How much does camping cost at Bend Guard Station?

Camping fees at Bend Guard Station are $90/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

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

Bend 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 Bend Guard Station before I book?

Yes! Bend Guard Station has 6 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 Bend Guard Station?

Bend Guard Station is open January 01 to December 31. 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 Bend Guard Station?

Yes, Bend Guard Station has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

Can I have a campfire at Bend Guard Station?

Fire policies at Bend Guard Station: 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.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Bend Guard Station have?

Bend 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 Bend Guard Station?

Pets are not allowed at Bend 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 Bend Guard Station?

Bend Guard Station offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Electrical Hookups. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Bend Guard Station?

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

Bend Guard Station

4.68

39 reviews

408 Clayton, PO Box 429

Top 3% in MTFall

CReport Card

Quick Facts

3,200 ft

Price

$90/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

No Pets

ElectricShowers

Book on USDA Forest Service Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

3,200 ft

Price

$90/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

No Pets

ElectricShowers

Book on USDA Forest Service Official Website

Get Directions

Bend Guard Station

$90.00 / night

Campsite Fees

CABIN ELECTRIC: $90.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No campsite fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

406-826-3821heather.berman@usda.gov

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

408 Clayton, PO Box 429

Bend Guard Station

408 Clayton, PO Box 429

Nearby places

Thompson Falls (5 miles east) and Kalispell (40 miles west).

Driving directionsThe rental is approximately 32 miles up the Thompson River Road from its junction with Montana Highway 200, five miles east of Thompson Falls, Montana. It can also be accessed from U.S. Highway 2 by turning south on Thompson River Road between McGregor Lake and Lower Thompson Lake, approximately 40 miles west of Kalispell, Montana. After leaving Highway 2 or 200, the roads are low standard gravel or dirt and are often rough. During winter, it may be necessary to hike, ski, or snowmobile for at least a mile to the cabin due to road closures. Maps are available online or via the Plains/Thompson Falls Ranger District.

Weather at Bend Guard Station

Current alerts(8)

All garbage, food and personal belongings must be packed out.
Learn more about the Lolo National Forest at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/lolo
PETS are not permitted inside the buildings at any time. Please clean up after your pets!
The cabin is accessible by vehicle, but requires high-clearance with tire chains during winter months. The roads leading to the cabin may not be plowed on a regular basis in the winter. Four-wheel drive is highly recommended.

Best Time to Camp at Bend Guard Station

Best season: fall. Fall offers the most striking combination of crisp, clear weather, dramatic color in the meadow and aspen pockets, and peak wildlife activity — especially elk during the rut (September–October). Expect daytime highs generally in the mid-40s to mid-60s°F and chilly nights that can drop near or below freezing, which makes for excellent photography, hiking, and wildlife viewing with fewer summer crowds. Hunting seasons overlap in parts of October–November, so plan accordingly (see notes below) and, Peak months: September, October, August, July

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

5.0 / 5

Top 3% in MT

Fall is highlighted as best season for crisp weather, dramatic color and elk rut—peak experience.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: January 01 to December 31. Book 2-3 months ahead.

About Bend Guard Station

Bend Guard Station sits in the Lolo National Forest foothills near Plains, Montana, offering a fully equipped cabin with electric hookups, flush toilets, and showers. Operated by the USDA Forest Service, this seasonal rental accommodates groups and provides access to hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing in the surrounding forest. The cabin serves as a comfortable base camp for exploring the national forest during peak months.

The Bend Guard Station is primarily a cabin rental with modern amenities. It is suitable for large groups and families seeking a comfortable camping experience.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the most striking combination of crisp, clear weather, dramatic color in the meadow and aspen pockets, and peak wildlife activity — especially elk during the rut (September–October). Expect daytime highs generally in the mid-40s to mid-60s°F and chilly nights that can drop near or below freezing, which makes for excellent photography, hiking, and wildlife viewing with fewer summer crowds. Hunting seasons overlap in parts of October–November, so plan accordingly (see notes below) and, Peak months: September, October, August, July

Elevation3200 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe station occupies a meadow where forest meets open grassland. Elk graze here regularly, especially during the September-October rut. The Thompson River flows nearby with trout fishing. Both grizzly and black bears use the area. The elevation and forest cover create a mix of meadow and dense evergreens, though some visitors note that logging roads nearby reduce the feeling of true remoteness.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe station includes a cabin with four bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a large kitchen and living area. It can sleep up to 16 people, making it ideal for group camping. User reviews frequently emphasize the comfort and spaciousness of the accommodations. Quotes include, 'Great facility for small to large groups,' and 'It almost has the feel of a VRBO rather than your typical FS cabin.'

