Thompson Chain of Lakes State Park
Libby, Montana · on Slimmer Creek · Logan State Park
Verified · 5 independent sources
- WATER
- lake
- ACCESS
- Designated swim area
- FEE
- $9
- SEASON
- Best in summer
About Thompson Chain of Lakes State Park
Logan State Park is a unit of Montana's Thompson Chain of Lakes State Park, sitting on the north shore of Middle Thompson Lake along US Highway 2 roughly halfway between Libby and Kalispell. The state park officially lists swimming as an activity here, and visitors describe a small designated swimming area with a dock, making this a sanctioned swimming hole and a dependable lake to swim in, alongside a 37-site campground, boat launch, and other day-use facilities.
The park occupies forested lakeshore on Middle Thompson Lake, one of a chain of interconnected lakes (Upper, Middle, and Lower Thompson, plus McGregor and others) that make up the 3,000-acre Thompson Chain of Lakes State Park in the Kootenai country of northwest Montana. Campsites sit in two loops near the lakeshore, with Highway 2 running close by.
Swimming at Thompson Chain of Lakes State Park
Visitors describe a small, designated swimming area with a dock on a lake reviewers call clear and cool ('gin clear' water, good fishing). One reviewer rated it positively for the swimming spot and dock near the campsites, while another described the swim area as extremely small with little lake access away from the dock unless you have a boat, making it best suited to campers wanting a quick, casual dip rather than a swimming destination in its own right.
How to get to this swimming hole
Located along US Highway 2 between Libby and Kalispell, Montana; the Logan unit entrance/address is 77518 US Hwy 2, Libby, MT 59923, on the north shore of Middle Thompson Lake.
Parking: Small lot at the campground/day-use area near the swimming dock; reviewers report it can be cramped for larger vehicles and RVs, with one visitor having to park on the grass.
The walk in
No real hike here. The water is a short walk from where you park. This is a drive-up/walk-up swim spot: the designated swimming dock sits directly on the north shore of Middle Thompson Lake within the Logan unit campground, immediately adjacent to the parking area, no trail or hike is needed.
Plan your visit
Bringing kids
OK with supervision
Swimming happens off a small designated dock on Middle Thompson Lake right next to the campground; one visitor reported the swim area is 'extremely small' with 'pretty much no' shoreline lake access away from the dock unless you have a boat, meaning kids are swimming/jumping into open, unshallowed water off a dock rather than a gradually-sloping beach. No lifeguard is mentioned anywhere. Fine for supervised kids comfortable at a dock, less ideal for toddlers wanting a wade-in beach.
Parking
Paid, No day-use fee for MT residents carrying the $9 state parks registration sticker; nonresidents pay $8/vehicle (or $4 walk-in/bike), this is the park entrance fee, not a separate parking charge
Small lot at the campground/day-use area next to the swim dock; multiple campground reviewers describe sites and parking as cramped for larger vehicles, with one having to park on the grass to fit a truck.
Restrooms
Yes
Flush toilets and coin showers ($3 fee mentioned by a reviewer) at the Logan unit near the campground/swim dock; the broader Thompson Chain of Lakes park also lists vault toilets at some of its other access points.
Water clarity
Clear
Campground reviewers (Campendium) describe the lake as 'a beautiful, clear cool lake' and 'gin clear,' also noting good trout/bass/pike fishing, which visitors take as a further sign of clean water.
Hours
Park open year-round, 7am-10pm; some services (showers, water, one campground loop) close seasonally around Sept 21.
On the water
Montana FWP lists boating, canoeing, and motor boating as permitted activities on the Thompson Chain of Lakes, with a concrete boat launch and reservable boat slips (roughly third week of May through Labor Day) at the Logan unit. No no-wake zone, electric-only, or speed-limit restriction was found published for this specific lake; boats/gear are subject to mandatory aquatic-invasive-species inspection before launching.
What regulars say
First-hand campground reviews are the best available guide here: visitors call the lake 'gin clear' and describe a small swim area with a dock right next to the campsites, but caution that away from the dock there is 'pretty much no' lake access without a boat, so plan on dock/boat swimming rather than a beach. Other visitor notes: no cell service (Verizon/T-Mobile spotty at best), audible Highway 2 traffic noise at some campsites, and a low-key crowd (one visitor counted about 8 other campers on their 2016 stay).
Thompson Chain of Lakes State Park: FAQ
Does Thompson Chain of Lakes State Park charge a fee?
Montana residents with the $9 state parks registration fee pay no day-use charge; nonresidents pay $8 per vehicle or $4 for walk-in/bicycle entry. Campsite fees range from $4-$34 per night depending on season and hookups.
Is Thompson Chain of Lakes State Park kid friendly?
Swimming happens off a small designated dock on Middle Thompson Lake right next to the campground; one visitor reported the swim area is 'extremely small' with 'pretty much no' shoreline lake access away from the dock unless you have a boat, meaning kids are swimming/jumping into open, unshallowed water off a dock rather than a gradually-sloping beach. No lifeguard is mentioned anywhere. Fine for supervised kids comfortable at a dock, less ideal for toddlers wanting a wade-in beach.
Do I need to hike to reach Thompson Chain of Lakes State Park?
No significant hike is required. The swimming area is close to parking and access.
Where do I park for Thompson Chain of Lakes State Park?
Small lot at the campground/day-use area next to the swim dock; multiple campground reviewers describe sites and parking as cramped for larger vehicles, with one having to park on the grass to fit a truck.
Can I bring a kayak or paddleboard to Thompson Chain of Lakes State Park?
Montana FWP lists boating, canoeing, and motor boating as permitted activities on the Thompson Chain of Lakes, with a concrete boat launch and reservable boat slips (roughly third week of May through Labor Day) at the Logan unit. No no-wake zone, electric-only, or speed-limit restriction was found published for this specific lake; boats/gear are subject to mandatory aquatic-invasive-species inspection before launching.
When is the best time to visit Thompson Chain of Lakes State Park?
Summer, particularly Memorial Day through Labor Day, when showers, boat slips, and full campground services are operating.
What are the rules at Thompson Chain of Lakes State Park?
Standard Montana state park rules apply; aquatic invasive species inspection is emphasized (boats/gear must be checked to prevent spreading invasive species). Pets are allowed. Park hours are 7am-10pm year-round, though showers and water service close seasonally (around Sept 21) and some campground loops are seasonal only.
What water body is Thompson Chain of Lakes State Park on?
Thompson Chain of Lakes State Park is on Slimmer Creek, a natural lake verified in USGS hydrography data.
