Best Campgrounds near Thompson Falls, MT
The Cabinet Mountain foothills surrounding Thompson Falls, Montana provide a mix of established campgrounds and primitive sites along riverbanks and lakeshores. Thompson Falls State Park Campground offers boat-in and drive-in access with both tent and RV camping options, while Camp Squatch features cabins and RV sites with fire rings and picnic tables. Copper King Campground provides free sites with riverside positioning. The region's developed campgrounds range from full-hookup RV parks like Rimrock Lodge and Birdland Bay to more rustic Forest Service sites with minimal amenities.
Many campgrounds in the area operate seasonally, with Thompson Falls State Park typically open from April through October. Access roads vary significantly in quality, with some forest campgrounds requiring careful navigation on narrow, unpaved routes. Summer brings warm temperatures ideal for water recreation, while spring runoff can affect river conditions. Most free dispersed sites enforce a 14-day stay limit. Cell service becomes increasingly limited when camping in the more remote locations away from Highway 200. Several campgrounds feature river or lake access, though water levels fluctuate seasonally. One camper noted, "This campground doesn't really accommodate large RVs, but it's great for tent camping. Although it sits along the river, it doesn't really have great river access."
Waterfront camping represents a significant draw throughout the region, with sites near the Clark Fork River and Thompson Chain of Lakes receiving consistently positive reviews. Campers frequently mention the generous spacing between sites at free campgrounds like Copper King, which features five sites with picnic tables and fire rings. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, with deer, eagles, and moose sightings reported by visitors. Train noise affects some campgrounds, particularly those along the Clark Fork River corridor where the Montana Rail Line runs. A visitor commented about Copper King: "This is a free campground. There are five sites with generous spacing. Each site has a picnic table and a fire ring. There is a privy and one bear box in the middle of the circle." The region's mixed-use campgrounds accommodate various camping styles from primitive tent sites to full-hookup RV spaces.
