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Established Camping

COE Lake Sakakawea Downstream Campground

Closed For the Season

This campground is closed for the season from September 16, 2024 through May 14, 2025.

COE Lake Sakakawea Downstream Campground, near Riverdale, North Dakota, is a fantastic spot for those looking to unwind in nature. With spacious sites and a laid-back vibe, it’s perfect for both tent campers and RV enthusiasts.

This campground boasts clean facilities, including hot showers and well-kept bathrooms, which visitors really appreciate after a day of outdoor activities. Many campers have highlighted the peaceful atmosphere, with one saying, “Nothing better than waking up to the sound of wind in the leaves and birds singing their songs.”

You’ll find plenty of trails leading down to the Missouri River, ideal for fishing or just soaking in the scenery. The area is surrounded by big trees that provide shade and protection from the wind, making it a comfortable place to relax. Plus, there are picnic tables and fire rings at each site, so you can enjoy meals outdoors and gather around the fire at night.

While some sites are primitive, they still offer a quiet retreat, and the campground is known for its cleanliness and upkeep. Whether you’re here for a quick stop or a longer stay, COE Lake Sakakawea Downstream Campground has everything you need for a memorable camping experience.

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Location

COE Lake Sakakawea Downstream Campground is located in North Dakota

Detail location of campground

Directions

From town: Go 1 mile W on Hwy-200 to Garrison Dam, then 1 mile down front of dam, then 1/3 mi E past Fish Hatchery, then 1-1/2 mi S on access road.

Coordinates

47.49406739 N
101.4011004 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Good
  • Verizon
    Good
  • AT&T
    Unknown
  • T-Mobile
    Available

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites

Features

For Campers

  • Electric Hookups
  • Pets

For Vehicles

  • Sanitary Dump

Reviews

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4.5

out of 5

7 Reviews

Reviewed Oct. 8, 2024

Very good CoE campground

General: Approximately 100-site US Army Corps of Engineers campground in three loops; there are paths connecting each loop. All sites have paved camper pads and electric hookups. 

Site Quality: All sites appeared level and had a decent amount of separation between sites. There are some trees to provide shade to some sites. 

Bath/Shower House: Loops One and Two have more modern bathhouses; each with two sinks, two stalls, and two showers. They were clean. Note that the lights are motion-detected; if you are in a stall too long, the light will go out! Loop Three has vault toilets and I have seen cleaner ones. There is also a bathhouse with two all-in-one (shower, toilet, sink) each for men and women. 

Activities: Fishing is very popular here. There are also two short hiking trails (part of the Lewis and Clark and North Country trails). Loops One and Two have playgrounds; the one in Loop Two appears more modern so if you have kiddos who like playgrounds, I would recommend this loop. There is an amphitheater between Loops Two and Three but I’m not sure it has been used in a while as it looked a bit overgrown. There are opportunities for bird and wildlife watching. 

We initially checked out the nearby state park but for less than half the price (with our senior discount), this campground was a better fit for us. The only downside was the number of yellow jackets that chased us inside our van to eat dinner!

Site50
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of COE Lake Sakakawea Downstream Campground by Lee D., October 8, 2024
  • Review photo of COE Lake Sakakawea Downstream Campground by Lee D., October 8, 2024
  • Review photo of COE Lake Sakakawea Downstream Campground by Lee D., October 8, 2024
  • (17) View All
Reviewed Aug. 17, 2024

Very pretty and clean campground

Sites a larger than most campgrounds we’ve been to. Grounds are well kept. Only electrical service at the sites. Potable water is available at the dump site on the way in to the campground.

Site15
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of COE Lake Sakakawea Downstream Campground by Thomas C., August 17, 2024
  • Review photo of COE Lake Sakakawea Downstream Campground by Thomas C., August 17, 2024
Reviewed Jun. 24, 2022

Primitive camping fun

Arrived as a severe thunderstorm approached. Two days of windy during the day yet despite wind gusts going from 25-50 mph there was not a bug in site so you give and take. The primitive camping area was very dry after a downpour and once the clouds disappeared beautiful sunset each night. Even with neighbors, the area was very quiet of others. The sounds from Mother Nature were singing her melodies to keep us entertained. Nothing better than waking up to the sound of wind in the leaves and birds singing their songs. Bathroom located at the end of loop 4 was decent for quick use. Not a lot of traffic on the roads outside of people using the bathroom at the end. 10/10 highly recommend for we will be returning in week and a half.

Site107
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of COE Lake Sakakawea Downstream Campground by Krussell , June 24, 2022
  • Review photo of COE Lake Sakakawea Downstream Campground by Krussell , June 24, 2022
  • Review photo of COE Lake Sakakawea Downstream Campground by Krussell , June 24, 2022
  • (7) View All
Reviewed Aug. 5, 2021

Perfect Place to Relax

Probably one of my favorite campgrounds. VERY spacious sites! Electric only, but it’s camping right! Clean bathrooms and showers. The best part is that they have many paths down to the Missouri River for some great fishing and if you are a polar bear swimming. Absolutely loved this place! Would definitely return.

Site9
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of COE Lake Sakakawea Downstream Campground by Erin A., August 5, 2021
  • Review photo of COE Lake Sakakawea Downstream Campground by Erin A., August 5, 2021
  • Review photo of COE Lake Sakakawea Downstream Campground by Erin A., August 5, 2021
Reviewed Sep. 7, 2020

Nice spot for a rest on our drive across country.

Nice spot. Had site 117 on loop 4. “Primitive” site. Mostly quiet and peaceful. Group of RVs had the end of the loop and had generators going, but steady wind blowing that way kept the noise down. Acceptable pit toilet. Lovely easy walk down a path to the river with sandy banks. Clean, well kept sites w picnic tables and fire rings. Very windy so definitely glad to be here protected below the dam and not up next to the reservoir!

  • Review photo of COE Lake Sakakawea Downstream Campground by Tim , September 7, 2020
  • Review photo of COE Lake Sakakawea Downstream Campground by Tim , September 7, 2020
Reviewed May. 22, 2019

Clean, lots of amenities

We’ve camped here a handful of times and have always enjoyed it. It’s below garrison dam and has many big trees, so it’s protected from the wind which makes bugs an issue at times so be prepared for that! Loop 1 - 3 are all paved and have very nice level pads for campers and all have fire rings. Loop 4 is primitive and usually always has space even if you arrive without reservations. Loop 1 cannot be reserved and is a first come first serve, vs loops 2-4 can be reserved 6 months in advance. Showers and bathroom facilities are kept up nice and are clean. There are also playgrounds and theaters there for kid/family activities.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the elevation of COE Lake Sakakawea Downstream Campground?

    COE Lake Sakakawea Downstream Campground is located at 1875 feet.

  • What is the max vehicle length at COE Lake Sakakawea Downstream Campground?

    COE Lake Sakakawea Downstream Campground allows vehicles up to 19 feet.

  • How hard is it to get a campsite at COE Lake Sakakawea Downstream Campground?

    Some campers book as far as 6 months in advance, so on high-demand weekends it can be very difficult to get a campsite at COE Lake Sakakawea Downstream Campground. If you want to get a last-minute campsite at COE Lake Sakakawea Downstream Campground, try setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts

  • Why is it so hard to get a campsite at COE Lake Sakakawea Downstream Campground?

    There are 114 campsites at COE Lake Sakakawea Downstream Campground and over 80 million Americans who camp! Try snagging a cancellation by setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts