Camping spots near Underwood, North Dakota center around Lake Sakakawea, a 178-mile-long reservoir formed by Garrison Dam on the Missouri River. Winter temperatures regularly drop below 0°F, while summer days reach into the 80s with frequent afternoon winds across the open water. Most campgrounds operate seasonally from May through September, with limited facilities available during shoulder seasons when temperatures fluctuate dramatically.
What to do
Fossil hunting on shorelines: At East Totten Trail Campground, campers can search for fossils along the exposed shoreline. "Really cool thing is when you want to have adult time the bar/restaurant is not far and you can all take a walk there and do that for the night if you want. Easy access to the water as well," notes one visitor.
Canoe and kayak excursions: Cross Ranch State Park offers guided water trips with shuttle service. "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! The park ranger picked us up at Sanger boat launch and brought everything back to the park entrance," shares a family camper.
Winter camping in yurts: Cross Ranch State Park maintains heated yurts for year-round use when other campgrounds close. A reviewer notes, "Great experience camping in an authentic Tipi. The Tipi has a wood floor and cots, with plenty of room. It kept us and our things dry during a rainstorm."
What campers like
Spacious, private sites: Campers consistently praise the size of sites at Lake Sakakawea Downstream Campground. "VERY spacious sites! Electric only, but it's camping right! Clean bathrooms and showers. The best part is that they have many paths down to the Missouri River for some great fishing and if you are a polar bear swimming," writes one reviewer.
Wind protection: Sites below Garrison Dam provide crucial shelter from the constant prairie winds. "We've camped here a handful of times and have always enjoyed it. It's below garrison dam and has many big trees, so it's protected from the wind which makes bugs an issue at times so be prepared for that," explains a repeat visitor.
Clean facilities: Many campers highlight the maintenance standards at Lake Sakakawea State Park. "Clean lake with no smells and large campsites. Pick a site with a view of the lake and the breeze is wonderful," writes one camper. Another notes, "I've been camping at this campground since I was a kid, and it's always been wonderful. It has something for everyone. A boat marina, a swimming beach, tent-only sites, primitive grounds, water and electrical sites, hiking trails, playgrounds, clean shower facilities and flushing toilets!"
What you should know
Varying water levels: Lake levels fluctuate dramatically, affecting beach access and boat launches. "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 a camper at Fort Stevenson State Park.
Limited services off-season: Most campground water systems shut down by mid-October. "We arrived in 1 October and they had shut off the water so the bathrooms and showers were not functioning," reports a Lake Sakakawea State Park visitor.
Insects can be intense: The sheltered areas below the dam trade wind protection for increased bug activity. "Still not bad for $25 per night with FHU," notes a camper at Washburn City Park, while another camper warns about East Totten Trail, "The outhouse toilets were not the best. There were an insane amount of flies there. You get attacked by a hoard of flies by just opening in the door."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Sakakawea Park in Stanton offers family-friendly amenities: "Beautiful spot right by the river with large camp spots and grass lawn by every spot. Large playground, clean bathrooms. Cheap."
Swimming beaches: Fort Stevenson State Park provides dedicated swimming areas away from boat traffic. "This site is BEAUTIFUL! 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."
Ranger programs: Cross Ranch State Park offers educational activities: "Great camping facilites. Tent and camper sites. Yurts available and cabins available. Great hiking area, playground, ranger presentations."
Tips from RVers
City park alternatives: Washburn City Park offers full hookups at lower rates than state parks. "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."
Loop selection matters: At Lake Sakakawea Downstream Campground, different loops offer different experiences. "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."
Generator restrictions: Some campgrounds restrict generator hours despite hot conditions. "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."
