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This recreation area is part of Sakakawea Lake
This recreation area is part of Sakakawea Lake
This recreation area is part of Sakakawea Lake
Legend
General: Approximately 100-site US Army Corps of Engineers campground in three loops; there are paths connecting each loop. All sites have paved camper pads and electric hookups.
Site Quality: All sites appeared level and had a decent amount of separation between sites. There are some trees to provide shade to some sites.
Bath/Shower House: Loops One and Two have more modern bathhouses; each with two sinks, two stalls, and two showers. They were clean. Note that the lights are motion-detected; if you are in a stall too long, the light will go out! Loop Three has vault toilets and I have seen cleaner ones. There is also a bathhouse with two all-in-one (shower, toilet, sink) each for men and women.
Activities: Fishing is very popular here. There are also two short hiking trails (part of the Lewis and Clark and North Country trails). Loops One and Two have playgrounds; the one in Loop Two appears more modern so if you have kiddos who like playgrounds, I would recommend this loop. There is an amphitheater between Loops Two and Three but I’m not sure it has been used in a while as it looked a bit overgrown. There are opportunities for bird and wildlife watching.
We initially checked out the nearby state park but for less than half the price (with our senior discount), this campground was a better fit for us. The only downside was the number of yellow jackets that chased us inside our van to eat dinner!
Ranger
We spent two nights here as one of the days the wind was blowing 50 miles an hour with gusts to 70. Pretty impressive site to see across the lake. We stayed in the Sanish campground and liked it because it seemed to be enclosed by more trees to help block the wind. Spaces were nicely spread apart. We arrived in 1 October and they had shut off the water so the bathrooms and showers were not functioning. Space was pretty level. Great hike along the shoreline Trail, and also apparently north country Trail, and here that goes all the way across to Vermont. 
ScoutSites a 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.
Guide
I arrived very late in the night, but I’m so happy I stayed here! There were plenty of first come first serve sites. 49 was where I stayed and it was tucked away enough that I had privacy. The campground was very quiet until a herd of bison came through haha. Some of the campers ventured a bit too close to them in my opinion and got very loud/excited about it. The bathroom was clean, but for some reason like a sauna at night! Be sure to look up at night…the stars are amazing! I saw three shooting stars and you could clearly see the Milky Way and everything!
Traveler
This is a nice, large campground along the North Shore of Lake Sakakaque, ND. Large spots, fairly level, with gravel pads.
Scout
All sites are along the lake. There are dumpsters, a boat ramp, picnic tables, two pit toilets and fire pits. The middle section of the campground has three tall flood lights that light up the middle section. The two ends are fairly dark. There was no traffic at night. We had the place to ourselves in October.
LegendThe National Park North Unit and Campground(CG) is easy to find off US-85. We showed our Access Passes to get into the park and then proceeded to mile marker 5, where the CG is located. We pulled up to the information and sign-in board for this first come, first serve CG at about 11:30 AM Mountain Time(interesting that when we got to the north unit area, our phones went back to central time, and after a quick Google search, we found out that the north unit runs on central time). A gentleman let us know that he had just pulled in and grabbed a campsite near the entrance/exit and that we’d probably only fit in site 8(this CG is all dry camping) as the perimeter campsites, both back-ins and pull-throughs, were too short for us. The other longer sites were already taken. We proceeded to pull through site 8, which is a long, quarter moon-shaped asphalt site. We maneuvered around to stay away from tree branches and stay on the pad. The picnic table and stand-up barbecue were on the driver’s side, but since the sites are nicely spaced out, this was not a problem. We then filled out our registration envelope, placed $14 cash(Access Pass discount) in the folder, put the tab on our post, and deposited the envelope in the registration area. We could have also written a check or used a credit card to pay. We got on and off 1 bar on Verizon. We did have a good shot north for Starlink. They have a vaulted toilet and flush toilet building along with potable water at the dump station. There are about a half dozen sites for longer rigs, such as 32, 42, and 43, 49, with 5 being the best site. We had our two dogs with us, and there was plenty of room to walk them around the CG. There was plenty of bison poop in the CG, but we didn't see any during our two-night stay. Watford City is 17 miles north and has your major amenities. We enjoyed using this CG as a base to explore the North Unit.
