Head to Cooney State Park's reservoir 40 minutes south of Billings to boat, play in the water, camp, and fish. This is the most popular recreation area serving south central Montana, and it's always a busy place in the summer!
Features excellent walleye and rainbow trout fishing, boating, water-skiing, and scenic mountain views. Pets must be on a leash at all times. The park offers three boat ramps with docks and a fish cleaning station at Red Lodge Arm. Nineteen campsites have electricity.
Montana State Parks camping sits between wild Forest Service sites and private RV parks: clearer rules, maintained facilities, and often water or showers, while still keeping you close to the landscape the park was created to protect.
Nearest town: Roberts. Elevation about 3700 feet.
Campground snapshot
- Agency / unit: FWP — State Parks
- Sites: 82
- Type: Tent/RV
- Fee range: $4-$34
- Season: Park open year-round; drinking water and flush toilets May 15 - Sep 27; docks May 1 - Nov 1 (weather dependent)
- Reservations: ReserveAmerica
- Best for: Cooney Reservoir fishing
Amenities
ADA Accessible, Boat Launch, Campsite, Camp Host, Dock, Electricity, Established Fire Pits, Grills/Fire Rings, Parking, Pets Allowed, Picnic Tables, Playground, Public Restroom, Shower, Toilets (Flush), Toilets (Vault), Trash Removal, Water
How to book
Montana State Parks camping generally books through ReserveAmerica. Peak season is typically late May through mid-September. Confirm cabin/yurt options and current fees on the park page. Official listing: fwp.mt.gov/stateparks/cooney.
Bear country & campcraft
This stop sits in classic Montana bear country. Store all attractants—food, trash, toiletries, cookware, and pet food—in a hard-sided vehicle, an IGBC-approved container, a provided bear box, or a proper hang. Never bring food or cooking clothes into the tent.
Campfires belong only in provided metal rings when restrictions allow. Drown, stir, and feel the ashes with the back of your hand before leaving or sleeping. In Stage II restrictions, open fires are banned even in developed sites—use a shut-off stove only.
Follow Leave No Trace: camp on durable surfaces, pack out everything you pack in, and leave the site cleaner than you found it.
Plan the rest of the trip
- Camping reference: reservations, bears, and fire rules
- Open this stop on the Backroads Guided Trails map
- Campgrounds directory
Visitor Access
- Nearest town: Roberts
- Focus: State Park
- Coordinates: 45.5736, -109.2433
- Access note: Confirm road conditions, water availability, and fire restrictions before arrival. Mountain weather can drop below freezing even in midsummer.
- Legal reminder: Follow agency food-storage orders, stay within designated sites in developed camps, and respect private land and tribal boundaries.