Bend Guard Station
4.6823 reviews408 Clayton, PO Box 429
Bend Guard Station
$45.00 - $90.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Starting January 1, 2021, fees increased from $45 to $90 per night.
About this campground
Step back in time at Bend Guard Station, where rustic charm meets modern comfort in the heart of Lolo National Forest. This lovingly preserved historic cabin welcomes you with the warmth of electric heaters, the convenience of flush toilets, and a fully-equipped kitchen ready for your culinary adventures. Surrounded by towering evergreens that whisper stories of the past, this forest retreat offers the perfect blend of wilderness solitude and creature comforts.
The Bend Guard Station is primarily a cabin rental with modern amenities. It is suitable for large groups and families seeking a comfortable camping experience.
Historical SignificanceWalk in the footsteps of early forest rangers at this remarkable piece of living history. Built when the Cabinet National Forest was still young, the station's weathered structures from 1911 and 1923 stand as monuments to the pioneering spirit of America's conservation movement. Thoughtfully renovated in 1984, these buildings preserve their authentic character while serving modern adventurers. Every creaking floorboard and hand-hewn beam tells the story of the dedicated Forest Service workers who once called this remote outpost home.
Weather and SeasonsEach season paints the Bend Guard Station with its own dramatic brushstrokes. Winter transforms the landscape into a snow-laden wonderland, where adventurous souls navigate the forest roads with high-clearance vehicles and tire chains, rewarded by pristine silence and crystalline air. As summer arrives, the Montana sky opens into an endless blue canvas, bringing warm days perfect for exploration and cool, starlit nights that invite campfire conversations. The dry summer conditions create ideal opportunities for hiking and outdoor adventures.
ElevationPerched at 3,200 feet above sea level, the cabin offers a refreshing mountain retreat where the air is crisp and clear. This perfect elevation provides a natural air conditioning system in summer months while offering breathtaking views of the surrounding wilderness that stretch for miles.
Natural Features and SceneryImagine waking to find elk grazing in the meadow outside your window, or catching a glimpse of a mountain goat navigating the distant ridgeline. The Bend Guard Station sits like a jewel in an open mountain meadow, embraced by protective evergreen forests where both grizzly and black bears roam their ancestral territory. The melodious Thompson River flows nearby, its crystal-clear waters teeming with trout that beckon anglers to try their luck. This 3,200-foot elevation sanctuary offers intimate encounters with Montana's most majestic wildlife against a backdrop of endless forest vistas.
Geological RegionNestled in the rugged wilderness of northwestern Montana's Lolo National Forest, this historic gem occupies a sun-drenched meadow carved from the surrounding evergreen tapestry. At 3,200 feet elevation, the station sits in a unique geological pocket where mountain meadow meets ancient forest, creating a diverse ecosystem that has captivated visitors and forest workers alike for over a century.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features at the Bend Guard Station are not explicitly mentioned in the source materials.
Sites SizeThe cabin can accommodate up to 16 guests, making it suitable for large groups.
Sites PrivacyThe cabin is surrounded by an evergreen forest and sits in an open meadow, offering natural surroundings. However, some reviews note that it lacks a remote experience due to nearby roads and traffic noise.
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended CampsitesBring GPS coordinates for navigation. Pets are prohibited indoors. Carry tire chains for winter access.
Best CampsitesAs only one cabin is available, it is the focal point of the campground.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
11:00 AM local time.
Check-out
11:00 AM local time.
Stay Limit
Maximum consecutive stay of 5 nights.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Beds with mattresses sleep up to 16 people.
Groups
The cabin accommodates up to 16 people and includes group-friendly amenities such as multiple bathrooms and a large kitchen.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe cabin is a standalone facility surrounded by timberlands and logging roads.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round except one week in May for administrative use.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made on Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityNull
Cancellation PolicyA $10 cancellation fee applies, along with forfeiture of the first night's recreation use fee if canceled less than 14 days before check-in. Late cancellations and no-shows incur additional penalties.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Cabin lodgingCabin lodging is available for campers seeking a more sheltered and comfortable experience. These enclosed accommodations offer protection from the elements and are ideal for those who prefer not to camp in tents.
