Helena National Forest

Recreational Activities

Thompson Guard Station

History of the cabin

Historical records indicate the cabin was built in 1954, but some folks believe the building may have been used initially as a cookhouse for a Civilian Conservation Corps camp reportedly on this site. In later years engineering and road maintenance crews also used the cabin.

How to get there

Leave White Sulphur Springs, west on Highway 360. 1.6 miles from town the highway makes a sharp curve to the right. Go straight on to the gravel road. There is a Forest Service sign at this junction, it reads; Gipsy Lake 14, Townsend 44. After 6.5 miles the gravel road will fork at the entrance to a ranch. Stay to the right. As you drive the next 7.5 miles to the Forest Boundary the road will become more primitive. Within a quarter of a mile of the boundary a sign for Thompson Station will direct you to the right on to Forest Road # 383. After 0.6 miles a sign will direct you to the left and a gate to the station.

Winter access varies; it is best from the White Sulphur Springs side with a 4-wheel drive vehicle to within 3 miles of the cabin.  At this point, you can walk, ski, snowmobile, or snowshoe to the cabin. (general vicinity map)

What is provided

The guard station is furnished with a Monarch cook stove and also has an adjoining wood stove for heating purposes. There are also beds with mattresses, a table and chairs, silverware, dishes, cooking utensils, pots and pans, axe, shovel, outhouse, and cleaning supplies. There is a fenced corral just below the cabin.

What to bring

Bring your own drinking water (or boil it from local sources); sleeping bags, warm clothes; food and flashlight. You should also plan on bringing one or two small propane cylinders to use in the lanterns or propane stove.

What to do in the area

Gipsy Lake is one mile south of the cabin and three miles south of Gipsy Lake are Hidden Lake, Upper Baldy Lake and Edith Lake. There times when you might see elk or deer nearby. Bring a mountain bike, hiking gear, or horse to explore the many trails in the area.

Capacity/Rental Fee - 8 people/$30.00 day

Availability - All year (maximum stay 5 nights)

Reservations- Effective March 1, 2006, cabin and lookout rentals can be made through Recreation.gov or by dialing 1-877-444-6777 (toll free). The National Recreation Reservation Service (NRRS) can also be contacted through TDD at 1-877-833-6777 and Internationally at (518) 885-3639.

If you would like additional information about the cabin or the area, please call the Townsend Ranger District at (406)266-3425.

Thompson Guard Station Vicinity Map

USDA Forest Service - Helena National Forest
Last Modified: Friday, 04 January 2008 at 15:31:22 EST