Open terrain surrounds Cooney Reservoir in south-central Montana, where Cooney State Park Campground sits along the water with little tree cover and wide sightlines across the lake. The sites are level and generously spaced in some loops, though reviewers in busier sections note they can feel close together. Gravel roads lead through the park, and reaching certain areas requires navigating a few miles of unpaved surface. Cell service is limited due to the valley location, which is worth planning around before arrival.
Water access is the main draw here. Several sites sit close enough to the shoreline that campers have tied boats directly to the bank, and three boat launches serve the reservoir. Fishing draws a regular crowd, with trout available for those with a license and gear, though one reviewer noted that heavy powerboat and jet ski traffic can make fishing difficult on busier days. The stream feeding the reservoir also provides fly fishing and kayaking opportunities. Camp hosts sell firewood and ice on-site, but there is no fuel or food available within the park, so supplies need to come in with you.
The campground has full hookup sites for RVs as well as tent sites, with flush toilets and showers reported at some areas and vault toilets at others. A dump station is present, though it has been noted as inoperable on at least one visit. Tent campers have flagged that pricing can feel steep relative to the amenities at non-hookup sites. Weekends bring families, dogs, and boat traffic, so those seeking quieter conditions may want to consider a weekday stay or look into campgrounds just outside Cooney State Park for alternatives. The Red Lodge Campground to the west is one nearby option worth comparing. If a lakeside site with direct water access fits your plans, booking ahead on recreation.gov is the move.
Description
This popular park is just 40 minutes south of Billings to boat, play in the water, camp, and fish. The most popular recreation area serving southcentral Montana, it's always a busy place in the summer. The park features good walleye and rainbow trout fishing, boating opportunities, and five campgrounds around the lake.
The park is open year-round for other recreational opportunities. During the winter months, Cooney State Park is a great place to ice fish and cross country ski.
<font>ADA designated campsites may only be reserved and occupied by a party who can provide proof of disability upon arrival. Proof of eligibility for at least one member of your party will be required in the form of a DMV (or other states equivalent) issued person with disabilities placard or disabilities motor vehicle license plate. The eligible member of your party must be an occupant of the site for the entire reserved period. Failure to comply with these requirements will result in the cancellation of your reservation and forfeiture of your reservation fee. Additional cancellation fees will be applied. </font>
Some group facilities are ADA accessible and do not require proof of disability upon arrival.
Camping is allowed in designated areas only. All boats, trailers, rigs and motorized vehicles must fit entirely within the campsite parking-spur provided. Any equipment that does not fit entirely within the campsite parking-spur must be parked outside the campground in an area designated by the park manager.
Reservations are non-transferable and cannot be sold, bartered, or traded. The primary occupant and/or their party are the only persons authorized to camp in the site during the duration of their reservation.
Check-in time is 2:00pm for campsites (local time).
Check-out time is 1:00pm for campsites (local park time). Late checkouts may incur additional fees unless prior arrangements have been made with park staff.
The maximum capacity at each individually signed or numbered campsite is eight (8) people. This typically involves a single camping unit, which includes, but not limited to, a tent, motor home, camping bus, truck mounted camper shell, pull-type camper, or other device designed and commonly used for sleeping. In the event the site is designated as Double Site, the site capacity for that site is doubled to allow for sixteen (16) people and two camping units.
Campfires are allowed in designated areas only!
Pets must be kept on a leash. Please check with destination park staff for local restrictions.
Quiet hours are enforced from 10:00pm to 7:00am.
All watercraft entering Montana must be inspected before launch and purchase Vessel AIS Prevention pass. For more information visit cleandraindrymt.com.
In case of an emergency when visiting Montana State Parks, please dial 911. You may also wish to notify park staff for additional assistance if necessary.
For non-emergency assistance please contact park staff.
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
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 Clean.Drain.Dry.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsCooney State Park Campground is located in Montana near Roberts
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
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage
VerizonLTESome Coverage- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark 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
Drive Time
- 1 hr 12 min from Billings, MT
- 2 hrs 14 min from Bozeman, MT
- 3 hrs 38 min from Helena, MT
- 4 hrs 9 min from Great Falls, MT
