The Epping area of North Dakota sits at approximately 2,125 feet above sea level, part of the flat to gently rolling terrain of the Great Plains. Summer temperatures typically range from 70-85°F, with winter lows frequently dipping below freezing from November through March. Camping in this region provides access to Lake Sakakawea, one of North Dakota's largest bodies of water, with multiple options for both tent and RV sites near Epping, North Dakota.
What to do
Fishing at Lake Sakakawea: Lewis & Clark State Park provides excellent fishing opportunities with multiple species. "Great fishing for pike, walleye and sunfish. We haven't camped here yet, but I would love too. We go out fishing for day trips," notes a reviewer at Blacktail Dam.
Boating and water activities: Launch your boat at one of the area's public ramps. "We always drop in our boat here. There are 2 good size lanes so a horrible backup person like myself has no problem!" says a camper about Lewis & Clark State Park.
Hiking and nature walks: Several campgrounds offer access to walking trails for day hikes. "There are plenty of trails and the dogs love swimming in the lake," writes a visitor about Lewis & Clark State Park.
Beach activities: Some campsites provide beach access for swimming during summer months. "It's not a big beach area so busy days it can be a little crowded. It is nice and sandy and great for the kiddos, though," mentions a reviewer at Blacktail Dam.
What campers like
Well-maintained facilities: Clean bathrooms and regularly serviced facilities make camping more comfortable. "The bathrooms are thoroughly cleaned every night and the park staff are very friendly and helpful," writes a visitor about Lewis & Clark State Park.
Attentive park rangers: Regular safety patrols provide peace of mind at certain campgrounds. "As soon as we got settled in the Park rangers checked on us. They did patrols all the time around and were super friendly! We had one storm while we were there and they gave us the emergency plan as fast as they could," shares a camper at Lewis & Clark State Park.
Lakefront campsites: Many RV sites and campgrounds offer direct water access. "All camp spots are right on the water, though most of them have cat tails and thick vegetation making it difficult to get to the water," notes a visitor to Blacktail Dam.
Spacious sites: Some campgrounds offer well-spaced sites for more privacy. "We also had plenty of space in our campsites and the area is super clean," mentions a reviewer at Lewis & Clark State Park.
What you should know
Seasonal limitations: Many facilities close during colder months. "Everything was closed I'm here in April so I would have been the only camper had I stayed. But the bathrooms aren't open and the water is not on yet," shares a visitor to Blacktail Dam.
Weekend crowding: Smaller campgrounds fill quickly during peak season. "Around the 4th of July can get super busy," warns a camper at Blacktail Dam. Another notes: "It's a smaller lake with housing all around it."
Limited shower facilities: Not all campgrounds provide shower access. A review of White Buffalo RV Park (now RD RV Park) states it "is not really setup for overnight campers. There are no showers, toilet or water. This facility is for long term guests that are fully self contained."
Reservation requirements: During busy periods, advance booking is essential. At 4 Bears RV Park, a visitor notes, "We couldn't find the check in place and no one knew where to check in," highlighting the importance of confirming check-in procedures beforehand.
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds for children: Some campgrounds offer dedicated play areas. "They have a nice playground for the kids, some picnic shelters, bathrooms and garbage cans," mentions a visitor to Blacktail Dam.
Educational programs: Look for ranger-led activities during summer months. "There is a theater area with educational presentations for the kids. Also, there is an ice cream truck that comes through the campground at night," shares a camper at Lewis & Clark State Park.
Swimming beaches: Designated swimming areas provide safer water access for children. At Blacktail Dam, a reviewer notes the swimming beach is "about 1.5 miles from where we had camped which was pretty central to the grounds."
Pet-friendly options: Several campgrounds welcome dogs, making family trips easier. "My wife and I come here a couple of times every summer. It's a great place to brings the dogs," writes a camper about Lewis & Clark State Park.
Tips from RVers
Electric hookup sharing: At some campgrounds, neighboring sites share utilities. "Each site has electric that you share with your neighbor," notes a camper at Blacktail Dam about RV sites near Epping, North Dakota.
Dump station access: Confirm sanitary dump availability before arrival. A reviewer at Fox Run RV Park appreciated the on-site dump station, making longer stays more manageable.
Site layout challenges: Some RV parks have tight spacing. A visitor to 4 Bears RV Park warns, "They were so close together. The sewer connection didn't work. We had to back up so close to the next row, it was nerve racking."
Self-contained requirements: Not all parks provide full amenities. At White Buffalo RV Park, a camper reported, "I put a $30 check in a drop box, plugged into the electric and slept there," highlighting the need for self-sufficiency at some facilities.
