Nelson Reservoir Recreation Area
Bureau of Reclamation
Write a Review Hwy 243 Saco, MT 59261 406-759-5077 Official WebsiteGPS: 48.4928, -107.531
Overview of Nelson Reservoir Recreation Area
Last Price Paid: $0
Reported by camper-784802 on 9/6/2023
Longest RV Reported: 38 feet (Class A)
Reported by SonjaB on 7/19/2017
Number of Sites 9
Open Seasonally Yes
Elevation 2,230 ft / 679 m
Max Stay 7
Tent Camping Yes







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Reviews of Nelson Reservoir Recreation Area 16 people have reviewed this location.
“Mosquito Nightmare ”
Reviewed 9/6/2023
Nightly rate: | FREE! |
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Days stayed: | 2 |
We arrived in the middle of the night in early September. It was in the 40s overnight so we hoped the mosquitoes would be gone for the year. It was dark but we were able to get into a good flat site by the water. No issues with our 30' class A When I went out the next morning to cook breakfast I was devoured by mosquitoes. I'm not usu... more
We arrived in the middle of the night in early September. It was in the 40s overnight so we hoped the mosquitoes would be gone for the year. It was dark but we were able to get into a good flat site by the water. No issues with our 30' class A
When I went out the next morning to cook breakfast I was devoured by mosquitoes. I'm not usually one to complain - we do a lot of boondocking and I have no issue dealing with the realities of "camping". But I'm telling you I have never seen so many mosquitoes in one place.
This would be 5 stars easily if it weren't for the mosquitoes - and it would probably be full up also.
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“We Were Misquote Food”
Reviewed 6/20/2023
Nightly rate: | FREE! |
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Days stayed: | 1 |
I read the reviews about bugs before arriving and stopped at the store before we got there to get heavy duty mosquito and tick defense. We used about half the bottle in a couple hours. We made the quickest dinner we could think of and had to eat in the car. I have never in my life witnessed such aggressive bugs. I was bit right next to... more
I read the reviews about bugs before arriving and stopped at the store before we got there to get heavy duty mosquito and tick defense. We used about half the bottle in a couple hours. We made the quickest dinner we could think of and had to eat in the car. I have never in my life witnessed such aggressive bugs. I was bit right next to my eye and it swelled up pretty big. I have bites were the sun doesn’t shine. They mellow out during the day but we cut our stay short. The bugs ruined our night. Definitely come later in the season to avoid this.
Also be prepared for a lot of boats coming and going for fishing. My boyfriend went to the shore to rinse off his hands and face and nearly got hit by someone trying to back in their boat and not paying attention.
Other than that it’s a nice open area with lake side camping and for free!
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Mosquito City But Great Views”
Reviewed 6/14/2023
Nightly rate: | FREE! |
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Days stayed: | 1 |
We had read the reviews talking about the bugs and they were not kidding. Put bug spray on before you leave your vehicle. The mosquitoes swarm your car and are relentless. Other than that it was quiet and beautiful for an overnight as passing through.
camper-774423 would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Beautiful Spot”
Reviewed 9/23/2022
Days stayed: | 1 |
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RV Length: | 35' (Class A) |
We stayed overnight but would stay the max time if we could. Lovely spot, fire pits, some spots have covered picnic tables. We found a level spot and watched the sunset over the lake. Quiet. Only 2 other campers here last night, a camper fan and 5th wheel. Gravel access road wasn’t bad at all (after Alaska everything looks good), so... more
We stayed overnight but would stay the max time if we could. Lovely spot, fire pits, some spots have covered picnic tables. We found a level spot and watched the sunset over the lake. Quiet. Only 2 other campers here last night, a camper fan and 5th wheel. Gravel access road wasn’t bad at all (after Alaska everything looks good), someone left wood for us in the fire pit. Beautiful night. We ran our generator but weren’t close to anyone else.
Cookie would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Quiet Spot But Be Ready For Mosquitoes ”
Reviewed 8/21/2022
Nightly rate: | FREE! |
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Days stayed: | 1 |
Stopped here mid August on our way to North Dakota. Campground is really quiet, off the beaten path. Campsites are free, just find a spot on the grass with a table and fire pit. Mosquitoes we’re relentless! So was the wind. Sunset was amazing!
camper-735520 would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Great place for overnight or y day stay”
Reviewed 7/10/2022
Nightly rate: | FREE! |
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Days stayed: | 7 |
We found the Nelson reservoir here in Saco, Montana while traveling to South Dakota. The spots are so spacious and no problem for our 39 foot 5’er, there are fire rings and picnic tables in each spot. All the camping spots are on the reservoir with beautiful views. There is a boat ramp for all you fishermen, several covered pavilio... more
We found the Nelson reservoir here in Saco, Montana while traveling to South Dakota. The spots are so spacious and no problem for our 39 foot 5’er, there are fire rings and picnic tables in each spot.
