How much does camping cost at Cooney State Park?

Camping fees at Cooney State Park range from $25-$35/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Cooney State Park first-come first-served or reservation?

Cooney State Park accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Cooney State Park before I book?

Yes! Cooney State Park has 7 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Cooney State Park?

Cooney State Park is open Summer months are peak season due to water activities.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Cooney State Park?

Cooney State Park does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Cooney State Park?

Fire policies at Cooney State Park: Campfires are allowed only in designated areas.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Cooney State Park have?

Cooney State Park has 5 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Cooney State Park?

Yes, pets are allowed at Cooney State Park. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Cooney State Park?

Cooney State Park offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Electrical Hookups, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Cooney State Park?

Popular activities at Cooney State Park include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Biking, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Cooney State Park

3 reviews

86 Lake Shore Rd, Roberts, Montana, 59070, United States

Summer Destination

Featured in:Hiking Camping Montana

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

4,242 ft

Price

$25 - $35/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

5 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Electric

Book on Montana State Parks Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

4,242 ft

Price

$25 - $35/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

5 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Electric

Book on Montana State Parks Official Website

Get Directions

Cooney State Park

$25.00 - $35.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Campsite fees range from $4-$34 per night, depending on season and available amenities.

No paid fee categories listed.

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Reserve America

Provider

4064452326

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

86 Lake Shore Rd, Roberts, Montana, 59070, United States

Cooney State Park

86 Lake Shore Rd, Roberts, Montana, 59070, United States

Nearby places

Laurel (22 miles, approximately 30 minutes), Boyd (8 miles, approximately 15 minutes), Columbus (4 miles plus 14 miles on Shane Creek Road, approximately 30 minutes), Billings (40 miles, approximately 45 minutes).

Nearby supplies

Closest supplies are expected to be available in nearby towns such as Laurel or Columbus, but specific information is not provided.

Driving directionsCooney State Park is located 22 miles southwest of Laurel on U.S. 212, then 8 miles west of Boyd on county road. Or, south of Columbus 4 miles to Shane Creek Road then 14 miles east.

The road into the campsites is described as "very bumpy" in user reviews, and the campground is accessible from paved highways but involves unpaved county roads for the final stretch. Seasonal challenges like snow may affect winter access.

Weather at Cooney State Park

Best Time to Camp at Cooney State Park

Summer brings the best conditions for visiting. Daytime temperatures typically reach the mid-70s to low-80s F, with nights cooling to the 40s and 50s. All five campgrounds and boat ramps operate fully during these months, and the reservoir stays active for boating, swimming, and fishing. Expect crowds on weekends and holidays. Reserve lakeside sites ahead and arrive early for boat-launch access. Winter drops temperatures significantly and brings snowfall, opening opportunities for cross-country skiing and ice fishing.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Peak season for swimming, boating and fishing; all campgrounds and ramps fully operate.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Summer months are peak season due to water activities.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open year-round. Popular in summer for water activities and winter for ice fishing and skiing.

About Cooney State Park

Cooney State Park sits along a reservoir in south-central Montana's high plains, roughly 4,200 feet above sea level. The park offers five campgrounds with tent, RV, and group sites. Nightly fees run $25-$35, and the park accepts both tents and RVs. Group sites accommodate up to 16 people and two camping units.

Cooney State Park offers diverse camping options, including primitive camping, RV camping, and tent spaces. Group sites are also available.

Weather and SeasonsSummer brings the best conditions for visiting. Daytime temperatures typically reach the mid-70s to low-80s F, with nights cooling to the 40s and 50s. All five campgrounds and boat ramps operate fully during these months, and the reservoir stays active for boating, swimming, and fishing. Expect crowds on weekends and holidays. Reserve lakeside sites ahead and arrive early for boat-launch access. Winter drops temperatures significantly and brings snowfall, opening opportunities for cross-country skiing and ice fishing.

ElevationElevation details are not provided.

Natural Features and SceneryCooney State Park features Cooney Reservoir, the largest body of still water in south-central Montana, on a 309-acre site at 4,252 feet elevation with the Beartooth Mountains in the background. Camping areas are located on the shores of the reservoir.[1][5][6]

Geological RegionSet within south-central Montana's distinctive high plains ecosystem, Cooney State Park showcases the region's characteristic semi-arid landscape where ancient geological forces carved rolling hills and expansive valleys. The reservoir, a human addition to this timeless terrain, now serves as a vital oasis amidst the surrounding grasslands and sagebrush steppe. This unique meeting of water and prairie creates a diverse habitat that supports both aquatic and terrestrial wildlife, offering visitors a glimpse into Montana's remarkable ecological diversity.

