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.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Thompson Chain of Lakes SP
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Pets are allowed at most Montana state parks but must be leashed and not left unattended.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Leash no longer than 8 feet required, unless otherwise posted.
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Pets are prohibited from swimming beaches and posted restricted areas.
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Pets prohibited at Frenchtown Pond and Wild Horse Island; kennel service offered during Lewis and Clark Caverns tours; Spring Meadow Lake no pets April 16 - October 14; Lake Elmo has a fenced dog park.
Are dogs allowed at Thompson Chain of Lakes SP?
Pets are allowed at most Montana state parks but must be leashed and not left unattended. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via fwp.mt.gov. More: Montana state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
Plan your gear for Thompson Chain of Lakes SP
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
