Glamping near Garrison, North Dakota offers access to Lake Sakakawea, with 1,300 miles of shoreline and abundant outdoor recreational opportunities. The area's distinct seasons provide varying camping experiences, with summer temperatures typically ranging from 60-85°F and winters dropping well below freezing. Camping options include everything from rustic tent sites to furnished yurts and cabins.
What to do
Water activities on Lake Sakakawea: Multiple recreation areas provide boat launches and water access points. At Fort Stevenson State Park Campground, "There is a nice marina if you bring a boat" and campers can enjoy "boating, fishing, and also has a sand beach spot for a day of play in the water," according to Ashley B.
Mountain biking and hiking trails: Explore miles of trails winding through native prairie and along riverbanks. One visitor at Fort Stevenson noted it has "excellent mountain biking and hiking trails" and is "a very well kept campground with clean bathrooms and showers."
Disc golf: Old Settlers Park offers a disc golf course among its amenities. The park provides "a little pavilion, a playground, 'beach', a couple cute bridges, a big grassy field for stargazing or throwing the ball around, a disc golf course, and of course you're right on the river which is cool," according to Stefanie Z.
Wildlife viewing: The region supports diverse bird and animal populations. A camper at Cross Ranch State Park Campground described "Beautiful, well-groomed, shaded hiking paths everywhere" that are ideal for wildlife observation.
What campers like
Private, secluded sites: Cross Ranch offers walk-in tent sites with superior privacy. Cullen C. reports that "The tall cottonwood trees provide great seclusion, and we didn't hear anyone all night." The park provides wagons in the parking area for easy transport of camping supplies.
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain well-kept bathroom and shower facilities. At Old Settlers Park, campers appreciate "the bathrooms are replenished and cleaned daily and fully stocked with CHARMIN ULTRA toilet paper which is an absolute luxury at a simple campground," and "the showers are also pretty nice and the facility is heated."
Lake and river views: Waterfront sites are highly sought after. Teresa T. notes that at Governors Centennial Loop Campground, "There are some cool tent sites though with a terrific view" of the river.
Spacious campsites: Many campgrounds offer ample space between sites. At Fort Stevenson State Park, "The campsites are spacious" and there are "spots for group camping that you can have 2-3 RVs on or private single camp spots."
What you should know
Reservation recommendations: Summer weekends fill quickly at popular locations. At Cross Ranch State Park, a camper mentioned they received "great help and flexibility from the park rangers when I needed to change the reservation date due to poor weather."
Bathroom accessibility varies: Some campgrounds have limited facilities. At Old Settlers Park, there are "nice electric and water hookups (no sanitation services)" and a visitor noted it's "a long walk from the camping sites" to the bathroom.
Weather preparedness: North Dakota weather can change rapidly. When staying in the tipi at Cross Ranch, one camper advised to "be sure to have clothing/sleeping bags appropriate for the nighttime temperatures" as "the size and shape of it don't allow any warmth to be retained."
Environmental concerns: Some sites have terrain or insect issues. At East Totten Trail Campground, a visitor experienced a "Very Hilly" site with "goose droppings everywhere" and decided not to return with their camper.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds have play areas for children. At Beulah Bay Rec Area, there are "Lots of family activities like horseshoes, basketball court, frisbee golf, and volleyball. Kayak rentals are available as well!"
Swimming spots: Look for beaches with gradual entry points. Beulah Bay has water access, though one camper advises to "Bring water shoes if you plan on swimming in the lake as it is rocky."
Educational opportunities: Learn about local history at historic sites. Josh D. recommends that while staying at Fort Stevenson, "If you have a chance head into garrison and do some shopping on their main street. They have some great shops there."
Family-friendly trails: Choose shorter hiking routes with points of interest. At Cross Ranch State Park, there are "multiple drive-in tent sites along the road to the walk-in sites" making it easier for families with young children to find suitable accommodations.
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: Not all sites accommodate larger rigs. At Old Settlers Park, a camper with a 37-foot fifth wheel reported "No problem getting our 37 ft 5er in the park" but advises "Oh do not turn in the first park gate! Go on passed it to the faded sign and turn left to the park."
Hookup availability: Electric, water, and dump station access varies. Old Settlers provides "30/50 service" with a "Water spigot just past the white building."
Noise factors: Train tracks and roads can impact some camping areas. A camper at Old Settlers Park noted there are "heavily trafficked train tracks a couple hundred yards away from the campground so if you are a light sleeper or are bothered by trains this might not be the place for you."
Shade options: Tree cover provides relief during hot summer months. At Governors Centennial Loop Campground, "The sites are really not very private but at least they are under the trees out of the sun and wind."
