Fishtrap Lake Campground
Open for the season. Vault toilets and potable water are available. Services typically run late April through October, with restrooms closing around October 21 and water service ending around September 22. The campground remains accessible year-round but is unserviced during winter.
Air Quality Alert issued August 9 at 8:15AM MDT by NWS Great Falls MT
AQAMT The Montana Department of Environmental Quality has issued an air quality alert for Beaverhead, Deer Lodge, Flathead, Granite, Jefferson, Lake, Lewis and Clark, Lincoln, Madison, Mineral, Missoula, Powell, Ravalli, Sanders, Silver Bow counties in effect until 9AM on 08/10/2026 An Air Quality Alert means that particulates have been trending upwards and that an exceedance of the 24 hour National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) has occurred or may occur in the near future. Elevated particulate levels from wildfire smoke As of 7AM on 08/09/2026, particulate levels in Columbia Falls are Very Unhealthy. As of 7AM on 08/09/2026, particulate levels in Dillon, Libby and Thompson Falls are Unhealthy. As of 7AM on 08/09/2026, particulate levels in Billings, Butte, Hamilton, Lewistown and Sleeping Giant are Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups. As of 7AM on 08/09/2026, particulate levels in Cut Bank, Frenchtown, Great Falls, Havre, Helena, Malta and Missoula are Moderate. When air quality is Very Unhealthy... State and local health officials recommend that people with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly, and children should avoid any outdoor activity; everyone else should avoid prolonged exertion. When air quality is Unhealthy... State and local health officials recommend that people with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly, and children should avoid prolonged exertion; everyone else should limit prolonged exertion. When air quality is Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups... State and local health officials recommend that people with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly and children should limit prolonged exertion. When air quality is Moderate... State and local health officials recommend that unusually sensitive people should consider reducing prolonged or heavy exertion. For more information visit the Montana Department of Environmental Quality at http://todaysair.mtdeq.us
Northern Region Camping & Target Restrictions, Pallet Prohibition
This order defines the maximum length of occupation at a single location or cumulatively at any number of locations within a calendar year, within the states of Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Idaho
Weed Free Forage & Mulch Products Order for the Northern Region
It is illegal to possess, store or transport straw, hay, grain, seed or other forage or mulch products on Forest Service lands without documentation that the product is certified as “weed free” by a state certification process that meets or exceeds the North American Weed Free Forage standards.
About
Fishtrap Lake Campground occupies a flat, open bench above Fishtrap Lake in the Thompson Falls area of Lolo National Forest. The sunny setting features scattered trees and direct access to lake recreation including non-motorized boating and fishing for trout (wade, shore, float tube, fly, spin, and bait fishing are all available). A hiking trail begins nearby. This is a primitive, free campground operating on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservations accepted. Each campsite includes a picnic table and fire ring. Vault toilets and potable water from a hand pump are available during the operating season. Pull-through sites accommodate RVs, though the final 2-mile approach on Forest Service Road #7593 is narrow. Bear safety and food storage requirements apply throughout the Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem. Pets are allowed but must be kept on a leash.
Directions
From Thompson Falls, travel 5 miles east on State Highway 200. Turn left (north) onto paved Thompson River Road (do not take the graveled road). Travel 15 miles north on Thompson River Road. Turn left (west) on Fishtrap Creek Road #516 for 14 miles. Turn left (west) on Forest Service Road #7593 for 2 miles (road is narrow). Campground is 200 feet beyond the lake access.
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | — |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $0 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | Yes |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (406) 826-3821 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
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