RangerThis is our first visit here, North Dakota does a great job with their state parks campgrounds. Our 3rd SP visited on this trip ( Lake Metigoshe & Sully Creek were the others).
Huge, well spaced campsites. Pretty much in immaculate condition. The park was busy, hardly any vacant spots but still very quiet. Plenty of folks had their boats, & plenty of room to park them. Very scenic area.
We've been to plenty of state parks across the USA. Looks like North Dakota might have the best ones.
RangerFirst time we ever boondocked in our 5th wheel. This place is nice & peaceful, well except for the 2 steer that went through our site lol.
Trey have one modern restroom, no showers. Excellent basecamp for the north unit. Plenty of wildlife & scenery to find.
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. Camphost was great. Watford City about 20 minutes away for groceries & gas.
Guide
There are 8 electric RV sites according to the map but it looks like there's a few more here. The sites are grass. We found sites pretty level on the way but on the south side they are steep, better for tents. There are bathrooms and a shower but they were in terrible shape, I wouldn't use them. Otherwise it's nice and quiet. Disc golf, playground and a ball field are here.
GuidePicked a site online from the website. Looked like a nice long back in by the lake. Turns out it had a big hump in the middle of it and the power was on the wrong side a to far away to reach. Went up the hill and found a place to park in site three while the guy I called checked to see if it was reserved . Luckily it wasn’t so I was able to set up and get the air going Other thing to mention is I’m in a 28 foot travel trailer. The road in if you can call it that was pretty worn out. First part was bumpy and patched tar. The rest was gravel so had to go slow It’s a bare bones park that doesn’t see much attention. But if you wanna be alone, this will work. Only three of us here. Bugs are a bit of a problem here as everywhere this time of year. Little no see ‘ems are the worst. Just a few Skeeters. I’m told there’s a dump station, but haven’t looked at it yet. Was looking for a quiet place to wait out the heat for a few days that had power. So it works for that. And I’m beholding to Jeremy at the office in town for helping with the reservation switch. I would suggest you come here first before picking a site. The ones on the loop on the hill are more level.
LegendWe weren't even here and parked... 15 minutes later and three bison come right past my camper. I knew we would see them but wow!!! I was in awe..it came right by me and I backed off and knew to respect it. It was on a mission and heading to the woods. Up to 2000 lbs and can travel 30mph!
North side was quiet. We were worried about a campsite and got moving early to get here, but we stayed on a Monday and had no issues. We had our pick of quite a few spots. It got busier by the end of the day, but still spots open for campers. Also cant beat $14 to stay. No electric but it does have a place for water and to dump. Bathrooms are actually really nice and clean, no showers. We did not have cell reception but so travel with Starlink.
Convenient to drive the scenic route and to hike.
LegendBeautiful, well maintained campground. Lots of different site to include pull thru, back in, walk in tent sites and a group site. New bathroom on site. Walking distance to the cannonball creations. There is also a dump station here unlike Cottonwood Camp in the South unit.
ScoutWe love Kota Ray. Its small, the swimming beach is pretty decent, the campsites aren't too terrible (I wish some of them were just a bit more level), the bathrooms are usually cleaned well and they have lots of picnic shelters. The fishing is good and it's a great little pond for kayaks and paddleboards. Only electric at sites, no water hookups.
ScoutThis campground is beautiful. They keep it very well kept. They mow weekly, facilities are very clean, the playgrounds are nice and kept up, the roads (all paved) and rv pads (most gravel) are very nice and the place has tons of trees (except on the beach so bring a beach umbrella!). There is a very nice shower house with 3 shower stalls and flush toilets as well as 2 vanities. There is a general store that carries lots of fishing gear, some groceries (e.g. ketchup, mustard, BBQ sauce, buns, bread, chocolate, marshmallows, Graham crackers, ice cream), they have shirts, sweaters, hats, some frozen foods, camping supplies and lots more. Lewis & Clark is our favorite place to stay. The beach is super sandy with some, but not many rocks, lots of drift wood and the water is shallow for a long ways so it's great for kids! Hope you love it as much as we do!
