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Best Campgrounds near Stanton, ND

153 Reviews

Camping near Stanton, North Dakota centers around Lake Sakakawea, one of the largest man-made reservoirs in the United States. The area features several established campgrounds including Sakakawea Park in Stanton and nearby options like Lake Sakakawea State Park, Fort Stevenson State Park, and Cross Ranch State Park. These facilities accommodate tent camping, RVs, and in some locations, cabin rentals. The Missouri River corridor provides water-based recreation opportunities with boat-in camping available at several locations. According to campers, North Dakota state parks are exceptionally well-maintained with "huge, well-spaced campsites" that remain "quiet even when the park is busy."

Most campgrounds in the Stanton area operate seasonally, with peak season running from May through September, though some parks remain open year-round with reduced services in winter. Winter camping is possible but challenging due to North Dakota's harsh conditions, with temperatures frequently dropping well below freezing. Summer brings warm days with occasional thunderstorms. State park campgrounds require entrance fees ($7 daily or $35 annual) in addition to camping fees. Reservations are recommended during peak summer months, especially for weekends, as lakeside sites fill quickly with boaters and anglers.

The camping experience varies significantly between locations. Lake Sakakawea sites offer water recreation with fishing, boating, and swimming opportunities. Cross Ranch State Park provides a more secluded experience with riverside sites and hiking trails following the Lewis and Clark route. Many campgrounds accommodate large RVs with electric hookups, while primitive sites are available for those seeking a more basic experience. Wolf Creek Campground offers large primitive sites with direct water access and boat ramps for fishing. Family amenities include playgrounds, beaches, and interpretive programs at the state parks, while history enthusiasts can explore nearby historic sites related to early settlement and Native American history.

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Best Camping Sites Near Stanton, North Dakota (59)

    1. Lake Sakakawea State Park Campground

    12 Reviews
    Garrison, ND
    15 miles
    Website

    "This 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)."

    "This is my favorite campground in North Dakota ! Always clean and neat. The waters are beautiful. National fish hatchery nearby, along with the Garrison dam."

    2. COE Lake Sakakawea Downstream Campground

    7 Reviews
    Stanton, ND
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (701) 654-7440

    $16 - $30 / night

    "Lovely easy walk down a path to the river with sandy banks. Clean, well kept sites w picnic tables and fire rings."

    "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. "

    3. Sakakawea Park

    2 Reviews
    Stanton, ND
    0 miles
    Website
    +1 (701) 745-3202

    "It is also close to The Knife River sites. I made the mistake of thinking I could get to one of the trails from here and you can't you'd have to actually go all the way back out and back in again."

    4. Cross Ranch State Park Campground

    11 Reviews
    Hensler, ND
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (701) 794-3731

    "The spots, well they were close but situated in a way that you weren’t sitting staring at your neighbor. There were trees and foliage between the rows so it was comfortable."

    "Beautiful, well-groomed, shaded hiking paths everywhere. Playgrounds. Big fields. Clean water access to the river for swimming, dogs, fishing. Good sized sights, well sheltered by trees."

    5. Wolf Creek Campground

    3 Reviews
    Garrison, ND
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (701) 654-7411

    $14 / night

    "Great campground located right on Lake Sakakawea. Nearly every site has easy access to the water. Two boat ramps located at the campground and great shore access for fishing."

    "Came here driving back to Arizona from Wisconsin. This campground has some of the best views of the lake. Some tree cover and the price is right it's a small camping area but we'll looked after."

    6. Fort Stevenson State Park Campground

    5 Reviews
    Garrison, ND
    19 miles
    Website

    "Bathrooms were great, the trails around the lake were great and the food at the marina was OK. This park is surrounded by beautiful lakes and fields of wheat. Shower was great."

    "Surround all the way around by Lake Sakakawea it makes a great spot for boating, fishing, and also has a sand beach spot for a day of play in the water."

    7. Hazen Bay Rec Area

    2 Reviews
    Garrison, ND
    17 miles
    Website

    "Hazen Bay has easy access to the water. Full hook ups which is nice!"

