Best Campgrounds near Garrison, ND
Lake Sakakawea dominates the camping landscape around Garrison, North Dakota, with multiple campgrounds situated along its shores. Fort Stevenson State Park Campground and Lake Sakakawea State Park Campground offer full-service options with tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin rentals. East Totten Trail Campground provides electric hookups and water access, while Wolf Creek Campground offers more primitive camping with direct lake access. Several recreation areas including Hazen Bay, Beulah Bay, and Sportsman's Centennial Park provide additional camping opportunities within 30 miles of Garrison.
Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally, typically from May through September, though some remain open year-round with reduced services. "We arrived to a most perfect little spot and view of the water," noted one Wolf Creek Campground visitor, highlighting the picturesque waterfront settings available. Winter camping is limited, and many facilities including showers, flush toilets, and water hookups are unavailable outside peak season. Several reviews mention strong winds as a factor to consider when camping near the lake. Park websites and reservation systems should be consulted for current conditions, as water levels fluctuate and affect beach access and boat launches.
Campers consistently praise the spaciousness of sites throughout the area, particularly at Lake Sakakawea State Park. A visitor remarked, "Primitive campsites are very spacious and most having sections of shade during the entire day." Water activities form the centerpiece of the camping experience, with fishing, boating, swimming beaches, and kayaking opportunities available at most lakeside campgrounds. Many sites offer direct views of Lake Sakakawea, with Elbow Woods loop at Lake Sakakawea State Park receiving specific mention for its panoramic vistas. The region features a mix of modern campgrounds with full amenities and more rustic options with vault toilets. Wildlife viewing, hiking trails, and nearby attractions like Fort Stevenson and the Garrison Dam National Fish Hatchery provide additional recreational opportunities for campers exploring this section of North Dakota.
