Camping options near Tioga, North Dakota range from lakeside sites at Tobacco Garden Recreation Area to in-town conveniences at Tioga City Park. Water levels at Lake Sakakawea fluctuate seasonally, dropping significantly in spring when boat ramps may require longer approaches. Summer temperatures typically range from 70-85°F with occasional thunderstorms, while fall brings cooler temperatures and fewer crowds at most campgrounds.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Kota Ray Dam offers productive fishing for multiple species, particularly perch. According to one visitor: "Perch are hot right now. Along with a few other species in this little lake. Fun place to go for the weekend far enough out of town to feel like a getaway."
Water recreation: Lewis & Clark State Park provides excellent paddling conditions with a sandy beach area. A camper notes: "The water is like being in Ocean with big waves. They hold many awesome eventful weekends during season."
Family activities: Pack water toys for the swimming areas at several campgrounds. "We love Kota Ray. Its small, the swimming beach is pretty decent... it's a great little pond for kayaks and paddleboards," reports one regular visitor to the area.
Nature trails: Several campgrounds offer hiking paths with minimal elevation gain, making them suitable for all ages. "There are plenty of trails and the dogs love swimming in the lake," mentions one camper about their experience at Lewis & Clark State Park.
What campers like
Ranger presence: Tobacco Garden Rec Area maintains excellent security with staff regularly checking on campers. One reviewer emphasized: "Great open spaces. Not close together. Wonderful management. Beautiful lake. Great sunsets."
Amenities: Many campgrounds provide essential services despite their remote locations. As one camper noted about Tobacco Garden: "This campground has a little of everything. Playgrounds, boat landing, grocery store and restaurant, fishing, cabins, showers, allows insured atv and utv's, bait."
Wildlife viewing: Early mornings offer opportunities to spot deer, waterfowl, and occasionally bald eagles near the waterfront. "We had our choice of tent sites, and were right on lake front," reports one visitor about their lakeside camping experience.
Spacious sites: White Earth Bay Recreation Area offers well-maintained grassy camping areas. A visitor describes: "Nice grassy area... There's Electric there's bathrooms... would have been fun to get to know it."
What you should know
Reservation challenges: Many campgrounds have inconsistent reservation systems. "You can't seem to reserve things online. I called the phone number I found and nobody answered," reported one frustrated camper at White Earth Bay.
Road access: Kota Ray Dam has road conditions that may challenge larger rigs. One visitor warns: "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."
Site selection: Visit campgrounds in person before committing to specific sites. "Picked 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," cautions one Kota Ray Dam visitor.
Campground layout: Some areas have confusing layouts with multiple camping sections. "There are three places to camp. One is down by the water in primitive campsites which are very nice. Two is the little Campground I stayed in...there's another larger more sophisticated Campground at the top," explains one Little Beaver Bay visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Entertainment options: Little Beaver Bay Campground offers multiple recreation areas for different ages. "The water is much lower and farther away so there's a big beach to play on that wouldn't be there normally," notes one visitor about the expanded play space.
Evening activities: Pack glow sticks and portable games for after sunset at Lewis & Clark State Park. "There is an ice cream truck that comes through the campground at night," mentions one camper about the evening treats available.
Shade considerations: Some campgrounds lack substantial tree cover. "There aren't very many trees so it would be hot in the summer but it's nicer than I thought it was," observes a Little Beaver Bay visitor.
Facility planning: Not all sites offer full amenities, so prepare accordingly. "Only electric at sites, no water hookups," warns one Kota Ray visitor about the limited utilities available.
Tips from RVers
Dump station access: Lewis & Clark State Park offers sanitary services, but preparation is key. "Fill up your fresh tank at the dump station before going to your site because there are very few accessible spigots near the camp sites," advises one experienced RVer.
Site leveling: Bring additional leveling blocks for campsites near Tioga. "The campsites aren't too terrible (I wish some of them were just a bit more level)," mentions one Kota Ray visitor about the terrain challenges.
Power considerations: Check hookup locations before setting up. "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," cautions one camper about their experience at Kota Ray Dam.
Layout navigation: Larger rigs should scout campgrounds in person when possible. "If you take the road to the top of the hill there's another larger more sophisticated Campground at the top along with a dump station and trails," notes a visitor describing the various camping areas at Little Beaver Bay.