All the camping spots are on the reservoir with beautiful views. There is a boat ramp for all you fishermen, several covered pavilions and several vault restrooms throughout the campground.
On the way in to the free camping area there is a paid campground (rates $47 per night), at the office they have snacks, ice cream and a few different other needed items. Inside there is a nice indoor pool along with a natural hot springs.
All in all this is a great place and would definitely stay here again.
Pop's would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Great stop otw to Glacier”
Reviewed 7/1/2022
Nightly rate: | FREE! |
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Days stayed: | 1 |
This was a great stopping point from Badlands, ND to Glacier NP. Easily fit our 40 ft. Fifth wheel. Plenty of room to turn around and drive through the find a nice spot. Stopped in June and there were a lot of rvs just parked— may be a local favorite spot. The views were great and the night sky— beautiful. The mosquitoes were relentles... more
This was a great stopping point from Badlands, ND to Glacier NP. Easily fit our 40 ft. Fifth wheel. Plenty of room to turn around and drive through the find a nice spot. Stopped in June and there were a lot of rvs just parked— may be a local favorite spot. The views were great and the night sky— beautiful. The mosquitoes were relentless. Thankfully we sprayed lots of bug spray and that took care of them. We would definitely come back- preferably in the spring/ fall when bugs aren’t a nuisance.
Hbrown would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Mosquitos on 6 August 2021 unbelievable ”
Reviewed 8/6/2021
Nightly rate: | FREE! |
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Days stayed: | 1 |
Site Number: | Pick a place, no numbered sites |
RV Length: | 20' (Travel Trailer) |
Very quiet but lake is way down so a lot of still or dead water. This produces a lot of mosquitoes like Everglades in Florida swarms of mosquitoes. we are used to mosquitoes as we are from Florida but this place was unbelievable. We turned on generator turned on air conditioning and just stayed inside. We are traveling east so only nee... more
Very quiet but lake is way down so a lot of still or dead water. This produces a lot of mosquitoes like Everglades in Florida swarms of mosquitoes. we are used to mosquitoes as we are from Florida but this place was unbelievable. We turned on generator turned on air conditioning and just stayed inside. We are traveling east so only needed a place to stay overnight. We had great cell service and about a mile of gravel road getting in here.
jks would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Wonderful”
Reviewed 6/3/2021
Nightly rate: | FREE! |
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Days stayed: | 1 |
Site Number: | NA |
Loved it here, mid week. Place all to ourselves. Lake breeze to help cool 92 degree heat! Birders paradise! Sitings included 3 pelicans. Lots of bird song & activity.
Ree would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Absolutely beautiful and quiet”
Reviewed 9/12/2020
Nightly rate: | FREE! |
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Days stayed: | 2 |
RV Length: | 31' (Class C) |
We read all the reviews about the mosquitoes but, we stayed here after Labor Day and a few freezing nights. Some flies, lots of midges (they don't bite) and some moths. We parked right on the water near the camp host. Who was very nice and offered to move his boat in case it was in our way. We have a picnic table and fire ring with... more
We read all the reviews about the mosquitoes but, we stayed here after Labor Day and a few freezing nights. Some flies, lots of midges (they don't bite) and some moths. We parked right on the water near the camp host. Who was very nice and offered to move his boat in case it was in our way. We have a picnic table and fire ring with grill. Great for kayaks and smaller fishing boats. We wish we had a kayak! It is a rock beach with glassy water. Some patches of green algae but, not a full on bloom. I grew up on lake Erie in the 80's, so most water is okay for me.
The sunset on the reservoir is beautiful, though you can see a lot of smoke in the western sky due to the wildfires. Can we talk about the stars at night?! These city kids are not used to picking out the details of the milky way with the human eye.
Great boondocking, free pack it in, pack it out sites. There are picnic pavilions and quite a few day users on the water. We were only going to stay one night but, decided to stick around for one more to enjoy the area. There are towns with groceries within 30min. We like being in the middle of nowhere. The gravel hwy is a bit of a washboard. So, take it slow if you are in a motorhome like us.
Clean Slate, Dirty Tires would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
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Amenities
Hookups
- dry camping
Recreation
- boat ramp
- fishing
- picnic area
- water access
Site Amenities
- picnic table
Facilities
- restrooms: vault
- water available
Pets
- pets
Nearby
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