Sitting just off Highway 2 in northeastern Montana's high plains, Nelson Reservoir draws a steady mix of road-trippers, anglers, and hunters looking for a free overnight stop near the water. The turnoff is close to Sleeping Buffalo Hot Springs, and the short gravel access road is manageable for most rigs, though a few reviewers note it runs bumpy. Sites are undesignated, with campers parking directly on the grass and choosing their own spot along the reservoir's edge.
Amenities are minimal but functional. Vault toilets are scattered around the grounds and reviewers consistently describe them as clean and well-stocked. There is no running water on site, no dump station, and no trash service, so campers need to arrive self-sufficient. As Mimi puts it, "No water at all on site, so fill up your tank before you go." Tree cover between sites is sparse, which means limited privacy and real exposure to wind, a factor that comes up repeatedly in reviews, especially in shoulder seasons when overnight temperatures can drop sharply.
The reservoir itself is the main draw. Campers report open sightlines across the water, a usable boat launch, and enough space to spread out even on busy holiday weekends. Mosquitoes are a consistent concern from late spring through summer, with multiple reviewers describing them as aggressive. Cell service runs to about two bars. Those planning a broader northeastern Montana trip can browse camping near Malta for additional options in the region.
Pack insect repellent, bring all your own water, and plan to arrive with enough daylight to choose a site.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsNelson Reservoir is located in Montana near Malta
Coordinates
48.49292681 N
107.53122097 W
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 8/1/26
- VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 16 usersLast on 8/1/26
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 8/1/26
- VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 16 usersLast on 8/1/26
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Phone Service
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Pull-Through Sites
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 3 hrs 20 min from Billings, MT
- 3 hrs 21 min from Great Falls, MT
- 4 hrs 35 min from Helena, MT
- 4 hrs 36 min from Bozeman, MT












