US Forestry Department

Hello, fellow Montanans! We all know that our state is famous for its vast, wild landscapes and incredible outdoor opportunities. When it comes to finding that perfect spot to unwind, cast a line, or simply enjoy the peace and quiet of nature, we often seek out places that offer both convenience and a genuine connection to our beautiful environment. Thompson Falls State Park, nestled on the scenic Clark Fork River near the town of Thompson Falls, is precisely one such gem. It’s a clean, quiet, and welcoming campground that serves as an excellent base for exploring the rugged beauty of the Clark Fork Valley, making it an ideal choice for a weekend escape or a longer, more relaxed stay.

For us locals, Thompson Falls State Park is a testament to the accessible natural beauty available right in our backyard. It provides a comfortable setting where families can create lasting memories, anglers can find their perfect fishing spot, and anyone can simply enjoy the refreshing Montana air. It's a place that consistently earns praise for its well-maintained grounds and peaceful atmosphere, offering a true reprieve from the daily hustle and bustle. Whether you’re looking to reconnect with nature or simply find a serene spot to recharge, this state park is a prime destination that truly embodies the Montana spirit.

Thompson Falls State Park is conveniently located at 2220 Blue Slide Rd, Thompson Falls, MT 59873, USA. This places it approximately one mile northwest of the town of Thompson Falls, directly accessible via Montana Highway 200. Its proximity to the town means easy access to local amenities, while its setting along the Clark Fork River still provides a feeling of being immersed in nature.

The campground is well-situated for travelers coming from various directions, making it a popular stopover for those exploring Western Montana. The park is nestled within the rugged and beautiful Clark Fork Valley, offering a shaded environment thanks to its mature, mixed pine forest. This location makes it suitable for a variety of vehicles, including RVs, with sites designed to accommodate units up to 30 feet in length. The roads leading into and within the park are well-maintained, ensuring easy access for all types of campers. The accessibility combined with its scenic riverside location makes Thompson Falls State Park an attractive and practical choice for both quick visits and extended stays, allowing visitors to enjoy the natural beauty without venturing too far off the main routes.

Thompson Falls State Park offers a range of well-maintained services designed to provide a comfortable and enjoyable camping experience for both RV and tent campers.

• Campsites: The park features 18 campsites, accommodating various camping styles from tents to RVs (up to 30 feet in length). Sites are generally spacious and offer a good degree of privacy.

• Electrical Hookups: Electricity is available at some campsites, typically from April through October, offering convenience for RVers and those needing to power devices. It's advisable to check availability and book ahead for these sites, especially during peak season.

• Potable Water: Drinking water is available within the park, generally from May through September. This is a crucial amenity for all campers, eliminating the need to bring large quantities of water.

• Vault Toilets: Clean vault toilets are provided for visitor use. While not flush toilets, they are regularly maintained, contributing to the overall positive reviews regarding cleanliness.

• Established Fire Pits: Each campsite comes with an established fire pit, allowing for campfires. Visitors should always check for current fire restrictions before lighting a fire to ensure safety and compliance with park regulations.

• Picnic Shelters & Areas: The park features picnic shelters and day-use areas, ideal for family gatherings, group meals, or simply enjoying a meal outdoors. There’s also a new picnic shelter near the accessible fishing pier.

• Boat Launch: A small boat launch is available within the park for easy access to the Clark Fork River. A full-sized launch for larger boats is also located just half a mile from the park.

• Accessible Fishing Pier: The park boasts an improved family fishing pond with new features, including an accessible fishing pier, making fishing enjoyable and available for everyone.

• Camp Host: A camp host is typically on-site, providing assistance, answering questions, and helping to ensure a pleasant stay for all visitors.

• Bear Resistant Storage Lockers: Given Montana's wildlife, the presence of bear-resistant storage lockers is a valuable safety feature, encouraging responsible food storage.

• Firewood for Sale: Firewood is often available for sale within the park, adding convenience for those who wish to have campfires.

• Pets Allowed: Pets are permitted in the campground but must be kept on a leash, ensuring a safe and respectful environment for all visitors and wildlife.

