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Best Tent Camping near Garrison, ND

96 Reviews

Tent campers visiting Garrison, North Dakota have access to several established campgrounds in the surrounding area. Steinke Bay and Douglas Creek Bay offer tent-only sites near Lake Sakakawea, while Morning Star Campground in nearby Riverdale provides electric hookups suitable for tent campers. Rice Lake County Park, located approximately 45 miles north near Minot, features boat-in tent camping with basic amenities.

Most tent camping areas near Garrison feature minimal amenities, with facilities varying widely between locations. Rice Lake County Park provides vault toilets and allows campfires, but lacks drinking water and electric hookups. Morning Star Campground offers electric hookups and picnic tables for a more developed experience, operating seasonally from May 1 to September 30. Several sites including Steinke Bay and Douglas Creek do not permit fires, making camp stoves necessary for cooking. Campers should bring sufficient water supplies as drinking water is only available at Brekken recreation area near Turtle Lake.

The camping experience around Garrison benefits from North Dakota's relatively uncrowded outdoor spaces. Sites near Lake Sakakawea provide water access for fishing and swimming during summer months. Morning Star Campground allows pets, making it suitable for those traveling with dogs. Tent campers seeking more solitude might prefer the less developed sites at Steinke Bay or Douglas Creek. A review on The Dyrt described Rice Lake County Park as "peaceful" with "few campsites that are free," noting that while the lake is small with only northern pike fishing, it makes "a weekend getaway close to Minot."

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Best Tent Sites Near Garrison, North Dakota (9)

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Tent Camping Reviews near Garrison, ND

96 Reviews of 9 Garrison Campgrounds

  • Daniel S.
    Oct. 14, 2017

    Butte City Park

    Wow was it cold...and snowy

    So we decided to do some camping in North Dakota the last week of november into decmeber. It was cold and we got caught in a snow storm. We survived it was ridiculous and hard core if i do say so myself. We did have a fishing tent with a wood stove..Because it was winter there were no amenities. But in the summer it would be a pretty sweet campground. But in the winter there was no one here and we got set up for the cold. I love camping in the winter but this was pushing our luck a little bit

    Cheers!

  • Cullen C.
    Jul. 2, 2024

    Primitive Campground

    Great place for a weekend getaway

    Stayed one night in one of the numerous walk-in primitive sites. I reserved the site online, and received great help and flexibility from the park rangers when I needed to change the reservation date due to poor weather. There are multiple drive-in tent sites along the road to the walk-in sites. There were a few people camped in the drive in sites, but we had the walk-in section all to ourselves. The camp hosts provided wagons in the parking area for easy transport of camping supplies. I highly recommend staying in a site along the river for a great water view right from your site. The tall cottonwood trees provide great seclusion, and we didn’t hear anyone all night. There is a pit toilet next to the parking area, but we opted to drive to the ranger station/help desk for running sinks and toilets. Each site has a fire ring and picnic table. Highly recommend staying here!

  • B
    May. 4, 2021

    Roughrider RV Resort

    I love this campground, it was like a breath of fresh air after getting lost in

    I love this campground, it was like a breath of fresh air after getting lost in northeast north dakota and not seeing a soul for hours and sleeping on the side of the highway, driving up to Roughrider was like seeing an oasis in the desert. It is the nicest campsite we have been to in a while, $15/ night for primitive tent camping and pets allowed on leashes. The showers got hot INSTANTLY. We were welcomed so warmly after freezing in the car all night. 1000/10.

  • Tim
    Sep. 7, 2020

    COE Lake Sakakawea Downstream Campground

    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!

  • Kyle O.
    May. 22, 2019

    COE Lake Sakakawea Downstream Campground

    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.

  • D
    Aug. 3, 2022

    Wolf Creek Campground

    Right on the lake great views

    Came here driving back to Arizona from Wisconsin. This campground has some of the best views of the lake. Some tree cover and the price is right it's a small camping area but we'll looked after. Most all the sites are level with well mowed grass to park on. Most of the sites at picnic tables.

  • Z
    Sep. 28, 2018

    Cross Ranch State Park Campground

    Cross Ranch Tipi

    Great 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".

  • GoWhereYouAreDraw N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 30, 2021

    Beulah Bay Rec Area

    Well kept campgrounds

    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.

  • Teresa T.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 1, 2025

    Ball Park RV Park

    Very nice city park

    This is the campground for travelers coming through town. It is very nice and at the city park. It is close to the road so I'm assuming you get road noise and I'm also assuming that during the summer of the park can be heavily used. But the flat spots are close and in the shade and have 30 amp service.

Guide to Garrison

Tent camping near Garrison, North Dakota, offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the region. With several campgrounds available, you can enjoy a peaceful getaway surrounded by stunning landscapes.

Tent campers appreciate these amenities

  • At Lake Shore Park, campers can enjoy a serene environment, although it lacks electric hookups and showers.
  • Douglas Creek Bay provides a rustic experience with no amenities like firewood or picnic tables, perfect for those looking to disconnect.
  • For a more equipped stay, Sanger Campground — Cross Ranch State Park offers electric hookups and reservable sites, making it a convenient choice for tent campers.

Some prices for tent camping range from $0 to $20

  • Camping at Rice Lake County Park is free, making it an excellent option for budget-conscious campers.
  • Lake Holmes offers a no-cost camping experience, ideal for those wanting to enjoy nature without spending much.
  • For a small fee, you can camp at Brekken, which features drinking water and a peaceful setting.

Explore local attractions while camping

  • While staying at Pouch Point - Three Affiliated Tribes, you can explore the beautiful Sakakawea Lake area, perfect for fishing and boating.
  • Steinke Bay is located near Garrison, offering access to scenic views and outdoor activities like hiking and wildlife watching.
  • The nearby Cross Ranch State Park, where Sanger Campground is situated, features trails for hiking and biking, making it a great spot for outdoor enthusiasts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Garrison, ND?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Garrison, ND is Steinke Bay with a 0-star rating from 0 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Garrison, ND?

TheDyrt.com has all 9 tent camping locations near Garrison, ND, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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