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Established Camping

Cooney State Park Campground

Warning 1 Alert is In Effect

There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!

All watercraft entering Montana must be inspected before launch and purchase Vessel AIS Prevention pass. For more information visit cleandraindrymt.com.

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Cooney State Park Campground, near Roberts, Montana, is a solid spot for those looking to enjoy a lakeside retreat. With a mix of tent and RV sites, it offers a straightforward camping experience with essential amenities like drinking water and picnic tables.

The campground is right by a beautiful lake, perfect for swimming, kayaking, and fishing. Visitors have noted that the lake is clean and deep, making it a great place for water activities. One camper mentioned, “The lake has nice options for all levels of use,” which highlights its appeal for both casual swimmers and serious anglers alike.

While the sites are generally clean and well-maintained, some campers have pointed out that they can feel a bit close together, especially if you’re looking for privacy. The lack of trees means you might be sharing your space with neighbors, but the friendly atmosphere and the presence of camp hosts help keep things enjoyable.

If you’re planning to visit, be sure to reserve your spot ahead of time, as it can get busy, especially on weekends. And remember, there’s no market on-site, so pack in your food and supplies. Whether you’re here for a quick dip in the lake or a few days of relaxation, Cooney State Park Campground has what you need for a decent getaway.

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Location

Cooney State Park Campground is located in Montana

Detail location of campground

Directions

Cooney State Park is located 22 miles southwest of Laurel on U.S. 212, then 8 miles west of Boyd on county road. Or, south of Columbus 4 miles to Shane Creek Road then 14 miles east.

Address

86 Lake Shore Rd
Roberts, MT 59070

Coordinates

45.44200068 N
109.20400018 W

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Connectivity

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Connectivity

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • Picnic Table
  • Reservable
  • Drinking Water
  • Electric Hookups
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Sewer Hookups
  • Water Hookups
  • Pull-Through Sites
  • 30 Amp Hookups
  • 50 Amp Hookups
  • Big Rig Friendly

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Reviews

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10 Reviews

Reviewed Jul. 2, 2024

Clean campground, but not where I’d stay

Campsite has plenty of spots and decent amenities. Some of the spots have lake access where we saw other campers with their boats tied up to shore. The spots were way too close together for my liking. There were almost no trees, which meant no privacy from other campers. The campsite was EXTREMELY overpriced. We paid $36 for one night of tent camping ($8 vehicle fee and $26 tenters fee). This might be a reasonable price for RVs hooked up to electricity and water, but this was a ripoff for tenters that used only the pit toilet amenity. The lake was pretty, but I will absolutely continue on and camp in the Beartooth Mtns next time around.

SiteT07
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Cooney State Park Campground by Cullen C., July 2, 2024
Reviewed Jul. 2, 2023

Local treasure

Lake is 50 feet deep, clean, great kayaking and fishing. Stream provides fly fish opportunity and white water kayaking.

Sitedispersed
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Cooney State Park Campground by loren S., July 2, 2023
  • Review photo of Cooney State Park Campground by loren S., July 2, 2023
  • Review photo of Cooney State Park Campground by loren S., July 2, 2023
  • (7) View All
Reviewed Aug. 22, 2020

Cooney State Park

July 23-24, 2019 Windy, raining and dust flying everwhere. Site R012 is $36.50 a night. Site has electric and water is 800 ft away. Showers and flush toilets. Dump station was inoperable when we were there.

SiteR012
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Cooney State Park Campground by Annell N., August 22, 2020
  • Review photo of Cooney State Park Campground by Annell N., August 22, 2020
  • Review photo of Cooney State Park Campground by Annell N., August 22, 2020
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Aug. 14, 2020

Great place to swim, camping was...meh

Reserved a spot in the cottonwood loop, #10. Nice little semi secluded section of beach, soft sand and the water temp was great. Went to start setting up camp and their were ants and a variety other bugs EVERYWHERE. We left. Would not camp here, but was a good spot to cool off for the afternoon. Probably better if you have an RV.

  • Review photo of Cooney State Park Campground by Austin K., August 14, 2020
Reviewed Aug. 11, 2020

Simple Little Lake Spot

The lake has nice options for all levels of use. Be prepared for gravel roads to get to them. There are very nice spots to park and enjoy the water for the day all the way up to multiple unit powered camp sites for large groups. Vault toilets are as clean as can be, water spigots at camp spots are nice to have. It’s really laid out well to enjoy the whole lake. Whether you’re on a unicorn floatie or a giant wave boat this lake is a nice way to spend a day or a week. There are three boat launches and a really nice fish cleaning station. There are also abundant trout and carp to be cleaned if you buy a license and bring gear. Reserve the spots ahead on recreation.gov. The proximity to surrounding towns brings the typical weekenders with lots of kiddos, Fido’s, and weirdos and (of course) the occasional drunk firesiders. The camp hosts do a great job of making sure everyone is safe and has an enjoyable experience without being super nosey. They also have firewood and ice for sale. There isn’t fuel or food, so pack that in and pack it back out. It’s not wilderness or a spectacular destination, but it’s a nice place to spend a few days to get away from the usual grind.

