Thompson Chain of Lakes State Park

Stage II Fire Restrictions for Lincoln County in the Kalispell Fire Restriction Area.

The following acts are prohibited until further notice:

1.  Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire or campfire.
2. Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials.

The following acts are prohibited from 1:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.:

1. Operating any internal combustion engine.
2. Welding, or operating acetylene or other torch with open flame.
3. Using an explosive. (A patrol is required for two hours following cessation of all activities as identified in #3 above.)
4. Operating motorized vehicles off designated roads and trails.

Exemptions to the fire restrictions:

1. Persons with a written permit that specifically authorizes the otherwise prohibited act.
2. Persons using a device fueled solely by liquid petroleum or LPG fuels that can be turned on and off.
3. Operating motorized vehicles on designated roads and trails.
4. Emergency repair of public utilities and railroads as per attached conditions.
5. Persons conducting activities in those designated areas where the activity is specifically authorized by written posted notice.
6. Any Federal, State, or local officer, or member of an organized rescue or firefighting force in the performance of an official duty.
7. All land within a city boundary is exempted.

Crews are addressing hazard trees in developed areas within the Thompson Chain of Lakes complex throughout winter. Area closures will vary as the project progresses. Please respect any signs or closures.

Thompson Chain of Lakes State Park covers approximately 3,000 acres and stretches over 20 miles along Highway 2, halfway between Kalispell and Libby. This extensive park includes shoreline access to 18 lakes including McGregor Lake, Little McGregor Lake, Lower Thompson Lake, Middle Thompson Lake, Upper Thompson Lake, Horseshoe Lake and Loon Lake.

Visitors enjoy swimming, boating, camping, and water skiing, and the lakes are especially noted for great fishing. Thompson Chain of Lakes State Park also offers some of the most outstanding opportunities for wildlife viewing in northwest Montana.

There are 83 standard campsites and 8 group campsites, all of which require a fee for overnight camping. Sites are rustic; there is no drinking water available. Concrete boat ramps are located at Little McGregor Lake, Boisverts on McGregor Lake, the Peninsula on Lower Thompson Lake, Upper Thompson Lake, Horseshoe Lake and Loon Lake.

Roads are primitive and not recommended for motor homes and large trailers. However, the 37 developed campsites at Logan State Park, located on Middle Thompson Lake, are suitable for large camping units.

• Bird Watching
• Camping
• Canoeing
• Fishing
• Group Camping
• Kayaking
• Motor Boating
• Photography
• Picnicking
• Swimming
• Wildlife Viewing

Some amenities are seasonal. Check with the park for availability.

• Boat Launch
• Campsite
• Camp Host
• Established Fire Pits
• Picnic Tables
• Toilets (Vault)

Hours listed below are normal operating hours and may not apply when there is a special restriction or closure. Check Alerts and Closures in the tab below.

Park
Open year round.
Roads are not maintained during winter months.

Camping
Open

Visit the State Parks Fees & Regulations page for park rules.

Contact the park manager for open volunteer positions at Thompson Chain of Lakes State Park.

For complete position descriptions, application forms, and details about Montana State Parks volunteer programs, visit the Volunteers page.

Montana Residents

• Day use entrance is free*

Nonresidents

• Day use entrance fee with a vehicle: $8
• Day use entrance fee as a walk-in, bicycle or bus passenger: $4
• With a Nonresident Entrance Pass: Free

* Montana residents who pay the $9 state parks fee with their annual vehicle registration have no daily entrance fees to state parks. For residents who don't include this in their vehicle registration, non-resident day use fees apply.

Mailing Address:
Thompson Chain of Lakes State Park
c/o FWP Region 1 Headquarters
490 N Meridian Rd
Kalispell, MT 59901

Phone:
Lower Thompson Lake
May 1 - Sept 30: 406-293-5667
Oct 1 - April 30: 406-751-4590

McGregor Lake
May 1 - Sept 30: 406-858-2246
Oct 1 - April 30: 406-751-4590

Email:
dbennetts@mt.gov

Reservation Phone Number:

1-855-922-6768