Wild About Sun Prairie
Where bison still roam.
What is Sun Prairie?
This is a remote property — roughly 50 miles from the nearest paved road, deep in Phillips County. Sun Prairie is where our bison herd is most visible. Bands of bison move across rolling shortgrass prairie, graze near prairie potholes, and shift with weather and the seasons. Watching them cross an open horizon is one of the defining experiences of this landscape.
But bison aren’t the only story. Prairie dogs chirp with excitement. Telegraph Creek carves a riparian corridor that draws birds, mammals, and insects. Coyotes call at dusk. The Larb Hills appear out of nowhere and present a beauty that photos can’t quite capture. And at night, the stars are unreasonable.
This remains an active ranching area, 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. Leave gates as you find them. Respect the neighbors. It’s all part of the prairie.
Wildlife sightings are real but never guaranteed. Some visitors see hundreds of bison. Others see a few lone bulls. That’s the prairie. Come for the experience, not the checklist.
Sun Prairie Quick Facts
Distance
~2.5 hrs from Lewistown, the last 50 miles on gravel
Roads
High-clearance required. 4WD + 10-ply after rain.
Camping
Buffalo Camp — RV hookups, tent sites, pit toilets
Cell Service
Limited. Download your maps before leaving town.
Best Season
May – October (call ahead for road conditions)
Wildlife
Bison, prairie dogs, pronghorn, mule deer, coyotes, and LOTS of birds.
Where We Are
Located deep in south Phillips County, Sun Prairie is arguably our most remote property. Roughly 50 miles south of Malta on gravel and 2.5 from Lewistown, traveling to Sun Prairie is a journey through time. Come see the bison, watch the prairie dogs play, and enjoy the ever-rarer sound of true quiet.
Click the button below to learn more, hear from other visitors, and book your stay.
Buffalo Camp — where you’ll stay
Buffalo Camp puts you directly in the heart of bison country. This campsite has RV hookups with non-potable water and six tent campsite available. No electrical hookups beyond the RV pads. Pit toilets but no showers.
Dispersed tent camping is available elsewhere on the property with a ¼-mile setback from roads — no fires, three-night limit per spot.
The night skies are exceptional here. Bring a headlamp and whatever book you’ve been meaning to read.
Things to Do
Auto Touring
These backroads are built for slow driving. Get out of the car often. Bring binoculars.
Hiking + biking
Two-track roads and open terrain. No marked trails — the exploration is the point. Distances feel bigger than they look on a map.
Land snorkeling
Move through the grass at ground level and pay attention to what you’d normally miss — insects, tracks, plants, bird behavior.
Larb Hills + Schoolhouse
Higher ground means longer views. The historic Prairie Union Schoolhouse is a reminder of the families who built lives here.
Fort Peck
Lake access
Head south from Sun Prairie for premiere fishing and boating access at Fourchette Bay.
Sample Itinerary
Day
1
Morning
Leave Lewistown early. Stock up on gas and groceries — you won’t find either once you’re on gravel. Download offline maps before you lose signal.
The drive itself is part of the experience. Watch the landscape open up as you head north on 191, cross the Missouri at the James Kipp Recreation Area, and turn onto Dry Fork Road. Budget 2.5 to 3 hours.
Day
1
Afternoon + Evening
Set up at Buffalo Camp. Take a slow drive around the property roads. Look for prairie dog towns — bison often graze nearby.
Cook outside if weather allows. Eat early enough to watch the sunset. Stay up for stars.
Day
2
Morning
Bison are most active early. Drive or hike the Box Elder Crossing route.
Walk through prairie dog towns — watch for burrowing owls near burrow entrances.
Day
2
Afternoon + Evening
Pack a lunch, plenty of water, and head south into the Charles M. Russell NWR. Park the vehicle and walk in as far as you want.
Drive back out. Stop at the Missouri River overlook if you haven’t already. Make it to Lewistown for dinner.