Wind off Lake Sakakawea can hit 50 miles per hour, and that detail alone tells you something about what camping here is like. The campground sits within Lake Sakakawea State Park in Pick City, North Dakota, where the Garrison Dam backs up the Missouri River into one of the largest man-made reservoirs in the country. The terrain shifts here from open farmland into pocketed hills, and most sites have direct sightlines across the water.
The park runs several distinct loops, including Elbow Woods, Sanish, and Van Hook, each with 30/50 amp electric and water hookups. Elbow Woods is noted for more spread-out sites with open views of the lake. Sanish draws campers who want more tree cover, which also helps buffer the wind. Sites across all loops are generously sized and well-maintained. "The park was busy, hardly any vacant spots but still very quiet," notes Bob M., who called the grounds in near-immaculate condition. Primitive sites are mowed regularly, and the park sprays for insects, a detail that matters in summer.
Water access drives most visits here. There is a swim beach, a boat marina with parking, and shoreline hiking along the North Country Trail. Off-shore fishing is consistent, and the protected bay area stays manageable for kayakers and paddleboarders even on windy days. The Downstream Campground sits roughly 3.6 miles south for campers who want a nearby alternative with a different setting.
A few practical notes. Water to the bathrooms and showers is shut off by early October, so late-season visitors should plan accordingly. Supplies are available in a small nearby town, but costs run high. Reservations are recommended, especially for group sites, which fill as soon as booking opens. Camping near Garrison gives a broader look at options in the region for those building a longer North Dakota itinerary.
Anglers, paddlers, and anyone drawn to big-water camping on the northern plains will find this park worth the detour.
Description
This recreation area is part of Sakakawea Lake
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsLake Sakakawea State Park Campground is located in North Dakota near Garrison
Address
720 Park Ave
Pick City, ND 58545
Coordinates
47.532468535891 N
101.447813027654 W
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GGood CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 6/18/26
- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 7/20/26
- AT&T5GExcellent Coverage
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GGood CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 6/18/26
- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 7/20/26
- AT&T5GExcellent Coverage
Access
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Cabins
Features
For Campers
- Market
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Showers
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Water Hookups
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 1 hr 1 min from Minot, ND
- 1 hr 4 min from Bismarck, ND
- 3 hrs 35 min from Fargo, ND
- 3 hrs 44 min from Grand Forks, ND


























