18 Interconnected Lakes in Northwest Montana — 3,000 Acres Along Highway 2 Between Kalispell and Libby, 83 Standard Campsites Plus 8 Group Sites (Rustic — No Water), Fishing for Lake Trout Rainbow Trout Cutthroat Northern Pike Kokanee Salmon Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass, Boat Ramps on Multiple Lakes, Swimming Beaches, Wildlife Viewing for Osprey Loons and Eagles, Near Flathead National Forest NW Montana
Thompson Chain of Lakes State Park is a 3,000-acre state park stretching approximately 20 miles along Highway 2 between Kalispell and Libby in northwest Montana, managed by Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP). The park features access to 18 interconnected lakes including McGregor Lake, Little McGregor Lake, Lower/Middle/Upper Thompson Lakes, Horseshoe Lake, and Loon Lake, 83 standard campsites plus 8 group campsites (rustic — no drinking water available), fishing for lake trout, rainbow trout, westslope cutthroat trout, northern pike, kokanee salmon, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and yellow perch, concrete boat ramps on multiple lakes, swimming beaches, wildlife viewing for osprey, common loons, bald eagles, and waterfowl, and a location surrounded by Flathead National Forest.
The 18 interconnected lakes create a remarkably diverse fishery — from deep cold-water lake trout habitat to warm-water bass and crappie lakes, all within a 20-mile corridor. This variety is unusual for Montana.
Note: Camping is rustic with no drinking water — bring your own. Roads in the park are primitive and not recommended for large motorhomes. For developed camping with larger RVs, Logan State Park on Middle Thompson Lake offers 37 developed sites.
Things to Do
- Fishing — 18 lakes: trout, pike, bass, kokanee, crappie
- Camping — 83 sites + 8 group (rustic, no water)
- Boating — ramps on multiple lakes
- Swimming — beaches
- Wildlife — osprey, loons, eagles
Park Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Hwy 2 between Kalispell & Libby, NW MT |
| Size | ~3,000 acres — 20-mi corridor |
| Lakes | 18 interconnected |
| Campsites | 83 standard + 8 group — rustic |
| Fishing | Lake trout, cutthroat, pike, bass, kokanee |
| Water | ⚠️ No drinking water — bring your own |
| Managed By | Montana FWP |
| Coordinates | 47.9833° N, 115.3167° W |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there drinking water at Thompson Chain of Lakes?
No — Thompson Chain of Lakes State Park in northwest Montana does not have drinking water at its 83 campsites. Camping is rustic and visitors must bring their own water. Roads are primitive and not suited for large RVs — for developed camping, nearby Logan State Park on Middle Thompson Lake has 37 sites. The 3,000-acre park along Highway 2 between Kalispell and Libby provides access to 18 interconnected lakes with fishing for lake trout, cutthroat, northern pike, bass, kokanee, and crappie. Managed by Montana FWP.
Last updated: May 2026
More parks nearby: Logan State Park is within about an hour’s drive, while Lake Mary Ronan State Park lies within about an hour’s drive.
Camping reservations: Book campsites and cabins for Montana state parks online at montanastateparks.reserveamerica.com.
Park Location
Plan your gear for Thompson Chain of Lakes SP
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
