Sakakawea Lake is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Sakakawea Lake is surrounded by family-friendly activities. Find the best campgrounds near Sakakawea Lake, ND. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.
"You have to drive out there with your camper or RV and be in front of the office to get for your spot. First come first serve."
GuideThis campground is in the north unit of the park. It has 50 primitive sites available on first come first serve basis. We were here on Labor Day weekend and campground was full for the first time in 2 years. Pads are asphalt and smallish. There are public washrooms, but no showers. There is a dump station, but no potable water for RV tanks. Drinking water is available at the wash house . The drinking of the water at the fill station is discouraged due to high levels of fluoride. While we were camped here, 2 small herds of bison grazed through the camp.
RangerThe absolute anxiety of getting here and not knowing whether we'd be able to get a spot or not is off the charts. We got here at about 1pm on a Sunday thinking there shouldn't be a problem, yet there were probably only about 4 spots left and only 1 we could fit in. A lot of spots already had tags on them but not one bit of equipment set in place. Assuming it was someone that came in much earlier just to tag a spot...that needs to be addressed. There's quite a few "drinking water" spigots marked on the map but when you get to them there is a sign with a drinking glass and a red slash through it. The only drinking water is at the bathroom and not meant to fill your rv with so dont come here expecting to be able to fill your rv with safe water. The other spigots marked as unsafe have really high fluoride content and feels like slime. But we were told its safe to shower in. Im sorry but I dont trust that at all. If you shouldn't drink it bc of the high fluoride then you shouldn't shower in it. You'll just absorb it through your skin. We're in spot 30 and its pretty spacious but not private at all. Most spots really have no privacy at all. So if that's what you're looking for then look else where. We got barked at by the neighbors' dogs every time we walked out. Very pretty setting but in my opinion its way too crowded. Also not sure if its just the area or time of year but there's just billions of flies all over all the time. Makes being outside miserable. Also my husband got stung by a yellow jacket. I think there's a nest in the picnic table. The grill was full of charcoals and a chunk of burnt wood. It just seems like the sites are not ever checked or taken care of. The only work I've seen done is trash collection. There's an rv dump at least but not sure what much you'll need to dump since there's only one spigot at the bathroom you can fill a jug at.
RangerThis campground is only about 1/4 mile from the entrance to the North Unit of Theodore Rosevelt National Park. There are plenty of pit toilets, potable water, and electric. The views from the park are amazing! Sites are big and each has a picnic table, fire pit, and grill. The road in (1 mile) is well maintained. Highly recommend!!
GuideThis is a pretty spot with 3 boondocking sights with picnic tables, 2 have canopies over them. Parking for hiking. One spot that is a loop turn around. I have a 2500 crew cab and 21' trailer parked without a problem. Could accommodate a little bigger trailer.
There is steady road noise from I-85. A fair amount of large trucks passing most of the time.
LegendFree camp spot with just a few sites and a vault toilet. Near the main road, so quite a bit of road noise and late arrivals/passersby. Okay cell service, but great with a booster. Hiking trail nearby to stretch the legs or exercise the dog.
GuideThis little spot is within the town of Watford City… ambitiously named
RangerSites were nice with water and electric hookups. Decently spread out. Unfortunately, camp hosts were ghosts. Supposedly 4 hosts. Walked by 2 of them and they were off duty. I was too tired to locate the others. Ranger at check in said the host(s) would come by to sell firewood. Never saw one. No campfire 😞.
TravelerNice forest service campground with pit toilets. No fee, fire pits, picnic tables, only two of us here on a Sat night in August
TravelerClean lake with no smells and large campsites. Pick a site with a view of the lake and the breeze is wonderful.
Camping near Sakakawea Lake, North Dakota, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to hike, fish, or just relax by the water, there’s something for everyone.
Camping near Sakakawea Lake, North Dakota, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, whether you're in a tent or an RV. With beautiful parks and plenty of activities, it’s a perfect getaway for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
Frequently Asked Questions
What campgrounds are available on Lake Sakakawea?
Lake Sakakawea offers several excellent camping options around its shores. Lake Sakakawea State Park Campground is one of the most popular choices, featuring spacious, well-maintained sites with beautiful views of the water. Lewis & Clark State Park provides easy lake access within walking distance and offers various accommodation options including pull-through sites, tent sites, and cabins. Additional options include Indian Hills Resort, Parshall Bay Recreation Area, Van Hook Area, McKenzie Bay Recreation Area, and the COE Lake Sakakawea Downstream Campground. Many sites require reservations during peak season, so planning ahead is recommended.
What amenities are offered at Lake Sakakawea campgrounds?
Lake Sakakawea campgrounds offer varying levels of amenities. COE Lake Sakakawea Downstream Campground provides primitive sites with pit toilets and beautiful river access via sandy paths. 4 Bears RV Park offers full hookups for RVs and is within walking distance to the casino. Other campgrounds around the lake typically include picnic tables, fire rings, drinking water, and toilet facilities. Many also feature boat ramps, fishing areas, and swimming beaches. The more developed sites like Indian Hills Resort provide showers, electrical hookups, and dump stations. Playground equipment, amphitheaters, and hiking trails are available at several locations, particularly the state parks.
When is the best time to camp at Lake Sakakawea?
The optimal camping season at Lake Sakakawea runs from late spring through early fall. Fort Stevenson State Park Campground and other lake campgrounds are busiest from Memorial Day through Labor Day when temperatures are ideal for water activities. Summer brings warm days perfect for swimming, boating, and fishing, with daytime temperatures typically in the 70s-80s°F. Late spring (May-June) offers good fishing and fewer crowds but can be unpredictable weather-wise. Early fall (September) brings cooler temperatures, beautiful colors, and fewer visitors. Mountrail County Parshall Bay Recreation Area and other sites may have reduced services outside peak summer months.
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