56 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Camping options around Hazen, North Dakota center on Lake Sakakawea, with several developed campgrounds offering access to this massive reservoir. The area includes established facilities like Hazen Bay Recreation Area and Beulah Bay Recreation Area, both providing tent and RV camping with cabin options. Lake Sakakawea State Park Campground and Fort Stevenson State Park Campground offer year-round access with similar accommodation types. John Moses Memorial Park in Hazen provides basic tent and RV sites closer to town. Most campgrounds in this region feature picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets, with varying levels of hookups for RVs.
The camping season in this region typically runs from May through September, with some parks remaining open year-round. Many campgrounds require reservations, particularly during summer months when boating and fishing activities peak. "Hazen Bay has easy access to the water. Full hook ups which is nice!" noted one visitor about the amenities at Hazen Bay Recreation Area. Winter camping is available at select locations like Lake Sakakawea State Park, though services may be limited. Road access to most developed campgrounds is suitable for standard vehicles, with several sites accommodating large RVs. Visitors should be prepared for North Dakota's variable weather conditions, including strong winds along the lake and occasional severe summer storms.
Waterfront access represents a significant draw for campers in the Hazen area, with many sites offering views of Lake Sakakawea. Fishing opportunities abound, with boat ramps available at several campgrounds including Wolf Creek Campground. Campers report high satisfaction with the spaciousness of sites, particularly at state parks. A review mentioned that "North Dakota does a great job with their state parks campgrounds. Huge, well spaced campsites." The area around Hazen provides a mix of developed facilities and more primitive options, with varying levels of privacy depending on tree cover. While some campgrounds feature modern amenities including showers and electric hookups, others offer a more basic camping experience with vault toilets and no hookups, appealing to those seeking a more rustic outdoor experience.
"This 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)."
"This is my favorite campground in North Dakota ! Always clean and neat. The waters are beautiful. National fish hatchery nearby, along with the Garrison dam."
from $15 - $70 / night
Check Availability"It is also close to The Knife River sites. I made the mistake of thinking I could get to one of the trails from here and you can't you'd have to actually go all the way back out and back in again."
"We visited the Knife River Historic Site and had planned to drive the 25 miles north to the COE campground. We stopped here on a whim to check it out. It is in a very nice setting."
"Lovely easy walk down a path to the river with sandy banks. Clean, well kept sites w picnic tables and fire rings."
"General: Approximately 100-site US Army Corps of Engineers campground in three loops; there are paths connecting each loop. All sites have paved camper pads and electric hookups. "
from $16 - $30 / night
Check Availability"I did not camp here but did walk around. I believe you do need a permit to camp here"
"All around this area are beautiful vistas. The Bay is very popular here and hosts many events including fishing events."
"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."
"Hazen Bay has easy access to the water. Full hook ups which is nice!"
"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."
"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."
"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."
from $15 - $135 / night
Check Availability"Great campground located right on Lake Sakakawea. Nearly every site has easy access to the water. Two boat ramps located at the campground and great shore access for fishing."
"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."
from $14 / night
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GuideWe stayed right by the lake in an open field. There are several spots all around the lake that you can disperse camp in. No dump site but there is potable water at the boat ramp. Dumpsters all over to dispose of trash. We loved our stay here.
TravelerReminds me of all the other sites federal campgrounds on the Missouri River - mowed lawn, clean vault toilets, but this one is more remote than most and the views of the Lake Sakakawea are great. Good for a night or two and great for family gatherings. There was one other camper - mid-week.
GuideVery nice campground, spaced out areas with picnic tables, benches, drinking water ground spigots, and fire rings. Toilet was clean and handicap accessible w/ cement path (if you park in that space). $10/night. Good trees for shade but still open sky for solar and starlink. Cows will moo and there’s a far off train sometimes but otherwise very quiet. Flies can be annoying, not biting yet. Very good place to stay.
GuideThis is a nice little campground with 3 or 4 camp sites and a large parking lot where bigger rigs can set up. There are other fairly level spots also available but there are no fire rings or picnic tables like the regular sites have. The regular sites are fairly small but some are pull thru so there is room for decent sized rigs. Those camp sites are shaded by trees. There are trash barrels near the camp sites and there is one vault toilet. There is a nice boat ramp with a large level parking lot for boat trailers or campers. The lake has decent walleye, northern pike, perch and bullhead fishing but it is shallow and gets pretty weedy near shore during the summer. There are some short easy hiking trails around the lake but check for ticks when you get back to your camp site. Morton County Park Board maintains the campground and keeps things mowed pretty nice however the toilet was in need of cleaning which is why I only gave it 4 stars. The county campgrounds are no fee except for 2 very popular spots nearer to Mandan and camp sites are first come first served with no time limit that I'm aware of. The 2 times I have camped there it was very quiet but it does often fill up on summer weekends because it is so small. The campground is on a good gravel road about 4 miles north of interstate 94 exit 120 and about 10 miles from the town of New Salem which has 2 truck stops that have food and some of the cheapest fuel prices between Mandan and Dickinson.
GuideThere are nice shady spots and nice spots for group camping. However, there is no water or showers. Right on the river though!
GuideVery beautiful lake and grounds. There are pit toilets, fir rings and tables. Right next to the restroom.
GuideNicely kept, fire ring and grill, picnic table under a shade tree, trash can at campsite and in vault toilets, easy pull through. If it had water and even a central dump, I’d give it a 5
TravelerQuiet little place there are restrooms there's lots of spread out camping around the lake. No electricity no water. Boat docks. And out houses.
GuideNice picnic table, fire ring, and grill. Pit toilets that look nice from afar. I didn't use them. Beautiful sunset with lots of birds and cow bellering in the distance.
