News Release Archive

Bureau of Reclamation restricts camping and group use at facilities east of the divide in Montana – Day use areas remain open

Media Contact: Jack Conner, 406-670-3778, jconner@usbr.gov

For Release: April 10, 2020

BILLINGS, Mont. - Because the health and safety of the public and our employees remains our number one priority, the Bureau of Reclamation is temporarily restricting overnight camping and group use areas at Reclamation-managed recreation areas east of the continental divide in Montana. Boat launching ramps and day use will remain open where possible, however courtesy boat docks are not in place at this time. Specifically, the following temporary restrictions are in place until further notice:

Canyon Ferry Reservoir

  • Day use areas open.
  • No overnight camping.
  • Group Use Sites are closed.
  • Bathroom facilities at all locations are closed due to public, contractor, and employee safety concerns.
  • The Marinas remain closed for the season until approximately mid-May. This opening is tentative and may be re-evaluated depending on the COVID-19 situation.

Tiber Reservoir (Lake Elwell)

  • Day use areas open.
  • No overnight camping.
  • Group Use Sites are closed.
  • Bathroom facilities at all locations are closed due to public, contractor, and employee safety concerns.
  • The Tiber Marina remains closed for the season until approximately mid-May. This opening is tentative and may be re-evaluated depending on the COVID-19 situation.

Fresno and Nelson Reservoirs

  • Day use areas open.
  • No overnight camping.
  • Group Use Sites are closed.
  • Bathroom facilities at all locations are closed due to public, contractor, and employee safety concerns.

Clark Canyon Reservoir

  • Day use areas open.
  • No overnight camping.
  • Group Use Sites are closed.
  • Bathroom facilities at all locations are closed due to public, contractor, and employee safety concerns.

Those already occupying camping spots will be allowed up to 72 hours to vacate overnight camping sites. The closings are all tentative and may be re-evaluated depending on developments related to COVID-19.

As a reminder, social distancing and other guidance put forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) should be followed at each of these facilities. Guidance can be found at www.cdc.gov/

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The Bureau of Reclamation is a federal agency under the U.S. Department of the Interior and is the nation's largest wholesale water supplier and second largest producer of hydroelectric power. Our facilities also provide substantial flood control, recreation opportunities, and environmental benefits. Visit our website at https://www.usbr.gov and follow us on Twitter @USBR; Facebook @bureau.of.reclamation; LinkedIn @Bureau of Reclamation; Instagram @bureau_of_reclamation; and YouTube @reclamation.