Nelson Reservoir - USBR, near Saco, Montana, is a straightforward spot for those looking to enjoy the great outdoors without the fuss. This campground offers a free and scenic place to pitch your tent or park your RV, with sites right by the water where you can catch stunning sunsets.

The area is known for its beautiful views and a relaxed vibe, though be prepared for some wind and the occasional bug. Campers have mentioned the presence of picnic tables and fire pits, making it easy to settle in for a cozy evening. As one visitor noted, “Easy to find... spaces right on the water with sunset over the water.”

While there are no hookups or showers, the vault toilets and drinking water are available to keep things manageable. If you’re up for some adventure, the nearby Sleeping Buffalo Hot Springs is just a short drive away, perfect for a soak after a day of exploring. 

Some campers have enjoyed the solitude, with plenty of space to spread out, while others have noted the lack of privacy between sites. Regardless, the free camping and natural beauty make Nelson Reservoir a solid choice for a quick stop or a longer stay. Just remember to bring your bug spray!

Nelson Reservoir - USBR

The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Malta. Malta is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your Montana camping adventure.

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The Best Camping Near Malta, Montana

Nice spot.  Had the place mostly to ourselves.  One RV showed up later, ran a generator for an hour but was quiet after that.  Lovely view.  It was REALLY windy when we arrived- parked our car as a wind break and put our tent next to it.  I suspect the bug this is real, though the wind kept us from dealing with them.... it was also really cold (28 degrees when I woke at 5 am) which prob kept them down.  Easy spot to stay for a night on our way to glacier.

Nice spot- secluded

Cool looking place, but the mosquitoes were unbearable when we stopped to look for a spot. We ended up packing up and leaving- I wouldn’t chance the gravel road down to this bug haven. Lots of prairie dogs skittering on the ground too, not too dog friendly. 

Bugs 

This place is awesome as long as you don't mind voracious mosquitos! No hookups. No designated sites. Pit toilets. Beautiful area.  Fire rings.  Nice launch for boats. No water at all on site, so fill up your tank before you go. No dump station. About a mile away from Sleeping Buffalo Hot Springs. 

Free and Gorgeous

Stayed one night, 10/15/22 on a road trip out to the Midwest. It was dark when we pulled in, hard to see the landscape/campground sites, but we found one right on the edge of the reservoir. There were multiple other RVs already set up, hunters mostly this time of year. Vault toilet, picnic table and fire pit at the campsite and some trees. Not very many trees between campsites, so don’t expect too much privacy. It was very windy the night we stayed. But it was free, close the highway 2, and open all year long. I saw no trash services or water but that could be the time of year. Very close off highway 2, maybe a 3 minute drive past the sleeping Buffalo hotsprings. 

A place to sleep off of highway 2

Yeah as one reviewer noted, there is no lack of flying insects to accost you. Probably more bugs than I have ever seen in recent memory. Dodge the bugs by going to the kickass little bar down the road!

Bugs! But... Bar!

Easy to find. Bit bumpy on the way in but spaces right on the water with sunset over the water. Saw kayakers and a duck family on the water. 2 picnic tables open air and one under roof at my site and a fire pit. 

Photos of Nelson Reservoir - USBR

Real photos from real campers