Big Nelson Campground
05 reviews/Big Nelson Campground, Cooper's Lake, Ovando, Montana/
Quick Facts
Price
Free
Booking
First-Come
Sites
19 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
Quick Facts
Price
Free
Booking
First-Come
Sites
19 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
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
Total Campsite Fees$0.00
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What Campers Say
N/A
Limited Reviews
Based on 5 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."
Fees & Passes at Big Nelson Campground
Free
Campsite fees
Standard Site
Basic tent/RV spot
Stay Limit: null
Cancellation: null
Prices verified November 17, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Lolo National Forest website.
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.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.
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.
Weather and SeasonsMontana'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.
ElevationElevation data is not supplied.
Natural Features and SceneryBeneath a canopy of towering evergreens, Big Nelson offers front-row seats to nature's grandest theater. The campground's shaded sites provide cool respite while maintaining spectacular views of the surrounding mountain amphitheater. Cooper's Lake stretches before you, its waters teeming with fish and reflecting the sky like a massive mirror. Waterfront houses dot the distant shoreline, but from your secluded spot, the wilderness feels infinite and untamed.
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.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features are not mentioned in the authoritative sources or user reviews.
Sites SizeSites can accommodate tents only. Placement is described as limited and awkward in user reviews.
Sites 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 CampsitesArrive early to secure a waterfront site. Those pedaling along the GDMBR might find this campground convenient.
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 are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutnull
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round.
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
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.
Hiking
The campground is located 7 miles by trail to the Bob Marshall and Scapegoat wildernesses, providing excellent hiking opportunities.Fishing
Fishing opportunities are available on Cooper's Lake. Specific details about fish species or quality are not provided.Boating
Both motorized and non-motorized boating are available on Cooper's Lake through a primitive boat launch.Winter Activities
Winter activities such as snowshoeing or skiing are not mentioned.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports opportunities, such as kayaking or canoeing, may be possible based on the primitive boat launch, though not explicitly confirmed.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- A fire ring is available at each campsite.
- Quiet hours are null
Hazards
General hazardsHazards include potential wildlife encounters, particularly bears, as food storage orders are emphasized. Lack of potable water is noted.
Weather at Big Nelson Campground
34
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 80%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 5.7 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Detailed 7-Day Forecast
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Reveal forecast
Emergency Services
Closest emergency services are null.
Good to know
Peak season datesnull
Trash and recyclingTrash facilities are not provided; campers must pack out their own trash.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is located on the shoreline of Cooper's Lake, which provides fishing and boating opportunities.
Common complaintsUser reviews highlight the lack of potable water, awkward campsite placement, and the sense of camping within a neighborhood due to nearby lakefront houses.
HostVolunteer campground hosts are present and periodic law enforcement patrols occur.
Campground Map
/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.
Reviews from booking and map sources
0.0
5 reviews
Big Nelson Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % 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 5 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 5 reviewsCommon 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 5 reviewsPro 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 5 reviewsSeasonal 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 5 reviewsCamper 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 5 reviewsShow more
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 5 reviewsAccessibility Features
No reviews specifically address accessibility features.
Based on 5 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No reviews specifically address pet policies or experiences.
Based on 5 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated November 17, 2025
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