Sakakawea Lake in North Dakota spans over 180 miles of shoreline across the western portion of the state, offering camping opportunities in both designated areas and undeveloped lands. Summer temperatures typically range from 75-85°F during day and 55-65°F at night, with persistent winds across the open water. Mosquitoes become particularly active during June and July when humidity levels rise around the lake's perimeter.
What to do
Hiking the badlands terrain: Little Missouri State Park Campground connects to miles of designated hiking paths with unique badland formations. "This park is outstanding. There are many amenities including electrical hookups, water, horse corrals vault toilets and pay showers. But the amenities aren't why you stay at this park. You stay for the views. The horse and hiking trails are unbelievable," notes Jessica S.
Fishing access points: COE Lake Sakakawea Downstream Campground provides shore fishing opportunities along the Missouri River. "Probably one of my favorite campgrounds. VERY spacious sites! Electric only, but it's camping right! Clean bathrooms and showers. The best part is that they have many paths down to the Missouri River for some great fishing," shares Erin A.
Wildlife observation: Theodore Roosevelt National Park's Juniper Campground offers opportunities to see native prairie species up close. "While we were camped here, 2 small herds of bison grazed through the camp," reports Chris A., while another visitor notes, "We took our two boys August of 2015... we drove around and saw 3 herds of wild horses. We saw Buffalo also."
What campers like
Spacious, separated sites: Indian Hills State Rec Area and Resort provides campsites that don't feel crowded. "We stayed here on a spur of the moment idea while visiting my dad. We had a great time two nights. We had no cell service but we were from out of state so theres that," comments Jesse S., who appreciated the tent camping setup.
Seasonal ranger programs: CCC Campground serves as a gateway to educational opportunities. "Park Rangers provide educational classes from Thursday-Sunday evenings," mentions Cable A., who gave the site five stars for its wildlife experiences and stunning views.
Wind protection: The location of some campgrounds below Garrison Dam creates natural wind barriers. A camper at COE Lake Sakakawea Downstream notes, "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!"
What you should know
Water quality concerns: Some campgrounds near Sakakawea Lake have issues with drinking water. At Juniper Campground, "There was water available but it had a funny taste, they had recently had some problems and were treating the water," warns Deborah C. Other campers note high fluoride content in some water sources.
Reservation limitations: Many campgrounds operate on first-come, first-served basis. "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. There are a lot of spots though so it's not to bad, just don't expect to go out there on a Friday night and get a place," advises Ashley B. about Mountrail County Parshall Bay Recreation Area.
Road noise: Summit Campground offers free pet-friendly camping but sits near major roads. "Free 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," reports Meghan B., while another camper notes, "Right on the highway so loud traffic all night."
Tips for camping with families
Multiple playground options: When looking for pet friendly camping near Sakakawea Lake with children, choose sites with play facilities. At Parshall Bay Recreation Area, Ashley B. notes it "had a couple fun playgrounds for the kids. Staff is super friendly."
Educational wildlife experiences: Little Missouri State Park offers educational value for families with pets. "We really enjoyed this site. The views were great. Park will be even better in the future with all the new trees they have growing. Bathrooms and pay showers were in great shape. Kids loved the horses that people brought to ride," shares Tyler C.
Short hiking routes: CCC Campground provides accessible trail options for families with varying abilities. "The views from the campsite were beautiful and there's an access to the Maah Daah Hey trail from the campground," notes Sara V., who appreciated the easy trail access despite the lack of shade.
Tips from RVers
Site sizing limitations: Many campgrounds in the region weren't built for today's larger RVs. At Juniper Campground, Bob M. advises, "When this place was built, they never envisioned large rigs. So if you have one over 30 feet, just be aware you might have to wiggle your way into a site."
Dump station access: Plan tank management carefully when RVing with pets at Sakakawea Lake. "There are no hook-ups, and no dump station. The only water is a well that you have to pump yourself with a handle, so come with your black/grey tanks empty and water tank full," suggests Holly E. about CCC Campground.
Electric-only hookups: Come prepared for limited services even at developed campgrounds. Thomas C. observes that COE Lake Sakakawea Downstream Campground offers "Sites larger than most campgrounds we've been to. Grounds are well kept. Only electrical service at the sites. Potable water is available at the dump site on the way in to the campground."
