Big Nelson Cg Complex
Open year-round on a first-come, first-served basis. Snow load determines road accessibility during winter months. No potable water available; campers must bring their own water and pack out all trash.
Northern Region Camping & Target Restrictions, Pallet Prohibition
This order defines the maximum length of occupation at a single location or cumulatively at any number of locations within a calendar year, within the states of Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Idaho
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…
Savenac Area Closed for Public Safety (May 23, 2026 through June 21, 2026)
What’s closed: Savenac Tree Nursery Area ClosedWhere: Savenac Tree Nursery When: May 23 through June 21, 2026Why: Hazardous conditions; closure protects public safetyPlan ahead: Check below for the closure order and map; questions? Call (406) 822‑4233 (Superior RD)
Seeley Lake Campground C Loop Road Closure for Public Safety (May 22, 2026- June 25, 2026)
What’s closed: Seeley Lake Campground C Loop Road Where: Lolo National Forest, Seeley Lake Ranger District, MontanaWhen: May 22, 2026 – June 25, 2026 (unless lifted sooner)Why: Hazardous conditions; closure protects public safetyPlan ahead: Check below for the closure order and map; questions?…
Cabin City Campground Area, Roads & Trail Closed for Public Safety (May 11, 2026–May 1, 2027)
Cabin City Campground and Roads 9117, 9117-A, 9117-B and Trail 703 are closed for public safety May 11, 2026–May 1, 2027.
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 Complex occupies a picturesque position on the shoreline of Coopers Lake in Lolo National Forest, approximately 30 miles from Ovando, Montana. This semi-remote, developed campground offers shaded campsites with views of the lake and adjacent mountains. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring. Vault toilets are available, but campers must bring their own drinking water and pack out all trash. The campground is strictly tent camping only; no trailers or RVs are permitted, and camping in the parking lot is prohibited. A primitive boat launch provides access to Coopers Lake for fishing. The Bob Marshall and Scapegoat Wildernesses lie just 7 miles away by trail, making this an excellent basecamp for backcountry exploration. A food storage order is in effect due to bear activity in the area. Pets are allowed but must be kept on a 6-foot leash at all times. The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no advance reservations.
Directions
From the junction of Montana Highways 83 and 200 (Clearwater Junction), travel east on Highway 200 for 19.5 miles. Turn north on North Fork Blackfoot Road (Forest Road 5550) and follow signs for 12 miles on gravel road to the campground.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $10 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (406) 677-2233 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| Lolo NF Big Nelson Campground |
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