Thompson Guard Station

4.32

13 reviews

415 S. FRONT STREET, TOWNSEND, MT, 59644, USA

Quick Facts

6,493 ft

Price

$50/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open: April 1, 2025 ...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

6,493 ft

Price

$50/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open: April 1, 2025 ...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Thompson Guard Station

$50.00 - $50.00 / night

Campsite Fees

A $50 recreation use fee applies to cabin rentals during peak season dates (April 1 - December 15, 2025). Additional fees such as reservation,...

Standard Site Fee$0.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

406-266-3425

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What Campers Say

4.32

Recommended

Based on 13 reviews

Most mentioned

viewslocation

"User reviews highlight the cabin's rustic charm, secluded location, and opportunities to disconnect. Positive aspects include the incredible starry night views and opportunities for relaxing and outdoor recreation. However, some users complained about the road condition and instances of poor cleanliness left by previous guests."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

415 S. FRONT STREET, TOWNSEND, MT, 59644, USA

Thompson Guard Station

415 S. FRONT STREET, TOWNSEND, MT, 59644, USA

Driving directionsFrom White Sulphur Springs, travel west on Highway 360 for 1.6 miles. At this point, make a sharp curve to the right off the highway. There is a Forest Service sign at this junction that reads: Gipsy Lake 14, Townsend 44. Go straight onto the gravel road for 6.5 miles. At 6.5 miles, the gravel road forks at the entrance to a ranch. Stay to the right. As you drive the next 7.5 miles to the Forest boundary, the road will become more primitive. Within a quarter of a mile of the Forest boundary, a sign for Thompson Station will direct you to the right onto Forest Road #383. Take Forest Road #383 for 0.6 miles to a sign that will direct you to the left, and to a gate to the station. Access to the cabin during the summer months is good and can be reached by driving through White Sulphur Springs or from the west over Duck Creek Pass.

Summer access is good, but the road becomes primitive after approximately 7.5 miles. Winter access requires snowshoes, cross-country skis, or snowmobiles and is closed within 8 miles of the cabin.

Nearby places

White Sulphur Springs (17 miles)

Nearby supplies

White Sulphur Springs (17 miles) for groceries, camping supplies, and fuel.

Best Time to Camp at Thompson Guard Station

The Big Belt Mountains showcase nature's dramatic seasonal transformations. Winter arrives with a fierce beauty, blanketing the landscape in snow while winds howl through the peaks and temperatures plunge into bone-chilling territory. As spring melts into summer, the mountains reveal their gentler side. From early June onward, visitors discover why this season captures hearts: crystal-clear skies stretch endlessly overhead, temperatures settle into that perfect mountain comfort zone, and the dry air carries the scent of sun-warmed pine. These are the months when the guard station truly shines as a basecamp for adventure.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer reviews focus on hiking, fishing and outdoor recreation; lakes nearby support activities.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Mountain scenery and meadows likely very attractive in fall; activities remain similar to summer.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.0 / 5

Spring can be variable with snowmelt; some access issues likely though trails and lakes become active.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.0 / 5

Winter offers snowshoeing/snowmobiling and cabin shelter, but road/access and partial seasonal closure affect access.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: April 1, 2025 - December 15, 2025.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open: April 1, 2025 - December 15, 2025; Reservable from June 21, 2025.
Current Alerts: No firewood provided from June 1 to August 31.

About Thompson Guard Station

Nestled deep in Montana's Big Belt Mountains, Thompson Guard Station beckons adventurers to step back in time. This 1954 rustic cabin once sheltered forest rangers and engineering crews who carved roads through wilderness and protected these ancient forests. Today, it welcomes up to 8 guests seeking an authentic mountain retreat. Inside, you'll find the simple comforts that sustained generations of forest workers: sturdy bunk beds for restful nights, propane stoves for hearty meals, and basic amenities that encourage you to disconnect from the modern world and reconnect with nature's rhythms.

Thompson Guard Station offers a unique experience with cabin lodging in a remote setting.

Historical SignificanceThompson Guard Station stands as a testament to Montana's rich forestry heritage. When construction crews raised its walls in 1954, they may have been building upon an even older legacy—local lore suggests this site once housed a bustling Civilian Conservation Corps cookhouse, where young men of the Great Depression era fueled up before heading out to build the trails and roads we still use today. In later years, the station provided crucial shelter for the road maintenance crews who kept mountain passes open, ensuring vital connections between remote communities.

Weather and SeasonsThe Big Belt Mountains showcase nature's dramatic seasonal transformations. Winter arrives with a fierce beauty, blanketing the landscape in snow while winds howl through the peaks and temperatures plunge into bone-chilling territory. As spring melts into summer, the mountains reveal their gentler side. From early June onward, visitors discover why this season captures hearts: crystal-clear skies stretch endlessly overhead, temperatures settle into that perfect mountain comfort zone, and the dry air carries the scent of sun-warmed pine. These are the months when the guard station truly shines as a basecamp for adventure.

ElevationHigh in the Montana mountains, where the air grows thin and views stretch for miles.

