Big Nelson Campground

Star4.50
12 reviews
/Big Nelson Campground, Cooper's Lake, Ovando, Montana/
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

4,495 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

19 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Lolo National Forest site

Official Website
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Big Nelson Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The campground does not charge any use fees currently.
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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What Campers Say

4.50

Recommended

Based on 12 reviews

10 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsquietlake

"User reviews highlight the campground's scenic views of the lake and surrounding mountains but mention limited tent placement and proximity to lake-front houses as potential downsides."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

/Big Nelson Campground, Cooper's Lake, Ovando, Montana/

Big Nelson Campground

/Big Nelson Campground, Cooper's Lake, Ovando, Montana/

Driving directionsFrom the junction of Montana highways 83 and 20 (Clearwater Junction) travel east on Montana Highway 200 for 19.5 miles. Turn north on North Fork Blackfoot Road #5550 and follow the signs 12 miles on a gravel road to the campground.
The final 12 miles to the campground are on a gravel road. Accessibility is semi-remote and may involve uneven terrain. Seasonal closures are not explicitly mentioned.
Nearby places
Ovando, Montana - 19 miles (approximately 30 minutes drive) to groceries and gas.
Nearby supplies
Closest groceries and gas are 19 miles away from the campground.

Best Time to Camp at Big Nelson Campground

Montana's dramatic seasons paint Big Nelson in ever-changing colors throughout the year. Summer arrives with azure skies and warm days that hover between 70-85°F, perfect for lakeside adventures and evening campfires. As autumn approaches, crisp mornings give way to golden afternoons. Winter transforms the landscape into a crystalline wonderland, with temperatures plunging below freezing and snow blanketing the surrounding peaks. Spring brings renewal as the snow melts, revealing wildflower meadows and rushing streams.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Summer days 70–85°F; ideal for lakeside activities, boating and hiking.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Montana's dramatic colors enhance scenery; fewer explicit seasonal reviews available.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Seasonal transitions likely bring variable weather and conditions; limited spring-specific info.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Cold temperatures and snow make winter camping challenging; no winter amenities listed.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: null. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open year-round.

About Big Nelson Campground

Tucked away on the pristine shoreline of Cooper's Lake, Big Nelson Campground beckons those seeking an authentic Montana wilderness experience. This tent-only sanctuary near the charming town of Ovando serves as your gateway to adventure, where towering mountain peaks frame crystal-clear waters and the legendary Bob Marshall and Scapegoat wilderness areas lie just beyond your tent flap. Here, the modern world fades away, replaced by the gentle lapping of lake waters and the whisper of wind through ancient pines.
Big Nelson Campground is a tent-only site with no provisions for RVs, trailers, group camping, or cabins.
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Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables

Activities you can enjoy

Campers can enjoy fishing, hunting, picnicking, and boating activities at Cooper's Lake. Non-motorized and motorized boating is supported.
HikingThe campground is located 7 miles by trail to the Bob Marshall and Scapegoat wildernesses, providing excellent hiking opportunities.
FishingFishing opportunities are available on Cooper's Lake. Specific details about fish species or quality are not provided.
BoatingBoth motorized and non-motorized boating are available on Cooper's Lake through a primitive boat launch.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsHazards include potential wildlife encounters, particularly bears, as food storage orders are emphasized. Lack of potable water is noted.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Big Nelson Campground

Reviews

4.5
12 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Big Nelson Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground's scenic views of the lake and surrounding mountains but mention limited tent placement and proximity to lake-front houses as potential downsides.
Review Summaries
Based on 12 reviews

What Campers Love

Users appreciated the scenic views, quiet surroundings, proximity to the lake, and its suitability for Great Divide Mountain Bike Route travelers.
Based on 12 reviews

Common Concerns

Concerns include the lack of potable water, awkward tent placements, and the feeling of camping in a neighborhood due to surrounding lake-front houses.
Based on 12 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Arrive early for first-come, first-served sites. Be prepared to pack out your trash and bring water as none is available onsite.
Based on 12 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews do not explicitly discuss seasonal variations, though winter weather data suggests cold temperatures and snow, indicating challenging camping conditions in colder months.
Based on 12 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. "Amazing view of mountains over the lake." - Travis Pfenninger 2. "Great little place to pitch a tent if you are pedaling along the GDMBR." - Jonathan Bowers 3. "There were two friendly, very...
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Based on 12 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Reviews mentioned one site that can accommodate a small vehicle but noted it would not be level. Specific site numbers are not provided.
Based on 12 reviews

Accessibility Features

No reviews specifically address accessibility features.
Based on 12 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No reviews specifically address pet policies or experiences.
Based on 12 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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