Cooney State Park
00 review86 Lake Shore Rd, Roberts, Montana, 59070, United States
Cooney State Park
$25.00 - $35.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Fees for campsites range from $25 to $35, with additional charges for late checkouts and Vessel AIS Prevention passes for boats. ADA designated sites require proof of disability.
About this campground
Nestled in the heart of south-central Montana, Cooney State Park beckons outdoor enthusiasts with its shimmering reservoir and five distinct campgrounds that dot the shoreline. This beloved four-season playground transforms with each passing month—from summer's bustling boat launches and fishing expeditions to winter's serene, snow-dusted landscapes. Whether you're seeking a weekend escape or an extended adventure, Cooney's diverse recreational offerings and waterfront camping options create the perfect basecamp for Montana memories.
Cooney State Park offers diverse camping options, including primitive camping, RV camping, and tent spaces. Group sites are also available.
Weather and SeasonsExperience Montana's dramatic seasonal shifts at Cooney State Park, where summer days warm to a pleasant 83°F—ideal for swimming and water sports—while winter transforms the landscape into a crystalline wonderland with temperatures dipping to a brisk 8°F. The park's winter personality brings frequent snowfall, creating opportunities for cross-country skiing and ice fishing, while spring and fall offer mild temperatures perfect for hiking and wildlife watching.
ElevationElevation details are not provided.
Natural Features and SceneryCooney State Park presents a captivating tableau of Montana's high plains beauty, where golden grasslands roll toward the horizon and meet the sparkling waters of Cooney Reservoir. The landscape tells the story of the American West—vast skies stretch endlessly above sage-dotted hills, while the reservoir's blue waters provide a stunning contrast to the surrounding amber prairie. This semi-arid terrain showcases nature's subtle palette, from the soft greens of spring grasses to the rich golds of autumn, creating an ever-changing canvas that photographers and nature lovers cherish.
Geological RegionSet within south-central Montana's distinctive high plains ecosystem, Cooney State Park showcases the region's characteristic semi-arid landscape where ancient geological forces carved rolling hills and expansive valleys. The reservoir, a human addition to this timeless terrain, now serves as a vital oasis amidst the surrounding grasslands and sagebrush steppe. This unique meeting of water and prairie creates a diverse habitat that supports both aquatic and terrestrial wildlife, offering visitors a glimpse into Montana's remarkable ecological diversity.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe park offers handicap-accessible facilities, including some group areas that do not require proof of ADA eligibility.
Sites SizeGroup sites can accommodate up to 16 people and two camping units.
Total Campsites5 campsites
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
1:00 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum capacity for individual sites is 8 people, with double sites accommodating 16 people.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Each site can accommodate up to 8 guests.
Groups
Group sites can host a maximum of 16 people and two camping units.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutComprises five campgrounds spread around the reservoir.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round. Popular in summer for water activities and winter for ice fishing and skiing.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Montana State Parks official channels.
Walk-in AvailabilityNo explicit information provided about walk-up or first-come-first-served sites.
Cancellation PolicyReservations are non-transferable and non-refundable. ADA site cancellations due to non-compliance incur additional fees.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Potable water
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Campers can enjoy fishing for walleye and rainbow trout, boating, jet skiing, water skiing, and windsurfing. There are opportunities for bird watching, hiking on moderate trails, and swimming in the reservoir. Additionally, winter months offer ice fishing and cross-country skiing.
Hiking
The park offers moderate hiking trails, providing recreational opportunities for visitors.Fishing
Fishing is a highlight at Cooney State Park, with opportunities to catch walleye and rainbow trout in the reservoir.Swimming
Swimming is permitted in the reservoir, making it a popular activity during warmer months.Biking
Bicycling is listed as an available activity within the park.Boating
Boating facilities include a boat ramp and dock, supporting various water-based activities.Wildlife viewing
Bird watching is specifically mentioned as an available activity, offering a chance to observe local wildlife.Winter Activities
Winter activities include ice fishing and cross-country skiing.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports such as windsurfing and sailboarding are supported.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are allowed only in designated areas.
- Quiet hours are 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsUser reviews mention cows grazing freely within the campground area. Winter conditions like snow and ice could pose access challenges.
Weather forecast
82
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 18%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 10.6 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
In case of emergencies, visitors are advised to dial 911. The park also suggests notifying park staff for additional assistance. Specific information on the nearest hospitals or police stations is not provided.
Good to know
Peak season datesSummer months are peak season due to water activities.
Trash and recyclingNo specific information about trash and recycling facilities is provided. However, park policies emphasize proper disposal of waste and maintenance of a clean environment.
Proximity to water featuresSituated around the Cooney Reservoir, offering direct access to the lake for boating and swimming.
Common complaintsUser reviews highlight the absence of showers despite their mention on the website, and rough access roads.
HostHosts are available onsite, as mentioned under amenities.
Campground Map
86 Lake Shore Rd, Roberts, Montana, 59070, United States
Driving directionsCooney 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.
The road into the campsites is described as "very bumpy" in user reviews, and the campground is accessible from paved highways but involves unpaved county roads for the final stretch. Seasonal challenges like snow may affect winter access.Nearby places
Laurel (22 miles, approximately 30 minutes), Boyd (8 miles, approximately 15 minutes), Columbus (4 miles plus 14 miles on Shane Creek Road, approximately 30 minutes), Billings (40 miles, approximately 45 minutes).
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies are expected to be available in nearby towns such as Laurel or Columbus, but specific information is not provided.
Camper Reviews
0.0
0 reviews
Cooney State Park has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
The campground receives mixed reviews. While the lake and scenery are praised for their appeal, issues such as bumpy roads and the unexpected presence of grazing cows have been noted.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
The lake is described as 'beautiful' by users, with recreational opportunities being a significant draw for visitors.
Common Concerns
User complaints include the absence of promised shower facilities and rough roads leading to campsites. Dawn Klaes notes, 'The road into the campsites were very bumpy,' and mentions, 'Cows graze...
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Pro Tips & Recommendations
Visitors should confirm the amenities available on-site before arrival and prepare for possible challenges, such as rough roads or grazing animals.
Seasonal Insights
Summer is particularly busy, with activities like swimming, boating, and fishing being popular. Winter offers ice fishing and cross-country skiing, catering to year-round recreation.
Camper Quotes
1. 'The website said there's showers, but there's not.' - Dawn Klaes 2. 'The lake is beautiful.' - Dawn Klaes 3. 'Apparently cows graze freely through the campground.' - Dawn Klaes 4. 'The road into...
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Site-Specific Reviews
There is limited specificity in site reviews beyond general observations about the campground's condition and amenities.
Accessibility Features
The park has designated ADA-accessible campsites and group facilities, but no detailed user feedback on accessibility experiences is available.
Pet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, but there are no specific reviews concerning pet-related experiences.
Last updated August 10, 2025