Open
Open for reservations April 1 through December 15. Road #139 typically remains snow-closed until mid-June; before then, winter access requires a 4-mile approach by snowshoes, cross-country skis, or snowmobile from the east side.
About
Thompson Guard Station is a historic cabin rental nestled on the east side of the Big Belt Mountains in the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest. Built in 1954 for forest rangers, the station may have previously served as a Civilian Conservation Corps cookhouse. Today it offers a rustic retreat for those seeking solitude in west-central Montana, approximately 17 miles from White Sulphur Springs.
The two-room cabin with deck accommodates up to 6 guests on single beds with mattresses. Amenities include a Monarch cook stove, propane stove, propane lanterns, table, chairs, dishes, cookware, cleaning supplies, axe, and snow shovel. There is no electricity, running water, or indoor plumbing. A vault toilet outhouse, campfire ring, and picnic table are located outside. Stock corrals are available below the cabin for those bringing horses.
Gipsy Lake lies 1 mile south and is accessible by vehicle, offering rainbow trout fishing and non-motorized boat access. Multiple trails in the area provide opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. Winter visitors can enjoy snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling.
Directions
From White Sulphur Springs, travel west on Highway 360. After 1.6 miles where the highway curves right, continue straight onto the gravel road at the Forest Service sign reading "Gipsy Lake 14, Townsend 44." Drive 6.5 miles to a ranch access road junction and stay right. Continue 7.5 miles to the Forest boundary. Within a quarter mile of the boundary, follow the Thompson Station sign right onto Forest Road 383 and proceed 0.6 miles to the gate and cabin.
