How much does camping cost at Big Nelson Campground?

Camping fees at Big Nelson Campground range from Free. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

Can I see photos of campsites at Big Nelson Campground before I book?

Yes! Big Nelson Campground has 8 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 Big Nelson Campground?

Big Nelson Campground is open null. 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 Big Nelson Campground?

Big Nelson Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Big Nelson Campground?

Fire policies at Big Nelson Campground: A fire ring is available at each campsite.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Big Nelson Campground have?

Big Nelson Campground has 19 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Big Nelson Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Big Nelson Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Big Nelson Campground?

Big Nelson Campground offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Big Nelson Campground?

Popular activities at Big Nelson Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Boating. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Big Nelson Campground

Q: Is Big Nelson Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Big Nelson Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Entire campground operates on first-come, first-served basis. Individuals may need to arrive early to secure a spot.

3.75

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

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

4,495 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

19 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Big Nelson Campground

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Additional Vehicle Fee: $5 fee for each additional vehicle after two vehicles.

No paid fee categories listed.

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USFS

Provider

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I manage this campground

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Campground Map

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

Big Nelson Campground

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

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.

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.

Weather at Big Nelson Campground

Best Time to Camp at Big Nelson Campground

Summer runs 70–85°F during the day with nights dropping into the 40s–50s, making it the most practical season for tent camping and lake access. The shoulder seasons bring snow to higher elevations and limit wilderness trailhead access. Mid-week visits see fewer people than summer weekends, when Great Divide Mountain Bike Route travelers and fishing groups fill more sites.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Summer 70–85°F days and mild nights; best season for tent camping and lake access.

Planning Tips

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

About Big Nelson Campground

Big Nelson Campground sits on Cooper's Lake near Ovando, offering tent-only sites with mountain and water views. The 19 primitive sites provide access to the Bob Marshall and Scapegoat wilderness areas, though the campground shares the shoreline with private lakefront houses. No water or trash service onsite.

Big Nelson Campground is a tent-only site with no provisions for RVs, trailers, group camping, or cabins.

Weather and SeasonsSummer runs 70–85°F during the day with nights dropping into the 40s–50s, making it the most practical season for tent camping and lake access. The shoulder seasons bring snow to higher elevations and limit wilderness trailhead access. Mid-week visits see fewer people than summer weekends, when Great Divide Mountain Bike Route travelers and fishing groups fill more sites.

ElevationElevation data is not supplied.

Natural Features and SceneryCooper's Lake stretches out from the campground, backed by the peaks that guard the Bob Marshall and Scapegoat wildernesses. The site sits at 4,495 feet elevation in Lolo National Forest, where evergreens provide shade over most camping areas. Mountain views frame the lake, though private houses are visible along portions of the opposite shore. The setting delivers genuine wilderness access despite the nearby development.

Geological RegionPerched on Cooper's Lake's scenic shoreline, Big Nelson Campground occupies a unique position in Montana's rugged landscape near Ovando. This semi-remote haven sits at the crossroads of civilization and wilderness, where the majestic peaks surrounding the lake serve as sentinels guarding the entrance to two of America's most pristine wilderness areas - the legendary Bob Marshall and the wild Scapegoat. The dramatic topography tells the story of ancient glaciers and geological forces that carved this spectacular corner of the Northern Rockies.

Scenic ViewsDirect views of Cooper's Lake and nearby mountain ranges are available from most campsites.

Lodging & AccommodationsHotel-style lodging is not available at Big Nelson Campground as it is strictly a tent-only site.

Programs & ActivitiesCultural or educational programs are not available or noted.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Null

Check-out

Null

Stay Limit

Null

Guests Allowed Per Site

Null

Groups

The campground does not have designated group camping sites.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutnull

Reservation PlatformsNo reservations are taken; campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis.

Walk-in AvailabilityEntire campground operates on first-come, first-served basis. Individuals may need to arrive early to secure a spot.

Cancellation Policynull

Site SizeSites can accommodate tents only. Placement is described as limited and awkward in user reviews.

PrivacyPrivacy levels are not explicitly discussed, although one user noted that the campground feels like camping in a neighborhood due to lake-front houses.

Total Campsites19 campsites

Recommended SitesArrive early to secure a waterfront site. Those pedaling along the GDMBR might find this campground convenient.

Best CampsitesOne reviewer called out a waterfront site as particularly good, though reviews note that tent placement across the campground can be awkward and limited.

Amenities available

Tent camping only.

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Campers can enjoy fishing, hunting, picnicking, and boating activities at Cooper's Lake. Non-motorized and motorized boating is supported.

Hiking

Fishing

Boating

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

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.

Fire PolicyA fire ring is available at each campsite.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are null

Emergency ServicesClosest emergency services are null.

Trash & RecyclingTrash facilities are not provided; campers must pack out their own trash.

Water FeaturesThe campground is located on the shoreline of Cooper's Lake, which provides fishing and boating opportunities.

Camp HostVolunteer campground hosts are present and periodic law enforcement patrols occur.

Cell CoverageCell phone reception quality is not explicitly mentioned in authoritative sources or user reviews.

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

3.8

12 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Big Nelson Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% 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

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

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...

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

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

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Go if

Tent campers riding the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route or staging for the 7-mile wilderness trail will find this hard to beat at $0/night. Summer days hit 70-85°F and the lake views from most sites are real. Bring all your water.

Skip if

No potable water, pack-out-only trash, and lakefront houses visible across the shore undercut the wilderness feel some campers expect. Tent placement is awkward at several sites, and RVs or trailers aren't permitted at all.

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