Dark skies meet wide-open spaces in the flat, isolated expanse of the Slippery Ann Elk Viewing Area, where you’ll find excellent stargazing opportunities alongside prime wildlife watching. This 20-mile-long self-guided tour within the Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge is especially exciting during the fall rut when hundreds of elk gather and put on a show. 

Nearby camping options include the James Kipp Recreation Area—also offering a remote location perfect for stargazing, plus fishing and boating. This section of the river has a wooded river bottom in a historic and scenic setting. Floaters can opt for a campsite near the boat ramp, while the Upper Slippery Ann Camping Area overlooks the elk on the river. This campground is stocked with basic amenities.

During the Day

• Boat or fish on the Missouri River.
• Hike the area and search for interpretive signage.
• Drive the Charles M. Russell self-guided Auto Tour.

Getting there

FROM MISSOURI RIVER: Take HWY 191 north ½ mile and turn right on CMR Auto Tour Route and go 5½ miles. To the right are a few campsites near the river. Continuing forward, on the left, is a flat area for parking/RV camping. This is the western-most side of Slippery Ann.