60 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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.
"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."
from $15 - $70 / night
Check Availability"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."
"We visited the Knife River Historic Site and had planned to drive the 25 miles north to the COE campground. We stopped here on a whim to check it out. It is in a very nice setting."
"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. "
from $16 - $30 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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."
from $14 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $15 - $135 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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."
"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."
from $25 / night
Check Availability
GuideNice spot. Most sites have a ton of shade trees. Our site #102 was perfect for anyone who doesn’t need electrical hookups. Plenty of space and shade.
GuideThe campground is very well maintained with beautiful roomy sites. The facilities were very clean and well taken care of. It is very dog friendly and has a great walking path beside the river. We enjoyed seeing the Fort and Custer’s home there. We’d highly recommend it.
GuideWe stayed right by the lake in an open field. There are several spots all around the lake that you can disperse camp in. No dump site but there is potable water at the boat ramp. Dumpsters all over to dispose of trash. We loved our stay here.
TravelerReminds me of all the other sites federal campgrounds on the Missouri River - mowed lawn, clean vault toilets, but this one is more remote than most and the views of the Lake Sakakawea are great. Good for a night or two and great for family gatherings. There was one other camper - mid-week.
GuideThis is a nice little campground with 3 or 4 camp sites and a large parking lot where bigger rigs can set up. There are other fairly level spots also available but there are no fire rings or picnic tables like the regular sites have. The regular sites are fairly small but some are pull thru so there is room for decent sized rigs. Those camp sites are shaded by trees. There are trash barrels near the camp sites and there is one vault toilet. There is a nice boat ramp with a large level parking lot for boat trailers or campers. The lake has decent walleye, northern pike, perch and bullhead fishing but it is shallow and gets pretty weedy near shore during the summer. There are some short easy hiking trails around the lake but check for ticks when you get back to your camp site. Morton County Park Board maintains the campground and keeps things mowed pretty nice however the toilet was in need of cleaning which is why I only gave it 4 stars. The county campgrounds are no fee except for 2 very popular spots nearer to Mandan and camp sites are first come first served with no time limit that I'm aware of. The 2 times I have camped there it was very quiet but it does often fill up on summer weekends because it is so small. The campground is on a good gravel road about 4 miles north of interstate 94 exit 120 and about 10 miles from the town of New Salem which has 2 truck stops that have food and some of the cheapest fuel prices between Mandan and Dickinson.
GuideVery beautiful lake and grounds. There are pit toilets, fir rings and tables. Right next to the restroom.
GuideThis Area was great in the shade! Had 1 to 2 bars of service with ATandT… I was able to FaceTime! Woke up to it being nice and shady! Seriously a plus for me! I hate waking up hot! Water, trash cans, and bathrooms are close and within walking distance! Outhouse by tents. Showers and flushable toilets were a bit more of a trek, but still within walking distance just down the path! Had a picnic table and fire pit ready to go! Great for a stroll! This Place is amazing for a campground!
TravelerWe were there in early June and it was not crowded. Park was well-kept and everything was as advertised. You are a little ways outside of the town, though. The river(s) are right there and it’s a very nice walk. Lots of dogs with the various campers but they all seemed well-behaved. We used the dump station on our way out and headed east. Good stop for us in Mandan…
TravelerQuiet little place there are restrooms there's lots of spread out camping around the lake. No electricity no water. Boat docks. And out houses.
The camping sites near Stanton, North Dakota cluster along the Missouri River corridor, which flows through a region shaped by glacial activity and the formation of Lake Sakakawea. Water levels fluctuate seasonally, affecting shoreline access at many campgrounds. Average summer temperatures range from 55°F at night to 85°F during the day, with prevailing westerly winds that can reach 25-50 mph even during calm weather periods.
Fishing from shore access points: At Wolf Creek Campground, nearly every site offers direct water access for fishing. "Two boat ramps located at the campground and great shore access for fishing," notes Melissa M. The primitive setting makes it ideal for anglers wanting minimal distractions.
Kayaking and canoeing: Cross Ranch State Park Campground offers equipment rentals and transportation services. "We rented a canoe and 2 kayaks and were transported to Washburn and floated/paddled our way to Sanger boat launch. (Approx 9 miles) It took us about 3 hours and it was so beautiful!" shares Afton L.
Historical exploration: Sites near Sakakawea Park connect to regional history. "This is within 2 miles of the Knife River National Historic Site and is a great jump off point," explains Mitchell F. The area preserves archaeological remnants of Native American villages.
Sheltered camping locations: During high winds, strategic campground selection matters. "We stayed in the Sanish campground and liked it because it seemed to be enclosed by more trees to help block the wind," writes Lisa M. about Lake Sakakawea State Park Campground.
Spacious campsite layout: Campers consistently mention the generous sizing of sites in the area. "Sites a larger than most campgrounds we've been to. Grounds are well kept," reports Thomas C. about COE Lake Sakakawea Downstream Campground. This provides privacy even when facilities are busy.
Free camping options: Budget-conscious campers appreciate no-fee options. "This is run by the county and there are a number of spots to stop and camp. There's no services but fire rings. And you simply pull in and park next to your site," explains Teresa T. about Nelson Lake, noting its convenient location near the town of Center.
Seasonal facility limitations: Early season camping comes with service restrictions. "Only downside is the park is open early but no water, flush toilets or showers until May 15! There a few vault toilets so pick your site accordingly," advises Lynn P.
Wind conditions affect comfort: Wind is a persistent feature in the region. "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," shares Krussell about camping at COE Lake Sakakawea.
Road connections: Sakakawea Park has limitations for accessing nearby trails. "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," notes Teresa T., recommending biking as an alternative.
Multiple playground options: Fort Stevenson offers recreational areas specifically for children. "They have spots for group camping that you can have 2-3 rv's on or private single camp spots. There is a fun playground for the kids and an amazing hiking trail around the entire state park," reports Ashley B.
Swimming beach quality varies: Some beaches are more family-friendly than others. "There is a swimming beach (quite rocky, but large) and there is usually another beach with red rocks (lots have leaf fossils!) that you can get to pending the water level," explains Emily R.
Educational opportunities: Washburn City Park provides convenient access to learning experiences. "There's a bicycle path to the Lewis and Clark center and the town diner and museum are close enough to walk to," notes Kim H. about this centrally located facility.
Alternative camping hookups: City park options provide affordable alternatives. "It is very nice and at the city park. It is close to the road so I'm assuming you get road noise... But the flat spots are close and in the shade and have 30 amp service," explains Teresa T. about Ball Park RV Park.
Dump station locations: Some facilities have offsite dump stations. "The dump station is actually in town near the bank," notes Larry R. about Sakakawea Park, indicating that RVers should plan accordingly when needing to empty tanks.
Generator restrictions: COE campgrounds have specific policies. "Primitive sites are also very nice but the generator rule (off after 8:00 p.m.) is ridiculous. It is sweltering hot (thank goodness for nice breezes) and people are up playing and having fun until 11:00 p.m.," cautions Glenda W. during hot summer nights.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Stanton, ND?
According to TheDyrt.com, Stanton, ND offers a wide range of camping options, with 60 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 14 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.
Keep Exploring