Natural Features and SceneryStep outside Thompson Guard Station and find yourself in a landscape that seems painted by nature's finest artist. Emerald meadows ripple like green seas around the cabin, giving way to towering stands of conifers that whisper ancient secrets. This subalpine wonderland weaves together rushing streams, hidden rivers, and sun-dappled forests into a tapestry of wild beauty. Keep your eyes peeled—elk graze in dawn's first light, mule deer bound through twilight shadows, and overhead, raptors circle on mountain thermals. For the lucky and observant, this ecosystem occasionally reveals its more secretive residents: the determined badger emerging at dusk or the phantom silhouette of a mountain lion padding silently through the trees.

Geological RegionThe Big Belt Mountain Range rises from Helena National Forest like nature's own fortress, a geological masterpiece millions of years in the making. This diverse landscape unfolds in layers of wonder: fertile valley bottoms give rise to dense evergreen forests, which climb toward alpine meadows bursting with wildflowers. Above treeline, barren ridges scrape the sky, their exposed rock faces telling stories of ancient seas and tectonic forces. Throughout this vertical world, a network of streams, rivers, and pristine mountain lakes creates a living watershed that has sustained both wildlife and humans for countless generations.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

Check-out

Check-out is by 11:00 AM.

Stay Limit

You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Accommodates up to 8 guests.

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutGrassy clearing with an outhouse, corral, picnic table, and campfire ring.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov.

Walk-in AvailabilityNo walk-up or first-come-first-served availability indicated.

Cancellation PolicyIf canceled 14 days or fewer before check-in, the first night's fee is forfeited, and a $10 cancellation fee applies. Late cancellations subtract additional fees. Changes to reservations incur a $10 change fee if dates are entirely outside the original reservation.

AccessibilityGuests must access the cabin by snowshoes, cross-country skis, or snowmobile during winter due to road closures. Accessibility for individuals with physical disabilities is not explicitly mentioned.

Site SizeThe cabin accommodates up to 8 individuals.

PrivacyThe cabin sits in a grassy open clearing backed by mixed conifer forest. User reviews highlight its secluded and quiet setting.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesRecommended for those seeking solitude and rustic experiences.

Amenities available

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Lodging and accommodations

Vault toilets

Cabin Lodging

Activities you can enjoy

Thompson Guard Station offers a variety of activities in its surrounding area. Official descriptions emphasize opportunities such as fishing at nearby lakes, hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and winter sports like snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing. Visitors can enjoy birdwatching and wildlife viewing.

HikingMulti-use trails and roads in the area provide hiking opportunities. Nearby attractions include Gipsy Lake (1 mile south), Hidden Lake, Upper Baldy Lake, and Edith Lake.

FishingFishing is available at Gipsy Lake, located 1 mile south of the cabin. Guests can fish for rainbow trout, and the lake supports non-motorized boating.

BikingMountain biking is possible on multi-use trails in the area.

BoatingNon-motorized boating is supported at Gipsy Lake.

Wildlife viewingThe area is rich in wildlife, including elk, mule deer, white-tailed deer, squirrels, and birds. Badgers, wolverines, mountain lions, and lynx inhabit the region but are rarely seen. Canyon Ferry Lake also offers impressive bald eagle viewing.

Winter Activities

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsWildlife such as bears and mountain lions may pose a risk. Winter access can be challenging due to snow.

Active AlertsNo firewood provided from June 1 to August 31.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Fire PolicyKeep fires confined to the campfire ring.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are not specified.

Emergency ServicesThe closest emergency services are likely in White Sulphur Springs, but specific details on hospitals or ranger stations are not provided.

Trash & RecyclingGuests must pack out all trash and food. Trash and recycling facilities are not provided.

Water FeaturesGipsy Lake is 1 mile south, offering fishing and boating opportunities. Hidden Lake, Upper Baldy Lake, and Edith Lake are within 3 miles.

Camp HostNo specific host details provided.

Weather at Thompson Guard Station

Reviews

4.3

13 reviews

Recommended

Thompson Guard Station is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight the cabin's rustic charm, secluded location, and opportunities to disconnect. Positive aspects include the incredible starry night views and opportunities for relaxing and outdoor recreation. However, some users complained about the road condition and instances of poor cleanliness left by previous guests.

Review Summaries

Based on 13 reviews

What Campers Love

Reviews emphasize the cabin's warm and dry nature, great location in the Big Belt Mountains, and opportunities to unplug and reconnect with nature. 'Warm, dry cabin in a great setting.'

Based on 13 reviews

Common Concerns

Some user complaints included poorly maintained roads and issues with cleanliness: 'The road sucks and needs attention.' 'When I walked into this cabin it was a disaster spaghetti sauce was all over...

Based on 13 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users recommend bringing supplies to clean and prepare for the rustic setting. One review advises, 'Make sure to clean the cabin upon departure.' Another suggests bringing backup lighting due to lack...

Based on 13 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Winter reviews highlight the cabin as a warm shelter during snowy weather, while summer reviews focus on outdoor activities such as fishing and hiking.

Based on 13 reviews

Camper Quotes

- 'You will see stars like never before. You'll experience a little slice of the past.' - 'Great place to relax, road sucks and needs attention.' - 'This is a great little cabin and beautiful...

Based on 13 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific feedback points out issues with cabin cleanliness and notes campsite 01 in loop AREA THOMPSON GUARD STATION as problematic: 'Spaghetti sauce was all over everything.'

Based on 13 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility concerns are not explicitly raised in reviews, but the winter-only access methods may pose difficulties for individuals with mobility challenges.

Based on 13 reviews