Fishing enthusiasts will find direct access to the Missouri River below Garrison Dam at this Army Corps of Engineers campground featuring approximately 100 sites across four distinct loops. The location below the dam provides natural wind protection from the large cottonwood trees that shade many sites, though campers should prepare for increased insect activity during certain periods.
All sites in Loops 1-3 include paved pads and electrical hookups, with level spacing that provides reasonable separation between neighbors. Loop 4 offers primitive camping without hookups but typically has availability even without reservations. The campground features modern bathhouses in the first two loops with motion-sensor lighting, while Loop 3 relies on vault toilets that receive mixed reviews for cleanliness. Sites accommodate RVs up to 79 feet with water available at the dump station near the entrance.
Multiple paths lead down to the river's sandy banks, making this a popular destination for anglers targeting the tailwater fishery. Two short hiking trails connect to the Lewis and Clark and North Country trail systems. Tim describes the river access as a "lovely easy walk down a path to the river with sandy banks." Loop 2 features the more modern playground for families.
The campground operates from May through September with sites ranging from $16-30 per night. Reservations are available for Loops 2-4 up to six months ahead, while Loop 1 remains first-come, first-served. For additional options in the region, campers can explore places to camp around Stanton.
Description
Overview
The Downstream Campground is located on the East bank of the Missouri River below the Garrison Dam, which forms Lake Sakakawea. The area offers a wide variety of recreational activities, including boating, fishing, hiking, mountain biking, sailing, scuba diving, bird watching, and hunting. In the winter time the area offers a cross country ski trails and bow hunting opportunities. For more information, please visit the Garrision Dam & Lake Sakakawea website here .
Recreation
The Missouri River and Lake Sakakawea offers excellent boating, fishing, and hunting opportunities. Several state record fish have been caught down below the Garrison Dam on the Missouri River Tailrace and in Lake Sakakawea. Anglers fish for walleye, sauger, northern pike, bass, bluegill, crappie, cutthroat trout, rainbow trout, brown trout, white bass, large mouth and small mouth bass. Chinook salmon can be also found in the lake, the only body of water in the state with this species. The best catfishing around is found directly below Garrison Dam on the Missouri River. Younger visitors love the three playgrounds in the campground, while the volleyball courts and horseshoe pits are enjoyed by campers of all ages. There is an amphiteater located in the campground which offers events for families with kids. Saturday nights usually show a outdoor movie and offer games or ranger staff to provide a interpretive program. The nearby trout fishing pond has a fishing pier for easy access along miles of hiking and biking trails leading to the National Fish Hatchery for hours of family filled fun! The Riverdale State Wildlife Management Area is also located directly across the campground and offers great hunting opportunities, its 2,250 wooded acres are open to hunting for deer, pheasants, sharp-tail grouse, cottontail rabbits, and tree squirrels during open seasons.
Facilities
The campground consists of three loops with 98 electrical sites with either a 50/30/20 amp or 30/20 amp service and one loop for primitive camping with 16 primitive campsites; all sites have picnic tables and grills. Several amenities include flush and vault toilets, showers, drinking water, a fill and dump station, paved roads, paved sites, playground equipment, volleyball, and horseshoe pits.
Natural Features
The campground is located in a beautiful nautral cottonwood forest and is situated along the Missouri River with open grassy areas. Walk along the sand dunes along the Missouri River or the miles of walking trails leading to the National Fish Hatchery and trout fishing pond.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (701) 654-7411.
Nearby Attractions
Garrison Dam National Fish Hatchery is minutes from the campground and is open to the public. A visitor center, complete with five 400-gallon aquariums, provides great opportunities to view the fish of North Dakota in their environment. The Garrison Dam Power Plant offers tours during the months of June, July and the first part of August on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 2pm. Lake Sakakawea State Park Audubon National Wildlife Refuge
Charges & Cancellations
Reservation changes and cancellations can be made on Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777. For more information on rules and policies regarding reservation cancellations and changes, please visit: https://www.recreation.gov/rules-reservation-policies .
Fee Info
Camping reservations can be made at Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundCOE Lake Sakakawea Downstream Campground is located in North Dakota
Directions
From Bismarck, North Dakota, take Highway 83 north and turn left on Highway 200 west toward Riverdale. After crossing the Spillway Bridge, take a left on Tow Road. At bottom intersection of the dam, turn left and go 1/4 mile east, then turn right onto the campground access road. From Minot, North Dakota, take Highway 83 south and turn right onto Highway 48. At intersection, turn right onto Highway 200 west toward Riverdale. After crossing the Spillway Bridge, take a left on Tow Road. At bottom intersection of the dam, turn left and go 1/4 mile east, then turn right onto the campground access road.
Coordinates
47.4822222 N
101.4261111 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GExcellent Coverage- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 3 usersLast on 4/20/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 4/20/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent Coverage
- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 3 usersLast on 4/20/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 4/20/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Water Hookups
- 30 Amp Hookups
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 59 min from Minot, ND
- 1 hr 2 min from Bismarck, ND
- 3 hrs 34 min from Fargo, ND
- 3 hrs 44 min from Grand Forks, ND
