Sakakawea Lake in North Dakota features several campgrounds offering varied experiences for visitors. The area includes popular spots like Mountrail County Parshall Bay Recreation Area and Indian Hills State Recreation Area, providing options for tent camping, RV sites with hookups, and even cabin rentals. Van Hook Area and McKenzie Bay Recreation Area offer additional camping areas with lake access, making Sakakawea Lake a hub for water recreation and prime lakeside camping. Most campgrounds have basic amenities such as picnic tables, fire pits, drinking water, and restroom facilities, while some provide additional conveniences like showers, dump stations, and electric hookups.
Camping is typically available from mid-May through mid-September, though exact opening dates vary by location. Many campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-served basis rather than taking reservations, which can present challenges for weekend planning. The limited reservation options often mean arriving early to secure a spot, particularly at popular locations. Summer temperatures can be warm, making waterfront sites especially desirable. Winter camping is generally not available as facilities close during the off-season. As one visitor noted, "This is a great little camping area with lots of places to camp. Unfortunately none have water hookups but most have electric. The beach is awesome for the little kids because it's very shallow very for quite a ways out."
Campers consistently praise the fishing opportunities throughout the lake region. Indian Hills Resort receives positive mentions for its excellent fishing access, with one reviewer commenting that "the fishing is excellent on sakakawea." Several sites offer boat launches, fish cleaning stations, and proximity to bait shops, making the area particularly attractive to anglers. Family-friendly amenities can be found at several campgrounds, including playgrounds and swimming areas with shallow water entry points. The surrounding landscape offers limited shade in some areas, with reviewers noting that many campsites have few trees. While most campgrounds provide basic amenities, visitors appreciate the friendly staff and beautiful lake views, with Parshall Bay Recreation Area described as "a beautiful place to camp" with "many accommodations for all types of camping/RVing."
"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."
RangerNice state park campground. Large camp sites and most amenities available. Good views and multiple lake access points. Come with all of your supplies, there is a small town but everything will cost you double.
RangerGreat experience at this campground. Toilets, water, trash/recycling. Park Rangers provide educational classes from Thursday-Sunday evenings. Stunning views and wildlife experiences. Not a good park for walking dogs.
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 😞.
Sakakawea Lake camping destinations span North Dakota's third-largest reservoir with over 180 miles of shoreline and 368,000 acres of water surface. Water levels fluctuate seasonally, affecting boat ramp access and shoreline camping options throughout the region. Summer daytime temperatures typically reach 75-85°F, while nighttime temperatures can drop to the 50s even during peak season.
Fishing opportunities: At McKenzie Bay Rec Area, anglers can access walleye, northern pike, and smallmouth bass. "This area is beautiful and a nice place if you have an RV or a boat to launch... It has some sort of clubhouse/store, showers, and bathrooms," notes Will B.
Water recreation: The shallow shorelines at many of the lake's campgrounds provide safe swimming areas for families. Boating access points are available at most recreation areas, with several offering full marina services during peak season.
Nearby attractions: The 4 Bears RV Park provides access to additional recreation. As Vena B. mentions, "The only saving Grace was the water park nearby," which offers an alternative water experience for families camping in the area.
Spacious beachfront: Many campers appreciate the expansive shorelines for day use. "The beach is awesome for the little kids because it's very shallow very for quite a ways out," reports Ashley B. about Van Hook Area.
Angling success: The lake's reputation for quality fishing draws many outdoor enthusiasts. Kyle O. confirms that at Indian Hills Resort, "there is a really good landing and a bait shop on the campground so it is very accommodating for that, and the fishing is excellent on sakakawea."
Basic amenities: Despite limited hookups at some locations, campers appreciate the essential services. "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," notes a Van Hook Area visitor.
Limited reservations: Most Sakakawea Lake camping areas operate on a first-come basis, requiring early arrival to secure spots. "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," explains Ashley B. about Parshall Bay Recreation Area.
Facility variations: Amenity levels differ significantly between campgrounds around the lake. New Town Marina offers "$15-$20 a night depending on if you need electric. Looks like most of the campground is full of 'long timers,'" according to Mike.
Limited shade: Many campsites around Sakakawea Lake have minimal tree coverage. One camper observes that at Indian Hills Resort, "there are RV spots with electric hook ups but not a ton of trees shade your campsite....that is unless you have been there and know which campsites do have some trees and shade!"
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer recreational equipment for children. Ashley B. mentions that Parshall Bay has "a couple fun playgrounds for the kids."
Shallow swimming areas: The gradual entry points at certain beaches make them appropriate for younger swimmers. Van Hook Area has a beach that's "awesome for the little kids because it's very shallow for quite a ways out."
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies widely around the lake. As Jesse S. reports from Indian Hills State Rec Area and Resort, "We had no cell service but we were from out of state so theres that."
Electric hookups: Most campgrounds offer some powered sites, though water and sewer connections are less common. "Unfortunately none have water hookups but most have electric," reports one Van Hook Area visitor.
Dump station access: RVers should note which campgrounds provide sanitary dump facilities, as not all locations offer this service. Many of the recreation areas provide this essential amenity for longer stays.
Campsite spacing: Some RV parks have tight site arrangements. At 4 Bears RV Park, one camper noted, "They were so close together. The sewer connection didn't work. We had to back up so close to the next row, it was nerve racking."
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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