How much does it cost to camp at Bend Guard Station?

Camping at Bend Guard Station can cost between $45.00 and $90.00 depending on the site.

What is the max vehicle length at Bend Guard Station?

Bend Guard Station allows vehicles up to 40 feet.

Are fires allowed at Bend Guard Station?

Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Bend Guard Station, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

Does Bend Guard Station have wifi?

No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Bend Guard Station does not have wifi.

How hard is it to get a campsite at Bend Guard Station?

Some campers book as far as 6 months in advance, so on high-demand weekends it can be very difficult to get a campsite at Bend Guard Station. If you want to get a last-minute campsite at Bend Guard Station, try setting up a text message Alert at TheDyrt.com/alerts

Why is it so hard to get a campsite at Bend Guard Station?

There are 1 campsites at Bend Guard Station and over 80 million Americans who camp! Try snagging a cancellation by setting up a text message Alert at TheDyrt.com/alerts

Established Camping

Bend Guard Station

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Bend Guard Station is located in Lolo National Forest, Montana, featuring forested terrain with a mix of trees and open spaces. The area experiences temperature highs around 80°F in summer and lows near 20°F in winter. Nearby attractions include the Clark Fork River and the Flathead National Forest, offering opportunities for fishing and hiking.

Description

USDA Forest Service

Lolo National Forest

Overview

The Bend Guard Station is located in a historic site within the Lolo National Forest of northwestern Montana. It is equipped with modern features, including a full-service kitchen and bathrooms, and provides guests with access to a variety of activities. The cabin sits within an open meadow surrounded by an evergreen forest, providing beautiful scenery during any season.

Recreation

The Bend area offers opportunities for a variety of outdoor recreation experiences, including hiking, fishing, mountain biking, cross country skiing, snowshoeing and berry picking. A variety of trails snake around the campground and through the forest, several of which are accessible near the cabin. The Thompson River is a short walk from the cabin. Anglers might see a variety of trout as well as mountain whitefish in the river.

Natural Features

The 3,200-foot elevation site has multiple structures and has previously been used as a ranger station for the old Cabinet National Forest, which was divided by the Forest Service in 1954. The original log cabin is on-site and was constructed in 1911. While there are several buildings at Bend, the only one available for recreation rental use is the combined bunkhouse and cookhouse building. It was built in 1923 to house Forest Service work crews and rangers working in the area and was remodeled in 1984. The 2 million-acre forest includes four wilderness areas and a wide variety of trees, plants and wildlife. The area is home to mountain goats, bighorn sheep, elk, moose, deer and grizzly and black bears. Both the bald and golden eagle reside in the forest, along with trumpeter swan, herons and dozens of varieties of duck. The cabin is accessible by vehicle, but requires high-clearance with tire chains during winter months. The roads leading to the cabin may not be plowed on a regular basis in the winter. Four-wheel drive is highly recommended. There is no cell phone service or a land line at Bend. The nearest cell phone service is a few miles away. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities.

Contact Info

For facility specific information, please call (406) 210-5287.

Nearby Attractions

Fishing and water sports are available at Thompson and McGregor Lakes, both of which are a 30-minute drive from the cabin.

Fee Info

Starting January 1, 2021 fees will be changing from $45 to $90 per night.

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Location

Bend Guard Station is located in Montana

Directions

This rental is located approximately 32 miles up the Thompson River Road (County Road 56 on maps, County Road 556 on the ground) from its junction with Montana Highway 200, five miles east of Thompson Falls, Montana. It may also be accessed from U.S. Highway 2 by turning south on the Thompson River Road (County Road 56 on maps, County Road 556 on the ground) between McGregor Lake and Lower Thompson Lake, approximately 40 miles west of Kalispell, Montana. After leaving Highway 2 or 200, area roads are low standard gravel or dirt and are often rough. Area roads also serve logging trucks and should be driven with care. During the winter, it may be necessary to hike, ski or snowmobile for at least a mile to the cabin, as roads are not always plowed. Maps are available online or for purchase by calling the Plains/Thompson Falls Ranger District.