Thompson Falls State Park stands out for its serene atmosphere, scenic beauty, and recreational opportunities, making it a highly appealing destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

• Quiet and Shaded Environment: A recurring highlight from visitor reviews is the campground's "quiet" nature and "shaded" setting. Nestled among tall pines, it offers a peaceful retreat away from major noise, despite the occasional distant train. This creates a relaxing ambiance perfect for unwinding.

• Riverside Location on Clark Fork River: The park's prime location directly on the Clark Fork River provides beautiful views and easy access for water activities. Reviewers noted the "gorgeous river spot" and how the river "was beautiful," offering opportunities for wading, swimming, and enjoying the clear waters.

• Excellent Fishing Opportunities: Both the Clark Fork River and the improved family fishing pond provide superb fishing. Kids, in particular, can enjoy fishing for trout in the designated fishpond.

• Nature Walks and Trails: The park offers "nice trails" for nature walks, and the recently expanded non-motorized Thompson Falls Trail runs along the Clark Fork River, connecting to the Highway 200 trail into town. This provides ample opportunities for walking, bird watching, and exploring the local flora and fauna.

• Cleanliness and Maintenance: Visitors consistently praise the park for being "clean," with "spots clean and nice size." This reflects the dedicated efforts of the park staff and camp hosts in maintaining a high standard of cleanliness.

• Family-Friendly Atmosphere: With a fishing pond, opportunities for swimming in a "semi protected bay" perfect for young kids, and a generally peaceful environment, the park is very conducive to family camping trips.

• Friendly Camp Hosts: Several reviews mention "friendly camp hosts," which contributes significantly to a welcoming and pleasant experience for visitors.

• Strategic Stopover: Its convenient location near Highway 200 makes it an excellent "overnight stop" for travelers, offering a comfortable and scenic break from long drives.

For reservations, current conditions, or any inquiries regarding Thompson Falls State Park, the best contact method is through Montana State Parks.

Park Mailing Address:

Thompson Falls State Park
2220 Blue Slide Rd
Thompson Falls, MT 59873

Park Phone Numbers (Seasonal):

• May 1 - September 30: (406) 827-3110

• October 1 - April 30: (406) 755-2706, ext. 3 (This is the regional FWP office number during the off-season)

Reservation Phone Number: 1-855-922-6768 (for reservations through Reserve America)

Camping Reservation Website:

https://montanastateparks.reserveamerica.com/

While the provided phone numbers (406) 827-3708 / +1 406-827-3708 are likely for the local U.S. Forest Service office in Thompson Falls (Columbia St, Thompson Falls, MT 59873), it's important to note that Thompson Falls State Park is managed by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP), a state agency, not the federal US Forestry Department. For specific campground information, the FWP contact details are most relevant. Always check the official Montana FWP website or call the park directly for the most up-to-date information on fees, availability, and alerts.

For us Montanans, Thompson Falls State Park is a prime example of why we love living in the "Last Best Place." It offers that perfect blend of easy accessibility and immersive natural beauty, making it an ideal choice for a wide range of local outdoor activities. We appreciate a campground that is consistently "clean" and "quiet," providing a genuine sense of peace without requiring an arduous journey into the deep backcountry.

The park's location on the "Clark Fork River" is a huge draw, offering fantastic opportunities for fishing, boating, and simply enjoying the tranquil riverside setting – whether wading in the "semi protected bay" with kids or casting a line. The "improved family fishing pond, with new features including an accessible fishing pier," highlights the park's commitment to providing quality outdoor recreation for all ages and abilities, something we value in our public lands. The presence of "established fire pits" and the ability to have campfires (when conditions allow) speaks to the authentic camping experience many of us seek.

While the occasional train noise might be noted, for many of us, it's just part of the distinct character of rural Montana, blending into the background of a peaceful evening. The fact that it's a state park means it's well-maintained and offers reliable services like potable water and clean vault toilets, ensuring a comfortable stay. Whether you're planning a quick "overnight stop" on a Montana road trip, a relaxing weekend of fishing and bird watching, or simply a desire to "unplugged next to a crystal clear river," Thompson Falls State Park is a reliable, beautiful, and highly suitable destination for us locals looking to make the most of our incredible state.

US Forestry Department

Columbia St, Thompson Falls, MT 59873, USA