Big Nelson Cg Complex
Open — Open year-round on a first-come, first-served basis. No reservations accepted. Winter accessibility is determined by snow conditions. No fees are currently being charged.
Weed Free Forage & Mulch Products Order for the Northern Region
It is illegal to possess, store or transport straw, hay, grain, seed or other forage or mulch products on Forest Service lands without documentation that the product is certified as “weed free” by a state certification process that meets or exceeds the North American Weed Free Forage standards.
R1-2023-02 - NCDE Food and Wildlife Attractant Storage Order
Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem Food/Wildlife Attractant Storage Order for the Flathead, Lolo, Kootenai, Helena-Lewis and Clark, and Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forests within the Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem.
Order 01-15-00-25-01: Bob Marshall, Scapegoat, and Great Bear Wilderness Restrictions
Occupancy and Use and Trail Restrictions for the entire Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex, as well as trail, stock, and camping restrictions on Our Lake Trail and lake area (Helena-Lewis and Clark NF), beneath the Chinese Wall (Helena-Lewis and Clark NF), and Castle Creek Riverside Campsite (Flathead…
West Fork Dry Creek Road and Trails 274 and 572 Closure
Road and trail access in the West Fork Dry Creek area is closed through Nov. 30, 2026, due to hazardous blowdown. Only authorized personnel and exempt landowners may enter.
East Fork Big Creek Road & Trail Closure- Superior Ranger District
Due to recent weather, East Fork Big Creek Road (Forest Service Road 428) is closed from milepost 1.35 junction with 16046 (lodgepole) to milepost 1.85 seasonal gate closure turnaround. This closure is for public health and safety due to hazardous conditions resulting from flood and wind damage…
Forest, Regional and Other Regulations
Welcome to the Lolo National Forest As a visitor to the national forests, you must follow certain rules to protect the forest and natural environment, and to ensure your health and safety.Forest and Regional RegulationsAll bear attractants, including any type of food and garbage, must be stored in…
Deer Creek Road & Snowmobile Trail Closed on Superior Ranger District
Deer Creek Road #236 and Deer Creek Loop Snowmobile Trail (SNO-70.1) on the Superior Ranger District are closed due to flood and wind damage to the road, bridge crossing, and trail.
Ward Creek Road Closure- Superior Ranger District
Due to the recent weather event a portion of the Ward Creek Road is closed. For your health and safety please avoid travel in this area.
About
Big Nelson Campground is a semi-remote, developed campground located on the shoreline of Cooper's Lake near Ovando, Montana. The facility offers shaded rest areas and beautiful views of the lake and surrounding mountains. This tent-only campground features picnic tables and fire rings at each campsite, with vault toilet facilities available. The campground is situated in a forested setting that provides both shade and scenic beauty. The location serves as an excellent base for wilderness access, with the Bob Marshall and Scapegoat wilderness areas located 7 miles away by trail. Cooper's Lake offers fishing opportunities and a primitive boat launch for both motorized and non-motorized watercraft. The campground is managed on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservation system. Pack-in, pack-out trash policies are in effect. Access requires travel on 12 miles of gravel road from Montana Highway 200. The campground is 19 miles from the nearest groceries and gas. Food storage orders are in place due to bear activity in the area, and proper food storage is required. Snow load determines winter accessibility. The facility is monitored by volunteer campground hosts with periodic law enforcement patrols.
Directions
From 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.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $0 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 0ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 0ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (406) 677-2233 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
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