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Lodging and accommodations
Flush toilets
Electricity hookups
Activities you can enjoy
The Bend Guard Station offers a variety of recreational activities catering to different interests. Popular activities include hiking, fishing, mountain biking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and berry picking. The Thompson River, located within walking distance, provides excellent fishing opportunities. User reviews reinforce this, with comments such as, 'Fishing was perfect, short walk to the gate and you were on the river,' and 'The Thompson River right across from the cabin had great fishing.'
Hiking
Hiking trails near the cabin provide options for various levels of difficulty. User reviews highlight enjoying the scenic trails and walks.Fishing
Fishing is a major highlight at the Bend Guard Station. The nearby Thompson River features trout and mountain whitefish. One user said, 'Fishing was perfect, short walk to the gate, and you were on the river.'Biking
Mountain biking is available near the cabin, and trails cater to varying skill levels.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing opportunities are abundant due to the diverse fauna in the 2-million-acre Lolo National Forest. Species include mountain goats, bighorn sheep, elk, moose, deer, grizzly and black bears, eagles, and more.Winter Activities
Winter activities include cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.Water Sports
Fishing is available nearby but no specific mention of other water sports such as kayaking or paddleboarding.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are permitted within designated fire pits. Guests are encouraged to use only local firewood to prevent pest spread.
- Quiet hours are Null
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include grizzly and black bears, ticks, and mountain lions. Roads may be rough, and traveling during winter can be challenging.
Active alertsNull
Weather forecast
92
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 12%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 2.2 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Closest emergency services are located in Plains, Montana, which is the location of the mailing address. Specific facilities are not detailed.
Good to know
Peak season datesJanuary 1 - December 31 annually.
Trash and recyclingGuests are required to bring garbage bags and pack out all trash upon departure. No on-site trash disposal is available.
Proximity to water featuresThe Thompson River, a short walk from the cabin, offers fishing opportunities with trout and mountain whitefish.
Common complaintsGuests have noted issues such as unclear directions, mold in walls leading to sinus issues, and construction-related messes not cleaned prior to arrival. Additionally, ticks have been reported.
HostNull
Campground Map
408 Clayton, PO Box 429
Driving directionsThe rental is approximately 32 miles up the Thompson River Road from its junction with Montana Highway 200, five miles east of Thompson Falls, Montana. It can also be accessed from U.S. Highway 2 by turning south on Thompson River Road between McGregor Lake and Lower Thompson Lake, approximately 40 miles west of Kalispell, Montana. After leaving Highway 2 or 200, the roads are low standard gravel or dirt and are often rough. During winter, it may be necessary to hike, ski, or snowmobile for at least a mile to the cabin due to road closures. Maps are available online or via the Plains/Thompson Falls Ranger District.
Accessible by vehicle year-round; however, high-clearance and tire chains are required during winter. Roads are often rough and may not be plowed regularly in winter. Logging trucks use these roads, so caution is advised.Nearby places
Thompson Falls (5 miles east) and Kalispell (40 miles west).
Nearby supplies
Null
Camper Reviews
4.7
23 reviews
Bend Guard Station is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews are generally positive, highlighting the cabin's amenities, comfort, and suitability for large groups. However, some reviews mention issues such as mold, ticks, and maintenance problems. The average sentiment for the campground-specific experience is 4.43.
Review Summaries
Based on 23 reviews
What Campers Love
Guests frequently praise the cabin's extensive amenities, cleanliness, and suitability for groups. One user stated, 'Cabin is outfitted extremely well and is comfortable,' while another mentioned,...
Based on 23 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Common complaints include issues with mold, ticks, locked gates during certain seasons, and maintenance problems like leaks in the kitchen sink. Quotes include, 'Downside is that there is likely mold...
Based on 23 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Recommendations include bringing extra bedding, GPS coordinates for navigation, and camp chairs for outdoor seating. One user noted, 'Be sure you have a GPS and plug in the coordinates for the guard...
Based on 23 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Winter reviews often highlight comfort inside the cabin despite cold temperatures. Spring and summer reviews note the challenges with ticks and locked gates.
Based on 23 reviewsCamper Quotes
Selected quotes include: 'Great location and facilities,' 'Cabin is outfitted extremely well,' 'Fishing was perfect,' and 'Ticks seem to be in full force.'
Based on 23 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
No reviews specifically identify best or worst campsites by number, though most comments pertain to the suitability of the cabin itself.
Based on 23 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility issues are not explicitly discussed in user reviews.
Based on 23 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are not allowed inside the cabin; user reviews do not further elaborate on pet-related experiences.
Based on 23 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025