Nelson is a town in Madison County, New York, United States.

[3] The town was named after Horatio Nelson, the English naval hero.

The Nelson Welsh Congregational Church was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1993.

Eaton Reservoir is in the eastern part of the town, draining into Eaton Creek, a tributary of the Chenango River that leads to the Susquehanna River and ultimately to Chesapeake Bay.

18.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 5.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.