Big Nelson Campground campground
Big Nelson Campground
Reservations are not accepted at Big Nelson Campground, as it operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Therefore, it is recommended to arrive early to secure a spot, especially during peak seasons when the campground tends to fill up quickly.
The best time to visit Big Nelson Campground is during the summer months, particularly from June to September, when the weather is generally pleasant and conducive to outdoor activities. This time of year allows campers the opportunity to fully enjoy hiking, fishing, and exploring the surrounding natural wonders.
While visiting Big Nelson Campground, campers should be cautious of the local wildlife, including bears and other potentially dangerous animals. It is important to properly store food and dispose of trash to minimize the risk of attracting wildlife to the camping area. Additionally, campers are encouraged to bring bug repellent, as mosquitos and other insects can be prevalent in the area.
In conclusion, Big Nelson Campground offers a serene and convenient camping experience in Montana. With its range of amenities, first-come, first-served policy, and ideal timing for a visit, campers can enjoy the breathtaking beauty of the area while being mindful of wildlife and insects.
What's on-site at Big Nelson Campground
Key facilities Snoflo tracks for this campground. Confirm with the operator before booking -- amenities can change seasonally.
Plan your trip down to the hour
Same weather feed Snoflo's iOS app uses -- updated continuously from NOAA / yr.no.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max so trends jump out at a glance.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks. Hover any point for the full breakdown.
Other campgrounds in the area
Snoflo-tracked campsites within driving distance of Big Nelson Campground, with reservations status.
| Campground | Reservations | Toilets | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| Big Nelson Complex | ✗ | ✓ | → |
| Browns Lake Fas | ✗ | ✓ | → |
| Moose Creek Campground (Free) | ✗ | ✗ | → |
| Harry Morgan Fas | ✗ | ✗ | → |
| Monture Creek | ✗ | ✓ | → |
Nearby streamflow
USGS streamgauges within reach of Big Nelson Campground -- pulled live from the National Water Information System.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Nf Blackfoot R Ab Dry Gulch Nr Ovando Mt | 809 cfs | → |
| Blackfoot R Ab Nevada Cr Nr Helmville Mt | 790 cfs | → |
| Nevada Cr Ab Reservoir | 27 cfs | → |
| Clark Fork Near Drummond Mt | 610 cfs | → |
| Flint Creek Near Drummond Mt | 15 cfs | → |
| Clark Fork At Goldcreek Mt | 406 cfs | → |
Nearby snow depths
NRCS SNOTEL stations within reach of Big Nelson Campground -- relevant when planning a shoulder-season or alpine trip.
| SNOTEL station | Snowpack | 24h Snowfall | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nohrsc Copper Camp | 30.0 in | 0.0 in | → |
| Copper Camp | 30.0 in | -1.0 in | → |
| Copper Bottom | 0.0 in | 0.0 in | → |
| Nohrsc Copper Bottom | 0.0 in | 0.0 in | → |
| N Fk Elk Creek | 13.0 in | 0.0 in | → |
| N Fk Elk Creek | 0.0 in | 0.0 in | → |
Plan a longer trip
The closest parks, lakes, boat launches, and paddle runs so a camping night can grow into a full weekend.
Parks
- Wilderness Scapegoat
- Hooper Park
- Salmon Lake State Park
- Wilderness Bob Marshall
- Flathead National Forest
- Lewis And Clark National Forest
Fishing spots
- Arrastra Creek
- River Junction Fishing Access
- Alice Creek
- Belmont Creek
- Lake Alva
- Little Prickly Pear Creek
Camping essentials & Leave No Trace
- Pack it in, pack it out
- Take all trash, food scraps, and gear back with you to keep campsites clean and protect wildlife.
- Respect wildlife
- Observe animals from a distance, store food securely, and never feed wildlife to maintain natural behavior and safety.
- Know before you go
- Check weather, fire restrictions, trail conditions, and permit requirements to ensure a safe and well-planned trip.
- Minimize campfire impact
- Use established fire rings, keep fires small, fully extinguish them, or opt for a camp stove when fires are restricted.
- Leave what you find
- Preserve natural and cultural features by avoiding removal of plants, rocks, artifacts, or other elements of the environment.
Set push alerts in the Snoflo app
Save Big Nelson Campground as a favorite, set a custom threshold (precipitation, snowpack, freezing temperatures), and the iOS app will push the moment conditions cross.
About Big Nelson Campground
Can I make reservations at Big Nelson Campground?
This campground does not appear to accept reservations -- it's typically first-come, first-served. Arrive early on summer weekends.
How fresh is the weather data on this page?
The hourly forecast updates throughout the day from the NOAA / yr.no public feeds. Streamflow data is pulled live from USGS streamgauges and snowpack from the NRCS SNOTEL network.
What's the best time of year to visit?
Use the 15-day temperature & precipitation outlook on this page to plan -- pick a window with comfortable temperatures and low precipitation. For longer trips, the 5-day hourly meteogram shows snow + rain accumulation hour-by-hour.
How do I get to Big Nelson Campground?
Tap Directions in the hero above to open driving directions in Google Maps, or Open in map to center the Snoflo interactive map on the campground.
Can I get alerts when conditions change?
Yes -- alerts are managed through the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this campground, set a threshold (temperature, snowpack, precipitation), and you'll get a push the moment it crosses.
Other campgrounds near here
Snoflo-tracked campgrounds within driving distance of Big Nelson Campground.