Cabin camping near Garrison is a great way to escape into nature, yet still have all the comforts of home. The Dyrt can help you find the best cabin camping destinations for your next trip. Each cabin offers quick access to one or more of Garrison's most popular destinations.
This recreation area is part of Sakakawea Lake
This recreation area is part of Sakakawea Lake
If you’ve ever wondered what North Dakota may have been like at the time of the famed Lewis and Clark Expedition, look no further than this 590-acre park, just an hour’s drive north of Bismark. Cross Ranch State Park is a natural area featuring rolling prairies, cottonwood glens, and marshy river bottoms, situated along some of the last free-flowing, undeveloped shoreline of the Missouri River. Visitors to Cross Ranch have plenty of opportunities to lounge under shady trees and picnic along the river, wander some of the many paths and nature trails, both in the park and the adjacent Cross Ranch Nature Preserve, or take to the river for swimming, fishing, and paddling.
Cross Ranch State Park offers 65 tent and RV sites in two camp areas. RV sites are either back-in or pull-through, provide electrical hookups, and can accommodate large vehicles/trailers; tent sites are either drive-in or walk-in. The park also offers several group sites, yurts and fully-equipped cabins, as well as a Cheyenne-style tipi. Campground facilities include flush and vault toilets, showers, picnic shelters, playgrounds, and an amphitheater. A dump station is located in the upper camp area, and a boat launch in the lower camp area. Wifi service is available. Dogs are welcome in the park, but must remain leashed. Campsite rates are $17–$25/night; tipi, yurts and cabins are $35–$125/night.
Visitors to Cross Ranch are invited to explore the area by land and water. More than 16 miles of hiking and biking trails, both in the park and the adjacent preserve, are available for exploring the area’s woods, prairies, and riverbanks, as well as observing the local birds and wildlife. You can pick up a trail map at the park’s visitor center and head out on self-guided nature walks ranging from 2 to 5.5 miles. Some trails are also open for winter snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. For a different perspective, go for a float on the Missouri River. Rent a canoe or kayak (or bring your own) and paddle around the park area, or take a shuttle (fee required) to the town of Washburn, then float 9 miles down the river, back to the park.
This recreation area is part of Sakakawea Lake
This recreation area is part of Sakakawea Lake
This recreation area is part of Sakakawea Lake
The park offers an array of camping from primitive sites to full cabins.
Cross Ranch State Park is located along some of the last free-flowing and undeveloped stretches of the Missouri River. While exploring Cross Ranch State Park, visitors may find themselves traveling back in time, catching a glimpse of the landscape as it appeared to Native Americans inhabiting the area hundreds of years ago, or hearing the echoes of the Lewis and Clark Expedition making its way to the Pacific coast along the Missouri River.
Cross Ranch has nearly 17 miles of trails that cater to the adventurer all year long. This extensive trail system can be explored either on foot or cross-country skis during the winter months. The trail system allows access to a 5,000-acre nature preserve with mixed prairie grass, river bottom forests, woody draws, and roaming bison.
Cabins and yurts are all available for overnight lodging along with two different campgrounds. A boat ramp is available for those wishing to explore this scenic segment of the river. Anglers will find walleye, trout, catfish, salmon, pike and bass in its waters.
$17 - $125 / night
Ranger
We spent two nights here as one of the days the wind was blowing 50 miles an hour with gusts to 70. Pretty impressive site to see across the lake. We stayed in the Sanish campground and liked it because it seemed to be enclosed by more trees to help block the wind. Spaces were nicely spread apart. We arrived in 1 October and they had shut off the water so the bathrooms and showers were not functioning. Space was pretty level. Great hike along the shoreline Trail, and also apparently north country Trail, and here that goes all the way across to Vermont. 
RangerThis is our first visit here, North Dakota does a great job with their state parks campgrounds. Our 3rd SP visited on this trip ( Lake Metigoshe & Sully Creek were the others).
Huge, well spaced campsites. Pretty much in immaculate condition. The park was busy, hardly any vacant spots but still very quiet. Plenty of folks had their boats, & plenty of room to park them. Very scenic area.
We've been to plenty of state parks across the USA. Looks like North Dakota might have the best ones.
Traveler
Great little State park, any kind of camping you could want
ScoutThis park is our favorite go-to campground. All sites have electrical and the two dump stations are easy to pull into and use. There are many hiking trails here and they are kept mowed and in great condition.
TravelerThis place has it all! Beautiful, well-groomed, shaded hiking paths everywhere. Playgrounds. Big fields. Clean water access to the river for swimming, dogs, fishing. Good sized sights, well sheltered by trees. Outhouses near all sights. Well kept showers. Helpful park services. Our fave place so far!
ScoutWe are a family of 4, 2 kids ages 11 and 13. We had a blast! We rented a canoe and 2 kayaks and were transported to Washburn and floated/paddled our way to Sanger boat launch. (Approx 9 miles) It took us about 3 hours and it was so beautiful! The park ranger picked us up at Sanger boat launch and brought everything back to the park entrance. Bathrooms we're clean and showers were located in the main office. Will definitely come back!!
GuideA large lake dropped into the canyon formations of the northern grasslands area of the country. Here the farm lands transition into more pocketed hills and canyons and here you’ll find this beautiful, clean and kept campsite off the main highways. Quiet and wind swept, cool and tranquil; it’s a nice Chang rod pace from the scenes of the highways.
TravelerI really enjoyed my stay at this campground. I had a large tent and brought my dog. I chose to stay with electricity and water since I had my pup. I had a very clear view of the water and the place was very clean. The sites were spaced out well enough where my neighbors weren't too close to me and I hardly heard any of them throughout the day or night. I stay for 4 days and had a wonderful experience. Highly recommend.
