Campground · Boat ramp

Big Nelson Campground

This campground, on the shoreline of Cooper's Lake near Ovando, Montana, is a semi-remote, developed campground which offers shady rest and a beautiful view of the lake and adjacent mountains.

Listed under River access & fishing · Boating & floating · Campgrounds

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A marshy landscape stretches out before rolling hills and distant mountains under a blue sky. — Photo from southwestmt.com

About this place

This campground, on the shoreline of Cooper's Lake near Ovando, Montana, is a semi-remote, developed campground which offers shady rest and a beautiful view of the lake and adjacent mountains. The Bob Marshall and Scapegoat wildernesses are 7 miles away by trail. Big Nelson has tent camping only.

Practical information

Town: Other towns
Arrival: From the junction of Montana highways 83 and 20 (also known as "Clearwater Junction") travel east on Montana nighway 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.
Parking: No camping is allowed in the parking lot and large RVs/trailers are not recommended.
Distance: 7 miles
Fees: No fees are required for this site
Hours: Site Open
Dogs: Must be physically restrained on a 6 foot leash.
Use rules: Tent camping only. Please visit the Forest's Alerts page for information on restrictions, in particular please review the Food/Wildlife Attractant Storage Order to help reduce the likelihood of human-to-bear conflicts. Please respect private property surrounding the lake shore.
Managed by: Federal agency
Phone: 406-677-2233