How much does camping cost at Thompson Guard Station?

Camping fees at Thompson Guard Station range from $50/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Thompson Guard Station first-come first-served or reservation?

Thompson Guard Station accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Thompson Guard Station before I book?

Yes! Thompson Guard Station has 5 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Thompson Guard Station?

Thompson Guard Station is open April 01 to December 15. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Thompson Guard Station?

Thompson Guard Station does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Thompson Guard Station?

Fire policies at Thompson Guard Station: Keep open fires within the campfire ring. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Thompson Guard Station have?

Thompson Guard Station has 1 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Thompson Guard Station?

Pets are not allowed at Thompson Guard Station. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Thompson Guard Station?

Thompson Guard Station offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Thompson Guard Station?

Popular activities at Thompson Guard Station include Hiking, Fishing, Biking, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Thompson Guard Station

4.32

13 reviews

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

Featured in:Boating Camping Montana

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

6,493 ft

Price

$50/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open: April 1, 2025 ...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

6,493 ft

Price

$50/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open: April 1, 2025 ...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Thompson Guard Station

$50.00 - $50.00 / night

Campsite Fees

New increase 2020: $50.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No paid fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

406-266-3425

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Thompson Guard Station

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Campground Map

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

Thompson Guard Station

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

Nearby places

White Sulphur Springs (17 miles)

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.

Weather at Thompson Guard Station

Current alerts(10)

All garbage and food must be packed out
Do not leave food or trash outside the cabin
Don't Move Firewood: Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.
Entry to the cabin is by combination lock, your reservation confirmation email will have the combination code.

Best Time to Camp at Thompson Guard Station

Best season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable, comfortable weather for exploring the Big Belt Mountains — expect daytime highs roughly 60–80°F and nighttime lows in the 30s–50s. Trails, alpine meadows and high-elevation lakes are fully accessible, making hiking, fishing, boating and mountain biking at their peak; wildflowers and open water persist through July and August. Crowds increase after the cabin becomes reservable (June 21), but you’ll still find plenty of solitude compared with lower-elevation, more- Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: December, January, February, March

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer is practical: accessible trails, lakes, warm days and wildflower peak noted.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: April 01 to December 15. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open: April 1, 2025 - December 15, 2025; Reservable from June 21, 2025.

About Thompson Guard Station

Thompson Guard Station sits in the Big Belt Mountains northeast of Townsend, operated by Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest. This historic rental cabin offers a warm, dry base for exploring mid-elevation trails, alpine meadows, and high-country lakes. Guests hike, fish, bike, and watch wildlife during the summer season, trading modern connectivity for mountain solitude.

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

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable, comfortable weather for exploring the Big Belt Mountains — expect daytime highs roughly 60–80°F and nighttime lows in the 30s–50s. Trails, alpine meadows and high-elevation lakes are fully accessible, making hiking, fishing, boating and mountain biking at their peak; wildflowers and open water persist through July and August. Crowds increase after the cabin becomes reservable (June 21), but you’ll still find plenty of solitude compared with lower-elevation, more- Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: December, January, February, March

Elevation6493 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe cabin sits in an open meadow surrounded by dense conifer forest, part of the layered geology that defines the Big Belts: valley bottoms rising through evergreen stands to alpine meadows and exposed ridges above treeline. Streams and rivers thread through the landscape. Elk and mule deer appear at dawn and dusk, and overhead you'll see raptors riding the thermals. The clearing offers unobstructed stargazing. One reviewer called it simply "a great setting."

Lodging & AccommodationsThe lodging consists of a rustic cabin with four sets of bunk beds accommodating up to 8 people, equipped with basic kitchen amenities such as a propane stove, Monarch cook stove, and cookware.

Programs & ActivitiesCultural or educational programs are not mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

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

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov.

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.

Need help booking Thompson Guard Station?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

No firewood provided from June 1st - August 31.

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Lodging and accommodations

Vault toilets

Cabin Lodging

I manage this campground

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.

Hiking

Fishing

Biking

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

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.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available. The cabin is equipped with an outhouse featuring vault toilets.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

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

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

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

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