    "Lake was high so there was no beach. What was left of the water front was taken up by inconsiderate fisherman who couldn’t pull the trailers out of the way."

    8. Ball Park RV Park

    1 Review
    Center, ND
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (701) 794-3502

    "It is close to the road so I'm assuming you get road noise and I'm also assuming that during the summer of the park can be heavily used."

    9. Washburn City Park

    1 Review
    Washburn, ND
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (701) 462-8558

    $25 / night

    "Small city park at edge of town. There's a bicycle path to the Lewis and Clark center and the town diner and museum are close enough to walk to. There is a train but I've only heard it once."

    10. Center RV Park

    1 Review
    Center, ND
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (701) 794-3502
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Recent Camping Photos near Stanton, ND

33 Photos of 59 Stanton Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Stanton, ND

153 Reviews of 59 Stanton Campgrounds

Guide to Stanton

Camping near Stanton, North Dakota, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat by the water or a family-friendly adventure, there are plenty of campgrounds to explore.

What to do

  • Fishing and boating: Many campers enjoy fishing at places like Lake Sakakawea State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, "A large lake dropped into the canyon formations... it’s a nice change of pace from the scenes of the highways."
  • Hiking: Trails are available for those who love to explore nature. At Cross Ranch State Park Campground, a camper said, "Beautiful, well-groomed, shaded hiking paths everywhere."
  • Wildlife watching: Campers often spot various wildlife. One reviewer at Sweet Briar Lake noted, "With the lake and the wildlife, it was just relaxing."

What campers like

  • Spacious sites: Campers appreciate the roominess at places like Lake Sakakawea State Park Campground. A visitor shared, "Huge, well-spaced campsites... the park was busy, hardly any vacant spots but still very quiet."
  • Clean facilities: Many campgrounds, such as Fort Stevenson State Park Campground, are praised for their cleanliness. One camper said, "This is a very well-kept campground with clean bathrooms and showers."
  • Family-friendly activities: Campgrounds like Harmon Lake Rec Area offer playgrounds and swimming areas. A reviewer mentioned, "Great playground that the kids loved!"

What you should know

  • Highway noise: Some campgrounds, like Sweet Briar Lake, are near highways. One camper noted, "You can hear the interstate traffic all night... to me, it was just noise."
  • Limited amenities: Campgrounds such as COE Lake Sakakawea Downstream Campground may have fewer facilities. A visitor mentioned, "Only electrical service at the sites."
  • Reservations recommended: Popular spots like Cross Ranch State Park Campground can fill up quickly. One camper advised, "You need to book the day they come available to reserve or you will miss out!"

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose campgrounds with amenities: Look for places like Fort Stevenson State Park Campground, which has playgrounds and swimming areas. A family shared, "There is a fun play area for the kids and an amazing hiking trail."
  • Pack for activities: Bring fishing gear and swimming supplies, especially if you're visiting Harmon Lake Rec Area. One camper said, "Swimming, fishing, canoeing, and kayaking."
  • Plan for downtime: Ensure you have games or books for quiet moments. A visitor at Lake Sakakawea State Park Campground mentioned, "I had a very clear view of the water... the place was very clean."

Tips from RVers

  • Check site sizes: Make sure your RV fits comfortably at campgrounds like Bismarck KOA. One reviewer noted, "Some shady sites but well protected from the wind."
  • Utilize dump stations: Campgrounds such as Cross Ranch State Park Campground have easy-to-use dump stations. A camper said, "The two dump stations are easy to pull into and use."
  • Stay connected: Many campgrounds offer good cell service. A visitor at Bismarck KOA mentioned, "T-mobile has good signal."

Camping near Stanton, North Dakota, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Enjoy the great outdoors and make some lasting memories!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Stanton, ND?

According to TheDyrt.com, Stanton, ND offers a wide range of camping options, with 59 campgrounds and RV parks near Stanton, ND and 1 free dispersed camping spot.

Which is the most popular campground near Stanton, ND?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Stanton, ND is Lake Sakakawea State Park Campground with a 4.8-star rating from 12 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Stanton, ND?

According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Stanton, ND.

What parks are near Stanton, ND?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 5 parks near Stanton, ND that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.

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