Fishing, camping, wildlife viewing and boating draw visitors to this extensive park along a 20-mile string of lakes in northwest Montana.
About the Park
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.
Activities
Bird Watching
Camping
Canoeing
Fishing
Group Camping
Kayaking
Motor Boating
Photography
Picnicking
Swimming
Wildlife Viewing
Amenities
Some amenities are seasonal. Check with the park for availability.
Boat Launch
Campsite
Camp Host
Established Fire Pits
Picnic Tables
Toilets (Vault)
Seasons & Hours
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
Alerts & Closures
Social distancing is still required per the Governor's statewide directive to reduce spread of COVID-19. Stay safe!
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.
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.
Fees
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.
Contact Information
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
AIS can be easily spread from one waterbody to the other. Anglers, boaters, construction workers, pond owners, gardeners, seaplane pilots, field workers - virtually anyone who works or plays in or around water can unknowingly transport these pests on their boats and equipment. It takes only one mistake to potentially infest a new water body.
Dave Bennetts has worked for MT State Parks for the past 12 years, working as a Park Ranger on Flathead Lake for 4 years, and for the last 8 years as the Park Manager for Les Mason, Logan, Thompson Falls and Whitefish Lake State Parks. He also manages the Thompson Chain of Lakes recreational area. Dave graduated from Oregon State University in 1993 with a Bachelors of Science degree in Forest Recreation Resource Management. He worked seasonally for the National Park Service for more than a dozen years before joining MT State Parks in 2006. Dave is originally from Butte, MT.
CONTACT INFO Mailing Address:
FWP Region 1 Headquarters
490 North Meridian Rd
Kalispell, MT 59901
Phone: April 15-Oct. 15: 406-862-3991
Oct 16 - April 14: 406-751-4590 Email:dbennetts@mt.gov
