Thompson Guard Station
Open year-round with reservations via Recreation.gov. Summer road access typically opens mid-June. From approximately November through early June, the road is maintained only to within 8 miles of the cabin on the east side, requiring access by snowshoes, cross-country skis, snowmobile, or dog sled.
Flash Flood Watch issued July 1 at 10:58AM MDT until July 1 at 10:00PM MDT by NWS Great Falls MT
* WHAT...Flash flooding and debris flows caused by excessive rainfall continue to be possible over the Horse Gulch burn scar. * WHERE...A portion of central Montana, including the following area, Big Belt, Bridger and Castle Mountains. * WHEN...From 2 PM this afternoon to 10 PM MDT this evening. * IMPACTS...Heavy rainfall could trigger flash flooding in low-lying areas and cause debris flows. Residents and those recreating near the Horse Gulch burn scar should prepare for the potential of flash flooding and debris flows. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - Slow moving thunderstorms producing heavy rain. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood
Special Weather Statement issued July 1 at 3:23PM MDT by NWS Great Falls MT
At 323 PM MDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 11 miles east of Wolf Creek, or 23 miles south of Cascade, moving northeast at 15 mph. HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 40 mph and half inch hail. SOURCE...Radar indicated. IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects. Minor hail damage to vegetation is possible. This storm will remain over mainly rural areas of east central Lewis and Clark and southwestern Cascade Counties.
About
Thompson Guard Station is a historic Forest Service cabin nestled in a grassy clearing backed by mixed conifer forest in Montana's Big Belt Mountains. Originally built in 1954 for district rangers and possibly used earlier as a Civilian Conservation Corps cookhouse, the station now serves as a rustic getaway for visitors seeking solitude and recreation in west-central Montana. The two-room cabin is furnished with six single beds with mattresses, a Monarch cook stove, propane lanterns and stove, wood heating stove, table, chairs, and complete cookware and utensils. An outdoor vault toilet, picnic table, and campfire ring are provided, along with a fenced corral for horses. Guests must bring all drinking water, sleeping bags, linens, propane cylinders, and garbage bags, as no water, electricity, or indoor plumbing is available. Gipsy Lake is just 1 mile south and offers rainbow trout fishing and a launch for non-motorized boats. Hidden Lake, Upper Baldy Lake, and Edith Lake are 3 miles beyond. Multi-use trails provide opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. Winter visitors enjoy snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling. Wildlife including elk, mule deer, and occasionally mountain lion and lynx inhabit the surrounding area.
Directions
From White Sulphur Springs, travel west on Highway 360 for 1.6 miles. Make a sharp curve to the right off the highway at the Forest Service sign reading 'Gipsy Lake 14, Townsend 44.' Continue straight on the gravel road for 6.5 miles. At 6.5 miles, the road forks at a ranch entrance; stay right. Continue 7.5 miles to the Forest boundary. Within a quarter mile of the boundary, turn right onto Forest Road #383 at the Thompson Station sign. Take FR #383 for 0.6 miles to a sign directing you left to the cabin gate.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $50 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (406) 266-3425 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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