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.

## 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][1] . 
## 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. 
## 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. 
## Nearby Attractions

 [Garrison Dam National Fish Hatchery][2] 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][1] 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][3] [Audubon National Wildlife Refuge][4] 
## Contact Info

 For facility specific information, please call (701) 654-7411.
## 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][5] . 

[1]: https://www.nwo.usace.army.mil/Missions/Dam-and-Lake-Projects/Missouri-River-Dams/Garrison/
[2]: https://www.fws.gov/mountain-prairie/fisheries/garrisonDam.php
[3]: https://www.parkrec.nd.gov/lake-sakakawea-state-park
[4]: https://www.fws.gov/refuge/audubon/
[5]: https://www.recreation.gov/rules-reservation-policies

COE Lake Sakakawea Downstream Campground

The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Stanton. Stanton is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. Discover great camping spots near Stanton, reviewed by campers like you.

Stanton

The Best Camping Near Stanton, North Dakota

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. 

Clean, lots of amenities 

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!

Nice spot for a rest on our drive across country.

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. 

Perfect Place to Relax

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.  

Primitive camping fun

Hot clean showers, space between sites, hike trails, great power...shade.

Always great at ACOE Campgrounds

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.

Very pretty and clean 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!

Photos of COE Lake Sakakawea Downstream Campground

Real photos from real campers