Legend
This campground is nice for larger groups and has a lot of long-term campers. The campground does have cabins and they are well kept and clean. Lots of family activities like horseshoes, basketball court, frisbee golf, and volleyball. Kayak rentals are available as well!
Bring water shoes if you plan on swimming in the lake as it is rocky. All campsites include one picnic table and one fire pit.
LegendCross Ranch State Park, ND
This campground was CROWDED. Every spot was full. That being said it was not loud, just a low mumble :) of fellow campers. The spots, well they were close but situated in a way that you weren’t sitting staring at your neighbor. There were trees and foliage between the rows so it was comfortable. The showers were in the front office so like a half mile walk from my site. They were clean and well maintained. The trails were close by though. A scenic walk along the River where Lewis and Clark traveled. Cool stuff. Up the road was a extremely interesting, National Historic Site we visited. I didn’t but I imagine fishing was good and of course water travel. The staff was friendly and Informative. Good campground to visit.
Traveler
This site is BEAUTIFUL! Surround all the way around by Lake Sakakawea it makes a great spot for boating, fishing, and also has a sand beach spot for a day of play in the water. They have spots for group camping that you can have 2-3 rv’s on or private single camp spots. There is a fun llaygyfor the kids and and amazing hiking trail around the entire state park. While your there check out Fort Stevenson and read the history of the area. We will definitely be visiting this spot again and again.
TravelerHazen Bay has easy access to the water. Full hook ups which is nice!
TravelerAmazing site. Clean, friendly staff, private, walking paths are amazing and beautiful
TravelerWhen I go camping I love having trees and the water near and this spot has both! Has a walking path mowed down for walk and also has play grounds for the kids and restrooms and water spikets through out. The only down fall is that it's a national park so on top of the camping you have to pay for your vehicle just to enter... other then that very beautiful! Some spots are harder to back into as well.
RangerLots of to do! Boating, fishing, kayaking, paddle boarding. Cabins, primitive campsites with great views and Full hook up RV sites. Fishing cleaning station, playground, basketball, volleyball, frisbee golf, horse shoes, on site store for ice, food and wood(WiFi at the store) Bathrooms and showers. Great campground!
RangerFirst visit here, nice campground and layout. Park staff was very nice and friendly. Beautiful views of Missouri River. We stayed in the TeePee this visit but plan on coming back for tent camping. Only complaints were the long haul from the parking area, the vaulted toilets smelt very bad but could of been from the heat! (Vaulted toilet, no sink) And the bugs!!! Tons of flying ants and ticks everywhere, but we managed!
TravelerGreat campground. If you have a chance head into garrison and do some shopping on their main street. They have some great shops there. The park is wonderful and the sites are roomy.
TravelerThis is a great campground that is well maintained. Elbow woods, sanish, and van hook loops all have 30/50 amp and water for campers, there is also a primitive loop. Elbow woods is more spaced out and has great views of the lake. Group spots here are fun but you need to book the day they come available to reserve or you will miss out!
TravelerWe camped here once, everything was booked online. Once arrived we used the map from the website to navigate the campground and find our spot. Never did see a camp host to check in with, nor did one check in with us the 3 days we were there. Camping was pretty basic, there are RV spots with electric hook ups but not a ton of trees shade your campsite....that is unless you have been there and know which campsites do have some trees and shade! Once we spent some time here we discovered that most are camping here to fish, there is a really good landing and a bait shop on the campground so it is very accommodating for that, and the fishing is excellent on sakakawea. If you are looking for a campground that has extras like playgrounds and other activities for kids this may not be your spot. But if you just need a spot to hook up your camper and you plan on fishing most of the time this campground is excellent!
TravelerGreat camping facilites. Tent and camper sites. Yurts available and cabins available. Great hiking area, playground, ranger presentations.
TravelerGreat experience camping in an authentic Tipi. The Tipi has a wood floor and cots, with plenty of room. It kept us and our things dry during a rainstorm. Only downside is the size and shape of it don't allow any warmth to be retained, so be sure to have clothing/sleeping bags appropriate for the nighttime temperatures. There is a short, flat walk from the parking area to the Tipi site. Great views of the Missouri River, straight out from the Tipi "door".
RangerWhile there were very few tent sites available, we had our choice of sites as we were the only tent campers. Bathrooms were great, the trails around the lake were great and the food at the marina was OK. This park is surrounded by beautiful lakes and fields of wheat. Shower was great.
ScoutEvery year I head up to ND and make sure a camping trip to Lake Sakakawea is on the agenda. I always stay in the primitive no hook up section. It is nicely mowed (if you stay more than 3 days in a row there is a good chance they will mow around your site) and they also spray for bugs. Each site has a picnic table as well as a fire pit. There is good off-shore fishing as well as a swim beach with a bathroom. Nearby is a marina and store.
TravelerNeeds a few updates ! But overall not bad !
TravelerThis is my favorite campground in North Dakota ! Always clean and neat. The waters are beautiful. National fish hatchery nearby, along with the Garrison dam. Breath taking views from the Elbowwoods loop!
TravelerThe sites are well spaced, some with beautiful views of the lake. Great breezes from the water. There is a marina with a fish cleaning station and a store. Loved this campground!!
ScoutGroup sites are not real level but manageable. Lake was high so there was no beach. What was left of the water front was taken up by inconsiderate fisherman who couldn’t pull the trailers out of the way.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular cabin campsite near Garrison, ND?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular cabin campground near Garrison, ND is Lake Sakakawea State Park Campground with a 4.8-star rating from 11 reviews.
What is the best site to find cabin camping near Garrison, ND?
TheDyrt.com has all 7 cabin camping locations near Garrison, ND, with real photos and reviews from campers.