  • Review photo of Cooney State Park Campground by Rita G., August 11, 2020
  • Review photo of Cooney State Park Campground by Rita G., August 11, 2020
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Reviewed Apr. 11, 2020

Good for Campers, not for tents.

Stayed on the north shore side of the reservoir. Did the "camp in the truck bed" thing. There's a neighborhood on the north shore, so it becomes an early morning of it's mid-week since cars start leaving to head to work. The lake is a nice sight in the morning. The dog loved it.

Reviewed Aug. 18, 2018

Great little park with a beautiful lake!

It lacks trees at most campsites, but that’s ok…it’s easy to get in and out of, the sites are level and every one has a view of the lake.

Its clean, sites are generous (i.e….not on top of each other)

The lake is easy to access by power boat or kayak. I would go back in a minute.

Cell phone service was lacking…it sits down in a valley but then again, I camp to get away from that.

the public toilets are clean and well stocked.

we took the back roads there…they were flat and so well groomed!

There were lots of families there…great place to turn your kids loose and not worry about them

Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Cooney State Park Campground by Kala V., August 18, 2018
  • Review photo of Cooney State Park Campground by Kala V., August 18, 2018
  • Review photo of Cooney State Park Campground by Kala V., August 18, 2018
Reviewed Sep. 22, 2016

Classic Montana reservoir camping

This review is of the red lodge arm campground area. There are a few others at different parts of the park. The draw for this campground is the lake/reservoir. The sites are a decent size but offer very little in terms of vegetation or privacy. If you like to get to know your neighbors this may be the place for you. Other campgrounds in the park such as Cottonwood offer more serene locations. This campground does have a boat ramp, a play structure for the kids and a fish cleaning station.

  • Review photo of Cooney State Park Campground by Ellen L., September 22, 2016
Reviewed Sep. 5, 2016

Cooney

We stayed on the South Shore and it was clean, quiet and decent fishing!

  • Review photo of Cooney State Park Campground by Mary E., September 5, 2016
Reviewed Jun. 21, 2016

Very crowded.

Fishing is impossible due to all the boats and jet skis. They are very reckless on the water. Just not my cup of tea.

  • Review photo of Cooney State Park Campground by Zeta S., June 21, 2016

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at Cooney Reservoir campground?

Cooney Reservoir campground offers a variety of amenities across its different camping areas. Sites include electric hookups in some areas, with water spigots available though they may be some distance from campsites (up to 800 feet in some cases). The campground has vault toilets that are generally well-maintained, as well as shower facilities and flush toilets in certain areas. There's a dump station, though it may occasionally be out of service. Campsites typically feature level spots with generous spacing, though most lack shade trees. Some sites offer direct lake access where boaters can tie up to shore.

Where is Cooney Reservoir State Park located in Montana?

Cooney Reservoir State Park is located in south-central Montana. The park encompasses the reservoir (also known as Cooney Dam or Cooney Lake) and features multiple shoreline camping areas including North Shore, South Shore, and Red Lodge Arm campgrounds. The area is accessible via gravel roads, which visitors should be prepared for when planning their trip. The park is situated in a relatively open landscape with limited natural shade but offers beautiful views of the water.

Do I need camping reservations at Cooney State Park?

Reservations are recommended for camping at Cooney State Park, especially during peak seasons. The campground offers designated sites with varying amenities depending on the loop, such as Cottonwood Loop. Sites can cost around $36.50 per night for those with electric hookups. For the most current reservation information and availability, contact Montana State Parks or check their official website before your trip, as policies and fees may change seasonally.

What recreational activities can you do at Cooney Reservoir?

Cooney Reservoir offers diverse recreational opportunities for visitors. The lake is approximately 50 feet deep and provides excellent fishing, particularly on the South Shore. Water activities are popular, including powerboating, jet skiing, and kayaking in the clean waters. For those who prefer quieter pursuits, the reservoir is great for shore fishing, though be aware that boat traffic can be heavy at times. Beyond the lake, a nearby stream offers opportunities for fly fishing and whitewater kayaking. The park also accommodates day visitors with designated areas to enjoy the water without camping.