Lake Sakakawea dominates the camping landscape near Hazen, North Dakota, with the reservoir stretching over 178 miles and offering more than 1,500 miles of shoreline. Campgrounds in this region typically sit at elevations between 1,800-1,900 feet, with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during peak camping season. Winter camping remains available at select locations, though services become limited when temperatures drop below freezing.
Fishing access points: Wolf Creek Campground provides direct lake access with two boat ramps and excellent shore fishing opportunities. "Nearly every site has easy access to the water. Two boat ramps located at the campground and great shore access for fishing," notes one visitor.
Paddling and water sports: Many campers bring kayaks and paddleboards to enjoy the protected bays. At Lake Sakakawea State Park Campground, "Beach is amazing with little bay area that is calm even on windy days for the kayaker or paddleboarder. Boat dock with ample parking," according to a reviewer.
Hiking trails: Several campgrounds feature walking paths with interpretive elements. "Great hike along the shoreline Trail, and also apparently north country Trail, and here that goes all the way across to Vermont," mentions a Lake Sakakawea State Park visitor who stayed during October.
Swimming beaches: Rocky beaches are common, so water shoes are recommended. "Bring water shoes if you plan on swimming in the lake as it is rocky," advises a camper at Beulah Bay Rec Area.
Spacious campsites: Fort Stevenson State Park Campground receives high marks for site layout. "The campsites are spacious. There are few great hikes that are kid friendly. There is a swimming beach (quite rocky, but large)," writes one camper. Another added, "North Dakota does a great job with their state parks campgrounds."
Waterfront views: Many sites offer direct views of Lake Sakakawea. "We 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," mentions a camper who stayed at Lake Sakakawea State Park with their dog.
Clean facilities: COE Lake Sakakawea Downstream Campground maintains high standards. "Hot clean showers, space between sites, hike trails, great power...shade," notes one reviewer. However, another mentioned: "Loop Three has vault toilets and I have seen cleaner ones."
Wind protection: The location below Garrison Dam provides shelter from North Dakota's famous winds. "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!"
Early season limitations: Water and bathroom facilities often remain shut off until mid-May. "Only downside is the park is open early but no water, flush toilets or showers until May 15! There a few vault toilets so pick your site accordingly," warns a Lake Sakakawea State Park visitor.
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds require advance booking, especially during summer. For Beulah Bay Rec Area, a reviewer noted, "This campground is nice for larger groups and has a lot of long-term campers."
Insects can be problematic: Several campgrounds report issues with bugs, particularly when wind is calm. "We stayed in the Sanish campground and liked it because it seemed to be enclosed by more trees to help block the wind," one camper mentioned about choosing a wind-protected site.
Weather extremes: Be prepared for sudden weather changes. "One of the days the wind was blowing 50 miles an hour with gusts to 70. Pretty impressive site to see across the lake," reported a camper who visited in October.
Playground access: Riverside Park - Beulah offers family-friendly amenities. "Disc golf, playground and a ball field are here," notes a recent visitor. Sites near playgrounds fill quickly during summer weekends.
Recreational variety: Some campgrounds offer multiple activities in one location. "Lots of to do! Boating, fishing, kayaking, paddle boarding. Cabins, primitive campsites with great views and Full hook up RV sites," writes a Beulah Bay visitor, adding "playground, basketball, volleyball, frisbee golf, horse shoes."
Educational opportunities: Fort Stevenson State Park offers historical learning experiences. "While your there check out Fort Stevenson and read the history of the area," suggests a visitor who found it enriching for children.
Beach conditions: Not all beaches are kid-friendly. "There is a swimming beach (quite rocky, but large) and there is usually another beach with red rocks (lots have leaf fossils!) that you can get to pending the water level," mentions a Fort Stevenson camper.
Hookup availability: Sakakawea Park offers affordable sites with utilities. "Very quiet and can't be beat for $20 water and electric," notes a reviewer who appreciated the value compared to more expensive options nearby.
Campsite leveling: Site conditions vary widely across campgrounds. "Sites are grass. We found sites pretty level on the way but on the south side they are steep, better for tents," reports a Riverside Park visitor.
Dump station locations: Some campgrounds have unusual dump station placements. "The dump station is actually in town near the bank," mentions a Sakakawea Park camper, highlighting the importance of asking about these facilities upon arrival.
Generator restrictions: Some campgrounds enforce quiet hours for generators. "The primitive camping area was very dry after a downpour and once the clouds disappeared beautiful sunset each night. Even with neighbors, the area was very quiet of others," notes a COE Lake Sakakawea Downstream camper.
Frequently Asked Questions
What amenities are available at Hazen Bay Campground?
Hazen Bay Rec Area offers full hookups for RVs, which is a significant convenience for campers. The campground provides easy access to the water for recreational activities. For those seeking additional options in the region, COE Lake Sakakawea Downstream Campground offers primitive sites with pit toilets and paths to sandy river banks, while maintaining a clean and peaceful environment.
Where is Hazen Campground located?
Hazen camping is located in North Dakota, with Hazen Bay Rec Area situated along Lake Sakakawea, offering easy water access. This area is part of the larger Lake Sakakawea region, which includes other nearby camping options like Lake Sakakawea State Park Campground. The area is known for its beautiful water views and proximity to attractions like the Garrison Dam and National Fish Hatchery.
When is the best time to visit Hazen Campground?
The best time to visit Hazen area campgrounds is during summer months (June through August) when North Dakota weather is most favorable for enjoying water activities at Lake Sakakawea. This is peak season, so campgrounds like Cross Ranch State Park Campground can become crowded, particularly on weekends. For a quieter experience with potentially more availability, consider visiting Heart Butte Reservoir during weekdays, when you might have areas like the downstream campground almost to yourself.
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