Lake Sakakawea dominates the camping landscape around New Town, North Dakota, with water levels that can fluctuate significantly throughout the season. This 178-mile-long reservoir features over 1,500 miles of shoreline with numerous camping options situated in the breaks and draws along its perimeter. Camping options range from primitive sites with minimal facilities to developed campgrounds with full hookup capabilities, with most operating from mid-May through mid-September.
What to do
Fishing access points: White Earth Bay Recreation Area provides boat launch facilities for anglers targeting walleye, northern pike, and smallmouth bass. The bay area includes grassy campsites with electric hookups available. "Nice grassy area...There's electric there's bathrooms not sure if there's a dump station or water," notes one camper.
Beach activities: Little Beaver Bay Campground offers swimming areas with substantial beach access that varies with water levels. "The water is much lower and farther away so there's a big beach to play on that wouldn't be there normally," reports a visitor. The campground features multiple camping areas including primitive waterfront sites and more developed options with electrical hookups.
Boating facilities: Several recreation areas provide boat launches and docking facilities for watercraft ranging from fishing boats to houseboats. Facilities are typically operational from May through September, with many closing after Labor Day weekend. "We just camped on a pass though and it was great. General store, boat access, fish cleaning stations, dump pits, and water," shares a camper at New Town Marina.
What campers like
Multiple camping options: New Town Marina offers sites with varying amenities at different price points. "$15-$20 a night depending on if you need electric. Looks like most of the campground is full of 'long timers,'" reports one visitor. The marina provides shore power options for overnight campers passing through the area.
Convenience stores: Many recreation areas maintain small shops with camping essentials, fishing supplies, and basic groceries. These stores typically operate during the main camping season but may have limited hours or inventory during shoulder seasons. "We liked this place a lot along our journey. It was a very nice place to day camp," notes a visitor to Little Beaver Bay.
Site layout variations: Van Hook Area features camping areas with different configurations suitable for various camping styles and equipment. "This is a great little camping area with lots of places to camp. Unfortunately none have water hookups but most have electric," explains a reviewer. Some sites offer more privacy while others are arranged for social camping experiences.
What you should know
Reservation limitations: Many campgrounds operate on first-come, first-served basis rather than through reservation systems. This requires campers to arrive early, particularly for weekend camping during peak summer months. "I called the phone number I found and nobody answered. So we'll keep moving," reports a camper attempting to stay at White Earth Bay Recreation Area.
Access considerations: Some camping areas require significant travel on unpaved roads to reach the facilities. "Also remember it's 10 mi in and into a bay which is a dead end so 10 miles back out," cautions a visitor about White Earth Bay. Campers should factor this additional travel time and potential road conditions into their planning.
Site congestion: During peak times, campgrounds can become crowded, affecting the overall experience. "The campground is a little bit oddly laid out if it were full I would feel like you were on top of one another," notes a visitor to Little Beaver Bay Campground during the off-season. Weekday camping typically offers more space and tranquility than weekend camping.
Tips for camping with families
Gradual swimming areas: Alpha & Omega RV Park provides options for RV camping near New Town with amenities suitable for families. The park maintains sites equipped for recreational vehicles of various sizes, catering to families seeking established facilities rather than primitive camping experiences.
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature playground equipment for children. "They have a great little bait shop that has all of the essentials for camping, fishing, and typical gas station type items. Staff and community is very friendly and there are a couple fun playgrounds for the kids," reports a visitor to Van Hook Area.
Shade availability: Limited tree cover at many campgrounds can make summer camping challenging with children. Consider bringing portable shade structures, as natural shade is sparse across many camping areas. Choosing sites near comfort stations can also improve the family camping experience during hot weather.
Tips from RVers
Hookup variation: 4 Bears RV Park offers sites with various hookup configurations, though reviews indicate inconsistent experiences with utilities. "We couldn't find the check in place and no one knew where to check in...The sewer connection didn't work," reports one RVer, highlighting the importance of verifying hookup functionality upon arrival.
Site spacing: RV sites at some facilities provide minimal separation between units. "They were so close together. We had to back up so close to the next row, it was nerve racking," notes a visitor to 4 Bears RV Park. RVers with larger units should inquire about site dimensions and access requirements before committing to a location.
Dump station access: Several recreation areas maintain sanitary dump stations, though availability may be limited to certain campgrounds or require additional fees. Some facilities position dump stations in separate camping areas, requiring additional travel. "If you take the road to the top of the hill there's another larger more sophisticated Campground at the top along with a dump station," notes a visitor regarding Little Beaver Bay.
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