Cooney State Park
Cooney State Park is the most popular recreation area in south-central Montana. This irrigation reservoir is always a busy place in the summer. Attractions include good walleye and rainbow trout fishing. Boating opportunities are abundant and 75 camping spots are available on this large 289 acre site at 3,300 feet in elevation. Situated off State Highway 212, Cooney State Park is 50 miles south of Billings, 22 miles southwest of Laurel, and 8 miles west of the town of Boyd. more info
Neighbors and tourists are drawn to the abundant recreation possibilities this irrigation reservoir has to offer. The reservoir, created to feed irrigation systems, has proven to be resourceful as a year-round recreational state park. Water skiing, motorboating, and non-motorized boating are popular pastimes at the park, along with fishing, camping and picnicking. The reservoir is also used for paddling and swimming, and one day-use area offers a scenic overlook at the dam that created the reservoir. The county road offers nice views of the lake and mountains. Birdwatching at Cooney Reservoir is popular, with ospreys, owls, red-tailed hawks and numerous smaller birds visible.
The reservoir is a popular trout fishery and is stocked with 150,000 6-inch rainbow trout each year by the Department of Fish, wildlife and Parks. By fall, the trout average 12 inches long. Cooney Reservoir State Park also has several species of suckers, as well as walleye and black crappie. With 780 surface acres of water, the reservoir is an ice fisherman's paradise. Ice fishing and snowmobiling, along with ice skating and cross-country sking are among winter recreational activities at the park. The winter traveler should be aware that ice or deep drifting snow can cover roads, and to always check the ice conditions before venturing out onto the lake.
Cooney Reservoir State Park boast 75 campsites around the reservoir. The large 289 acres site has three day-use areas and five camping areas, three of which offer wheelchair accessible facilities. Campground sites include both flush and vault toilets, fire rings with grills, fish cleaning stations, picnic tables, trash cans, drinking water, and coin operated showers. Both camping and day-use areas have boat launches. Winter camping is also available for the hardy adventurer. Campers may stay 7 days during a 30 day period at a cost of $15.00 per night.
Head to this irrigation reservoir, 40 minutes south of Billings to boat, play in the water, camp, and fish. Cooney State Park offers a wide range of water related and outdoor activities. Day-use and camping fees are charged year-round at Cooney, and visitors must pay the fees before entering the park. Pay stations are at each park entrance. To reach Cooney, take Interstate 90 to Highway 212, travel to the Boyd turnoff to access the county road. Day-use fees are FREE for Montana residents and $5 per day for non-residents. For information contact Cooney Reservoir State Park, (406) 445-2326.
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Cooney State Park
Visit Conney State Park while in the Red Lodge area.
