Fishtrap Campground

Hello, Big Sky Country adventurers! Are you seeking a serene, lakeside camping experience where the sounds of nature are your primary companions? If you appreciate a quiet, less-traveled spot to cast a line, paddle on calm waters, or simply relax by a campfire, then Fishtrap Campground, nestled above Fishtrap Lake near Thompson Falls, is a destination you'll want to explore. Located within the vast Lolo National Forest, this campground offers a classic Montana outdoor escape, perfect for those who cherish peace and direct access to pristine lake recreation.

Fishtrap Campground is a primitive, first-come, first-served campground managed by the Lolo National Forest. It's an "open, sunny site with scattered trees on a flat bench above Fishtrap Lake," providing a pleasant and airy environment. The campground offers dry campsites, each equipped with essential amenities such as picnic tables and fire rings with grates for cooking, making it easy to set up your camp and enjoy the outdoors. While it's relatively small and often sees "light usage," this contributes to its peaceful atmosphere, making it a favorite for "mostly locals" seeking solitude.

A key highlight for many campers is the "access to potable water" (seasonally available) and the presence of vault toilets, which are crucial conveniences for a primitive site. Fishtrap Lake itself is a draw, allowing for "non-motorized boating and lake fishing," with opportunities to catch westslope cutthroat trout. However, it's worth noting the candid reviews: "Pretty darn good time. But the lake has leeches!" This is a natural occurrence in many freshwater bodies and a good piece of factual information for swimmers to be aware of, but it doesn't deter anglers or paddlers. Overall, Fishtrap Campground provides a straightforward, quiet, and beautiful setting for a truly authentic Montana camping experience, emphasizing self-sufficiency and a deep connection with the natural surroundings.

Fishtrap Campground is located near Thompson Falls, MT 59873, USA, within the Lolo National Forest. Its address places it in Sanders County, in the rugged and beautiful Clark Fork Valley region of Western Montana.

To reach Fishtrap Lake Campground from the town of Thompson Falls, you will travel approximately 5 miles east on State Highway 200. Then, turn left (north) onto the paved Thompson River Road (Forest Road 56). Continue on Thompson River Road for about 15 miles. From there, turn left (west) onto Fishtrap Creek Road #516 for 14 miles. Finally, turn left (west) onto Forest Service Road #7593 for 2 miles; note that this road is narrow. The campground is situated about 200 feet beyond the lake access.

The journey to Fishtrap Campground involves a mix of paved and unpaved forest service roads. While the initial sections on Thompson River Road are paved, the subsequent turns onto Fishtrap Creek Road and Forest Service Road #7593 will be on gravel. These roads are generally passable by most vehicles, but their condition can vary seasonally due to weather. A vehicle with decent clearance is always recommended when venturing onto unpaved forest roads. This slightly more remote access contributes to the campground's quiet and secluded atmosphere, which is a major draw for those seeking an escape from more crowded areas. For Montana locals accustomed to navigating our state's vast public lands, the drive is part of the adventure, leading to a peaceful retreat where the sounds of nature prevail. Always check current road conditions with the Plains/Thompson Falls Ranger District before your trip.

Services Offered:

• Dry Campsites: Fishtrap Campground offers standard "dry campsites," meaning no electrical or sewage hookups are available.

• Picnic Tables: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table for convenient outdoor dining.

• Fire Rings with Grates: Every site includes a fire ring with a grill, suitable for campfires (when regulations allow) and cooking.

• Vault Toilets: The campground provides vault toilets for essential sanitation needs.

• Potable Water: Access to "potable water" is available seasonally, typically from mid-June through late September.

• First-Come, First-Served: All campsites are available on a "first come, first served" basis, and no reservations are taken.

• No Fee Required: Fishtrap Campground is a "no fee campground," making it a budget-friendly option for campers.

• Bear Safety and Food Storage Requirements: Given its location in bear country, visitors are required to follow specific bear safety and food storage guidelines.

Features / Highlights:

• Lakeside Setting: Situated on a "flat bench above Fishtrap Lake," offering easy access to the lake for recreation.

• Fishing Opportunities: Fishtrap Lake is a popular spot for fishing, known for "westslope cutthroat trout," rainbow trout, and brook trout. "Easy fishing access along the length of the camping area" is noted at a similar nearby Fishtrap Creek FWP site.

• Non-Motorized Boating: The lake permits "non-motorized boating," including canoes and kayaks, providing a quiet water experience.

• Hiking Trail: A "hiking trail is available nearby" that loops around Fishtrap Lake (a 3.5-mile loop), offering opportunities for a "lush, forested, and quiet lakeside hike."

• Secluded and Quiet: Described as a "great, quite, remote" site with "light usage," ensuring a peaceful and private camping experience.

• Wildlife Viewing: Opportunity to "spot beavers near the creek" (at West Fork Fishtrap Creek Campground, a similar nearby site), and general wildlife observation in the forested area.

• Scattered Trees and Sunny: An "open, sunny site with scattered trees," providing a mix of sun and shade.

• Huckleberry Picking: "Good huckleberry picking along the way" to a nearby point, a popular summer activity in Montana.

Contact Information:

Address: Thompson Falls, MT 59873, USA (Within Lolo National Forest)

For inquiries, current conditions, and specific information regarding Fishtrap Campground, it is best to contact the managing ranger district:

Plains/Thompson Falls Ranger District (Lolo National Forest)

Phone: (406) 826-3821

You can also contact the Lolo National Forest Supervisor's Office for general information:

Phone: (406) 329-3750

It is highly recommended to check the official Lolo National Forest website (fs.usda.gov/lolo) for alerts, current conditions, and opening/closing dates before planning your visit, as this is a seasonal campground with water availability from mid-June to late September.

For Montana locals, Fishtrap Campground offers an authentic and highly suitable outdoor experience that perfectly aligns with our state's deep appreciation for natural beauty and peaceful solitude. What makes it particularly ideal for Montanans is its unassuming, primitive nature. We often seek out places that feel less developed and more connected to the wild, and Fishtrap Campground, with its "no fee" and first-come, first-served policy, delivers just that. It's a spot that truly feels like a local secret, often seeing "light usage" and "mostly locals," ensuring a quiet escape from more crowded destinations.

The lakeside setting on Fishtrap Lake is a significant draw, especially for anglers and those who enjoy "non-motorized boating." Montanans love to fish, and the opportunity to catch westslope cutthroat, rainbow, and brook trout directly from the lake or nearby Fishtrap Creek is a major bonus. While the mention of "leeches" in the lake is a natural reality, it's a detail that experienced local outdoorspeople understand and often don't find to be a significant deterrent for fishing or paddling. The presence of a "hiking trail...available nearby" that loops around the lake also adds to its appeal, providing an easy way to stretch your legs and enjoy the "lush, forested" surroundings.

Furthermore, the availability of vault toilets and seasonal potable water, combined with the classic picnic tables and fire rings, provides just enough comfort for a genuine forest camping experience without over-developing the area. The requirement for "bear safety and food storage" is also a familiar and respected aspect of camping in Montana, reinforcing the authentic wilderness experience. Fishtrap Campground embodies the simple, rugged beauty that defines much of Montana's appeal. It's a place where locals can truly unwind, reconnect with nature, and enjoy the tranquility of our state's vast and beautiful landscapes without excessive fuss or fanfare. It’s an ideal spot for a quiet and restorative getaway in Big Sky Country.

Fishtrap Campground

Thompson Falls, MT 59873, USA