Guide
This place is a steal for the price they charge! I watched the sun rise over the ND badlands! The Campground was immaculate, the ranger on duty was super helpful, and I had the whole grounds to myself (it was on a Tuesday). 100% reccommend!!
RangerI really enjoyed this campground. The roads and parking pads are paved! The bathroom was recently built and it is clean and well maintained with running water and flush toilets. Also, the camp hosts were very friendly and helpful with tips on what to see and to do in and around the park.
North
GuideFirst come first serve camping. We had a pull thru. Some of the back ins look a little short. Generators have to be off by 8. Very quiet. Lots of stars. There is a water faucet but you have to carry water. No hook ups. Gorgeous views.
ScoutHot clean showers, space between sites, hike trails, great power...shade.
GuideWe felt so fortunate to procure a site at this first come, first serve campground. Well-situated sites with gorgeous views. Clean restrooms with flush toilets and running water!
LegendThis is a delightful place surrounded by wildlife. I was able to get really close to buffalo (safely from the truck). This campground is on the north side of the Little Missouri River across from the CCC Campground which I actually preferred even though it was more primitive. The sites here are denser, and it is more populated, but there were still a lot of sites available when I was there on 7/5. . There are no hookups. There are bathrooms and running water available and a sanitary dump….an advantage over the CCC. It looks like the recently built new bathrooms which are grade A. It is convenient to auto touring and hiking trails. I am on a walk about to visit all the national parks and TRNP is one of my favorites so far.
TravelerThe name is no longer White Buffalo. RD RV Park is not really setup for overnight campers. There are no showers, toilet or water. This facility is for long term guests that are fully self contained. The owner was friendly enough, although we only spoke on the phone. I put a $30 check in a drop box, plugged into the electric and slept there.
TravelerArrived as a severe thunderstorm approached. Two days of windy during the day yet despite wind gusts going from 25-50 mph there was not a bug in site so you give and take. The primitive camping area was very dry after a downpour and once the clouds disappeared beautiful sunset each night. Even with neighbors, the area was very quiet of others. The sounds from Mother Nature were singing her melodies to keep us entertained. Nothing better than waking up to the sound of wind in the leaves and birds singing their songs. Bathroom located at the end of loop 4 was decent for quick use. Not a lot of traffic on the roads outside of people using the bathroom at the end. 10/10 highly recommend for we will be returning in week and a half.
Scout
Its nice, secluded from the wind for the most part. Boat ramp is nice. Its the closest to hwy52 but you need to take gravel to get there.
TravelerThe lake is small just northern pike. There is few campsites that are free. No water or electric hookups. For a weekend getaway close to Minot this may be the spot. There are some homes around the lake.
TravelerOverall, we enjoyed this campground. It’s small and well kept. Has a cute little Marina. The toilet facilities were kept in good, clean condition. (Bring your own toilet paper tho, they run out quick). The only thing keeping me from giving 5 stars is our electricity box at our site was completely unusable, so we couldn’t cook at all as there was also a fire ban in effect so we couldn’t make a fire either. :)
GuideOff season ccamping... not here.
There was a signboard at entrance booth that might have included camping rates. But it was covered up. I drove around and could not find any employees to ask how much. I camped and did find someone in the morning. She the camping fee (with toilet facility and water shut off was $25. No off season rate and no senior discount.
Too much for camping in what is essentially a closes RV parking lot! I would have gone somewhere else if they had not hidden the camping rate singn.
I will not be back.
Tent camping near Sakakawea Lake in North Dakota offers a serene escape into nature, with various options for outdoor enthusiasts looking to pitch a tent and enjoy the great outdoors.
Frequently Asked Questions
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According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Sakakawea Lake is Pouch Point - Three Affiliated Tribes with a 0-star rating from 0 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 5 tent camping locations near Sakakawea Lake, with real photos and reviews from campers.
