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.
What to do:
- Hiking: Explore the trails around the area. At the Little Missouri State Park Campground, one camper mentioned, "We were surrounded by miles of hiking... the views were gorgeous." This park is a great spot for those who love to hit the trails.
- Fishing: Head to Lake Sakakawea State Park Campground for some fishing. A visitor shared, "I had a very clear view of the water... the place was very clean." The lake is known for its fishing opportunities, making it a perfect spot for anglers.
- Boating: If you have a boat, Fort Stevenson State Park Campground is ideal. One reviewer said, "Surrounded all the way around by Lake Sakakawea, it makes a great spot for boating." Enjoy the water and the scenic views.
What campers like:
- Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. At Lewis & Clark State Park, a visitor noted, "The facilities are very clean... the roads (all paved) and RV pads (most gravel) are very nice."
- Spacious Campsites: Many campers enjoy the roomy sites. A review for Lake Sakakawea State Park Campground mentioned, "Huge, well spaced campsites... the park was busy, hardly any vacant spots but still very quiet."
- Natural Beauty: The stunning views are a big draw. One camper at CCC Campground (ND) — Dakota Prairie National Grasslands said, "The views are just awesome. 360 deg. Large sites spaced far apart."
What you should know:
- Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like CCC Campground, have fewer amenities. A camper mentioned, "There’s no shade so it can get hot and you can see every other campsite but it’s still really awesome!"
- Wildlife Encounters: Be prepared for wildlife. At Juniper Campground — Theodore Roosevelt National Park, one camper shared, "There were plenty of first come first serve sites... until a herd of bison came through haha."
- Weather Variability: The weather can change quickly. A visitor at COE Lake Sakakawea Downstream Campground noted, "The primitive camping area was very dry after a downpour... beautiful sunset each night."
Tips for camping with families:
- Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds. At Fort Stevenson State Park Campground, a reviewer mentioned, "There is a fun play area for the kids and an amazing hiking trail around the entire state park."
- Safety First: Always supervise kids near water. A camper at Lake Sakakawea State Park Campground said, "The beach is super sandy... great for kids!"
- Plan for Meals: Some sites may not have cooking facilities. A visitor at Lewis & Clark State Park noted, "The only thing keeping me from giving 5 stars is our electricity box at our site was completely unusable."
Tips from RVers:
- Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Roughrider RV Resort mentioned, "We couldn’t maneuver the rig to get our black tank connectors more in the center."
- Use Dump Stations Wisely: Some campgrounds may have limited dumping options. A visitor at COE Lake Sakakawea Downstream Campground said, "Potable water is available at the dump site on the way in to the campground."
- Stay Connected: Check for cell service. A camper at Juniper Campground noted, "We did not have cell reception but so travel with Starlink."
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.
