Sakakawea Lake campgrounds offer primitive sites across varied terrain with little shade protection. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F between June and August, while strong winds commonly sweep across the lake's exposed shorelines. Winter camping is extremely limited due to North Dakota's harsh conditions, with most facilities closing by mid-October.
What to do
Horseback riding trails: Little Missouri State Park Campground features extensive trail systems specifically designed for equestrians. "This park is outstanding... The horse and hiking trails are unbelievable," notes one visitor, who adds that "you'll experience starry skies and the howls of coyotes."
Badlands hiking: The rugged terrain surrounding the lake provides unique hiking opportunities through North Dakota's badlands formations. According to a camper at Little Missouri State Park, "We were surrounded by miles of hiking in which we enjoyed about 13 miles of, but so much more we could've hiked!"
Wildlife viewing: Multiple camping areas offer opportunities to spot native species. One camper reports, "There is also another amazing park near Medora where we saw wild horses, bison, deer, prairie dogs, and countless birds."
What campers like
Quiet atmosphere: Many campers appreciate the secluded nature of campgrounds away from busier recreational areas. A visitor to Little Missouri State Park mentions, "The campgrounds themselves are quiet," which creates an ideal setting for stargazing.
Sunrise views: Morning vistas across the badlands are particularly noteworthy for early risers. "I watched the sun rise over the ND badlands! The Campground was immaculate," states one camper who had the grounds to themselves on a weekday visit.
Clean facilities: Well-maintained shower facilities receive positive mentions despite remote locations. One camper noted, "the showers (available through inserted quarters) were very clean and it was nice to use a full pressure and sized shower after a long day in the heat."
What you should know
Reservation challenges: Many campgrounds operate on a first-come basis with physical presence requirements. At 4 Bears RV Park, one camper reported difficulty with the check-in process: "We couldn't find the check in place and no one knew where to check in."
Limited amenities: Several campgrounds lack basic services despite being listed as RV parks. One visitor to White Buffalo RV Park explained, "There are no showers, toilet or water. This facility is for long term guests that are fully self contained."
Distance considerations: Some campgrounds are further from attractions than their names suggest. A visitor noted about Little Missouri State Park: "I mistakenly thought this park was close to the park, but it is actually a 90 minute drive."
Energy development impacts: Oil and gas operations are visible from several campgrounds. One camper observed, "There are oil drillers within view from our site and the hikes. At night the sky was lit from ND oil drilling gas release."
Tips for camping with families
Insect protection: Prepare for significant insect activity, particularly in areas with horse facilities. A camper at Little Missouri State Park warns, "There are lots of flies because it has horse corrals and the mosquitos are vicious."
Water recreation proximity: When camping with children, consider locations near water features. One visitor mentioned that "the only saving Grace was the water park nearby," suggesting that supplemental recreational options are valuable for family trips.
Site selection: For better views, choose specific sites carefully. According to one camper, "The only real sites with a view are those that back-up to the Little Missouri River. All others are just looking at a prairie."
Tips from RVers
Space constraints: RV sites at some facilities have tight spacing between units. A camper at White Buffalo RV Park shared that they simply "put a $30 check in a drop box, plugged into the electric and slept there," indicating minimal services for overnight guests.
Utility connections: Verify functionality of hookups before setting up. One RVer complained, "The sewer connection didn't work. We had to back up so close to the next row, it was nerve racking."
Supplemental fees: Budget for additional costs beyond base camping fees. As one camper noted, "You do need to pay the additional North Dakota State Park fee if camping here," which applies to state-managed facilities.
