Best Tent Camping near Garrison, ND

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."

Best Tent Sites Near Garrison, North Dakota (9)

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Tent Camping Reviews near Garrison, ND

97 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.

  • Brandi M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 15, 2019

    Cross Ranch State Park Campground

    Beautiful N.D campground

    First 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!


Guide to Garrison

Tent camping near Garrison, North Dakota offers several basic tent-only sites in proximity to Lake Sakakawea, one of the largest man-made reservoirs in the United States. The area experiences continental climate with summer temperatures typically ranging from 75-85°F during peak camping season. Local campgrounds generally operate from May through September due to the region's harsh winters, with most facilities providing minimal amenities that require campers to be relatively self-sufficient.

What to do

Water recreation at Lake Sakakawea: During summer months, the massive reservoir provides excellent opportunities for swimming, fishing, and boating. Lake Shore Park offers primitive tent camping with direct lake access for fishing northern pike and walleye.

Wildlife observation: The area around Garrison is home to white-tailed deer, waterfowl, and various songbirds. Sanger Campground at Cross Ranch State Park provides access to nature trails where campers can spot local wildlife in their natural habitat.

Winter camping for experienced outdoorspeople: While most campgrounds close seasonally, some locations permit winter camping for those properly equipped. Extreme temperature preparation is essential as winter temperatures can drop below -20°F.

What campers like

Affordable camping options: Several campgrounds in the region provide budget-friendly tent camping. "The lake is small just northern pike. There is few campsites that are free. No water or electric hookups," notes one camper about Rice Lake County Park.

Limited crowds even in peak season: Unlike more populated camping destinations, tent camping near Garrison rarely requires advance reservations except during holiday weekends. Pouch Point operated by Three Affiliated Tribes tends to maintain a quiet atmosphere even during summer months.

Stargazing opportunities: The rural setting and minimal light pollution create excellent night sky viewing conditions. Campers report particularly clear constellation visibility from late August through early October when humidity levels drop.

What you should know

Limited drinking water access: Most tent camping locations near Garrison lack potable water. Brekken near Turtle Lake is one of few sites providing drinking water, making it necessary to carry sufficient water supplies at other locations.

Fire restrictions vary by site: Several campgrounds including Steinke Bay and Douglas Creek Bay prohibit open fires. Portable camp stoves are required for cooking at these locations. Always check current fire regulations before arrival.

Mosquito preparation crucial: During June and July, mosquitoes can be particularly abundant near water. Insect repellent with at least 25% DEET is recommended for summer camping, with evening hours requiring additional protection.

Tips for camping with families

Best family-friendly options: Morning Star Campground in Riverdale permits pets and provides electric hookups and picnic tables, making it more suitable for families with younger children needing basic amenities.

Swimming safety considerations: Lake Sakakawea lacks lifeguards at most swimming areas. Children should wear Coast Guard-approved life jackets when near the water, and adults should maintain constant supervision.

Weather preparedness: North Dakota weather can change rapidly, with afternoon thunderstorms common in summer months. Pack extra clothing layers and rainproof gear even for short overnight stays.

Tips from RVers

Limited options for combination camping: For groups with both tent campers and RVs, options are restricted. Sanger Campground at Cross Ranch State Park accommodates both tent and RV camping with electric hookups and toilets available.

Accessibility considerations: Most tent camping sites near Garrison have uneven terrain and limited accessibility features. Call ahead to verify specific site conditions if mobility concerns exist.

Seasonal rates and availability: Camping costs typically range from free at primitive sites to $20-25 per night at more developed locations. Most campgrounds operate from May 1 through September 30, though specific opening and closing dates vary based on weather conditions.

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.