refuge is cradled within the larger Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge and spans a generous 20,000 acres. An interesting geographical feature of the refuge is the Fort Peck Reservoir, which surrounds the southern half of the area. As the impounded waters of the Missouri River, it presents an ecological barrier for land-associated wildlife. A UL Bend camping expedition is not just about wildlife viewing. Other recreational opportunities abound. Try your hand at boating, hunting, or fishing. Explore archaeological and historic sites or venture into the Missouri Breaks wilderness region. Just remember, the journey to the refuge from either Zortman or Malta requires navigating rough roads, so it's recommended to check weather and road conditions before you set off. An adventure to this refuge is certainly an immersion into the wild, raw beauty of Montana.
When to go
The best time to visit UL Bend National Wildlife Refuge is during the spring and fall when temperatures are moderate and wildlife is abundant. Summer offers warm weather for outdoor activities, but be prepared for highs reaching 100ºF. Winter can be harsh, with temperatures dropping to -20ºF, making it less ideal for visits.
Know before you go
- Prepare for remote conditions; bring water and supplies as amenities are limited.
- Check weather conditions; trails may be impassable during wet weather.
- Cell phone service is sporadic; plan accordingly for safety and communication.
- Respect wildlife habitats; follow guidelines for hunting, fishing, and wildlife watching.
- Be aware of seasonal temperature extremes, ranging from very hot summers to freezing winters.
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