Programs & ActivitiesEducational and cultural programs are not explicitly offered at the Bend Guard Station.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum consecutive stay of 5 nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Beds with mattresses sleep up to 16 people.

Groups

The cabin accommodates up to 16 people and includes group-friendly amenities such as multiple bathrooms and a large kitchen.

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made on Recreation.gov.

AccessibilityAccessibility features at the Bend Guard Station are not explicitly mentioned in the source materials.

Site SizeThe cabin can accommodate up to 16 guests, making it suitable for large groups.

PrivacyThe cabin is surrounded by an evergreen forest and sits in an open meadow, offering natural surroundings. However, some reviews note that it lacks a remote experience due to nearby roads and traffic noise.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesBring GPS coordinates for navigation. Pets are prohibited indoors. Carry tire chains for winter access.

Best CampsitesOnly one cabin is available. It sleeps 16 and comes well-equipped, though reviews mention occasional maintenance issues like mold in walls and ticks in warmer months. Bring your own camp chairs for outdoor seating since those aren't provided.

Need help booking Bend 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

The Bend Guard Station offers extensive amenities, suitable for large groups or families seeking a well-equipped site. The cabin includes modern conveniences like electric heaters, flush toilets, hot showers, and a fully furnished kitchen featuring two electric stoves, two refrigerators, a microwave, and sinks with running hot and cold water. Guests highlight the availability of cleaning supplies, and basic cooking utensils are provided. Numerous user reviews emphasize the high level of equipment at the cabin, including quotes like, 'The cabin is outfitted extremely well and is comfortable. There are literally 2 of everything,' and 'This is the best-equipped cabin I have ever stayed in.'

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Picnic tables

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Bend Guard Station

The Bend Guard Station offers a variety of recreational activities catering to different interests. Popular activities include hiking, fishing, mountain biking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and berry picking. The Thompson River, located within walking distance, provides excellent fishing opportunities. User reviews reinforce this, with comments such as, 'Fishing was perfect, short walk to the gate and you were on the river,' and 'The Thompson River right across from the cabin had great fishing.'

Wildlife viewing4.5/5Top 5% in Montana

Elk graze in the meadow; September rut draws big wildlife activity; grizzly & black bears present.

Hiking4.0/5

Fishing4.0/5

Biking3.5/5

Mountain biking available nearby; trails cater to varying skill levels.

Winter Activities3.5/5

Water Sports2.0/5

River exists but no specific kayak access or rental/launch mentions.

Signature experiences

Photography4.5/5Elk, fall colors, river, meadow and dark skies create rich photo opportunities.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

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

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

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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

4.7

39 reviews

Top-Rated

Bend Guard Station is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews are generally positive, highlighting the cabin's amenities, comfort, and suitability for large groups. However, some reviews mention issues such as mold, ticks, and maintenance problems. The average sentiment for the campground-specific experience is 4.43.

Review Summaries

Based on 39 reviews

What Campers Love

Guests frequently praise the cabin's extensive amenities, cleanliness, and suitability for groups. One user stated, 'Cabin is outfitted extremely well and is comfortable,' while another mentioned,...

Based on 39 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include issues with mold, ticks, locked gates during certain seasons, and maintenance problems like leaks in the kitchen sink. Quotes include, 'Downside is that there is likely mold...

Based on 39 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

No reviews specifically identify best or worst campsites by number, though most comments pertain to the suitability of the cabin itself.

Based on 39 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Recommendations include bringing extra bedding, GPS coordinates for navigation, and camp chairs for outdoor seating. One user noted, 'Be sure you have a GPS and plug in the coordinates for the guard...

Based on 39 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Winter reviews often highlight comfort inside the cabin despite cold temperatures. Spring and summer reviews note the challenges with ticks and locked gates.

Based on 39 reviews

Camper Quotes

Selected quotes include: 'Great location and facilities,' 'Cabin is outfitted extremely well,' 'Fishing was perfect,' and 'Ticks seem to be in full force.'

Based on 39 reviews