our Weekly Showcase of Montana State Parks
This week’s focus takes us between Billings, Montana and Red Lodge, Montana to Cooney State Park. With 2 miles of trails (we’ve even heard rumors of a future project that wraps around the entire reservoir), Cooney State Park offers great views and a wide variety of outdoor activities that won’t fail to impress.
These weekly parks feature series are brought to you by Visit Billings. Billings, Montana’s Trailhead
Did you know?
Cooney State Park is just 40 minutes south of Billings and offers year-round access and activities.
Planning a stop? You’ll find:
Summer Activities
✅ Boating
✅ Camping
✅ Water Skiing
✅ Wakeboarding
✅ Swimming
✅ Hiking
✅ Fishing
✅ Tubing
Winter Activities
✅ Cross-country skiing
✅ Skating
✅ Ice fishing!
✅ Plus so much more!
Not only does the park have a gorgeous reservoir, but it has a view of the Beartooth Mountains in the background.
Regardless of the season, you’ll find excellent fishing for walleye and rainbow trout. And don’t forget, the Red Lodge Arm has a fish cleaning station!
Planning to bring your boat along? You shouldn’t have any issues finding a place to drop in with three boat docks and ramps surrounding the lake!
DID YOU KNOW?
During the winter, some people enjoy kite-skiing across the lake.
Camping is plentiful at Cooney State Park with five campgrounds and 82 campsites, 19 of which have electricity.
While the electricity in the campgrounds is on year-round, be aware the water is shut off during the winter months.
There are also three-day-use group areas available around the lake.
Local Tips When Visiting Cooney
* The waterfront sites are truly waterfront (I stayed in Marshalls Cove) – a great place to bring a Kayak. There are also electric sites available. You will need to drive about 1 mile on gravel, wash-boarded road to get to Marshalls Cove. Longer if you want to get to the other campgrounds that comprise Cooney Dam Reservoir. The place has a spirit of adventure about it. Phone service is limited to Fisherman’s point – about 1 mile from Marshalls Cove. We camped at Cooney State Park in a Fifth Wheel.
* Great jet ski and boating reservoir. Sunny skies and fun location in the shadow of snow-covered mountains.
* Love this place. Go early if you wanna beat the crowds.
* Great lake and close to Billings. Just a little fishing tip use leeches.
* Stayed for a week in June it was packed during the weekend and pretty much empty during the week. There is no cell phone (unless you have a booster) and no wi-fi. The place was clean and the people friendly. The gravel pad was mostly level. We camped at Cooney State Park in a Motorhome.
Cooney State Park Quick Facts
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Park
Open Year-Round
Campground
Open Year-Round
Location
86 Lake Shore Road
Roberts, MT 59070
Day Use Area Open Year-Round
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* Open Year-Round
* 309 Acres
* ADA Accessible
* Pets Allowed
* Water
* Toilets (Flush & Vault)
* Boat Launch & Docks
* Playground
How Does the Foundation Help State Parks Like Cooney State Park?
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As Montana State Parks’ only statewide fundraising partner, the Foundation helps to raise awareness, education, and most importantly support boots-on-the-ground improvement projects for users and supporters like you.
As an agency faced with a $22 million maintenance deficit, our work and collaboration help to ensure continued access and solutions currently inside our state park system.
Because in the end, we envision state parks that reflect Montana’s renowned outdoor recreation and heritage for all… forever.