Scenic ViewsThe lake provides beautiful views, described as 'beautiful' by user reviews.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

2:00 PM

Check-out

1:00 PM

Stay Limit

Maximum capacity for individual sites is 8 people, with double sites accommodating 16 people.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Each site can accommodate up to 8 guests.

Groups

Group sites can host a maximum of 16 people and two camping units.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutFive campgrounds spread around the reservoir. Roads can be rough, according to reviews. Expect the possibility of grazing cows in the area.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Montana State Parks official channels.

Walk-in AvailabilityNo explicit information provided about walk-up or first-come-first-served sites.

Cancellation PolicyReservations are non-transferable and non-refundable. ADA site cancellations due to non-compliance incur additional fees.

AccessibilityThe park offers handicap-accessible facilities, including some group areas that do not require proof of ADA eligibility.

Site SizeGroup sites can accommodate up to 16 people and two camping units.

Total Campsites5 campsites

Best CampsitesNo specific camper recommendations for best sites found; 19 sites have electrical hookups, some are double occupancy or accessible. Marshall Cove has no pets allowed.[4][5]

Need help booking Cooney State Park?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

ReserveAmerica Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Cooney State Park offers a wide variety of amenities, including a boat ramp, comfort stations, dock, fish cleaning station, multiple picnic tables, and handicap access. It also provides opportunities for bird watching, jet skiing, water skiing, and windsurfing. There are restrooms, including vault toilets, and drinking water available. Additional amenities include trails for moderate hiking, swimming areas in the reservoir, and a playground for children.

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Group Sites

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Campers can enjoy fishing for walleye and rainbow trout, boating, jet skiing, water skiing, and windsurfing. There are opportunities for bird watching, hiking on moderate trails, and swimming in the reservoir. Additionally, winter months offer ice fishing and cross-country skiing.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsUser reviews mention cows grazing freely within the campground area. Winter conditions like snow and ice could pose access challenges.

Fire PolicyCampfires are allowed only in designated areas.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM.

Emergency ServicesIn case of emergencies, visitors are advised to dial 911. The park also suggests notifying park staff for additional assistance. Specific information on the nearest hospitals or police stations is not provided.

Trash & RecyclingNo specific information about trash and recycling facilities is provided. However, park policies emphasize proper disposal of waste and maintenance of a clean environment.

Water FeaturesSituated around the Cooney Reservoir, offering direct access to the lake for boating and swimming.

Camp HostHosts are available onsite, as mentioned under amenities.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

0.0

3 reviews

Limited Reviews

Cooney State Park has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews

The campground receives mixed reviews. While the lake and scenery are praised for their appeal, issues such as bumpy roads and the unexpected presence of grazing cows have been noted.

Review Summaries

Based on 3 reviews

What Campers Love

Popular for water recreation with reservoir views, good walleye and rainbow trout fishing, boating, and proximity to Beartooth Mountains.[1][5][6]

Based on 3 reviews

Common Concerns

User complaints include the absence of promised shower facilities and rough roads leading to campsites. Dawn Klaes notes, 'The road into the campsites were very bumpy,' and mentions, 'Cows graze...

Based on 3 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

There is limited specificity in site reviews beyond general observations about the campground's condition and amenities.

Based on 3 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

No camper-specific tips found in sources; check road conditions in winter due to snow drifts. Maximum stay 14 days in 30-day period.[1][5]

Based on 3 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is particularly busy, with activities like swimming, boating, and fishing being popular. Winter offers ice fishing and cross-country skiing, catering to year-round recreation.

Based on 3 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'The website said there's showers, but there's not.' - Dawn Klaes 2. 'The lake is beautiful.' - Dawn Klaes 3. 'Apparently cows graze freely through the campground.' - Dawn Klaes 4. 'The road into...

Based on 3 reviews

Accessibility Features

The park has designated ADA-accessible campsites and group facilities, but no detailed user feedback on accessibility experiences is available.

Based on 3 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but there are no specific reviews concerning pet-related experiences.

Based on 3 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

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Go if

Boaters, anglers, and families chasing walleye or rainbow trout on a reservoir big enough for jet skis and windsurfing. The dock and boat ramp make launch easy, summer temps stay in the 70s and 80s, and electric hookups mean RVers won't rough it much.

Skip if

No showers despite what some listings imply, and at least one reviewer flagged this specifically. The access roads are genuinely rough, and free-roaming cows wandering through camp will catch first-timers off guard.

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