L
Lauren K.
Guide
GuideDanzig Dam 10 miles northwest of New Salem, ND.
Delightful little campground
Free. On the water. Vault toilets.
Camping near Washburn, ND
67 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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Campgrounds near Washburn, North Dakota cluster along the Missouri River corridor, providing varied camping experiences within a short drive of town. Cross Ranch State Park, approximately 6 miles south of Washburn, serves as the region's primary developed camping area with tent sites, RV spots with electrical hookups, and specialty accommodations including yurts, tipis, and cabins. The Washburn City Park offers convenient in-town camping with electric and water hookups primarily designed for RVs. Primitive Campground within Cross Ranch features walk-in tent sites along the river, providing more secluded options for campers seeking a natural experience.
Many campgrounds in the area remain open year-round, though facilities and accessibility vary seasonally. Winter camping is available at Cross Ranch State Park, though water systems may be winterized during colder months. Summer temperatures typically range from 70-90°F, while winters can drop well below freezing with significant snowfall. Most developed sites require reservations, particularly during peak summer weekends. The Governors Centennial Loop at Cross Ranch offers electrical hookups and shower facilities, while Nelson Lake provides free primitive camping with limited amenities. According to one visitor, "Cross Ranch State Park has a lot more trails than show on the map, so happy exploring. While you are right next to the river, you can't really see it from most of the RV campsites."
Riverfront access represents a significant draw for campers in the Washburn area, with multiple sites offering views of the Missouri River. Cross Ranch State Park provides hiking trails along the river where Lewis and Clark traveled, adding historical context to camping experiences. Several visitors mentioned the park's well-groomed, shaded hiking paths as highlights of their stay. Campers seeking more privacy often prefer the walk-in primitive sites along the riverbank, which feature fire rings and picnic tables. A recent review noted, "I highly recommend staying in a site along the river for a great water view right from your site. The tall cottonwood trees provide great seclusion, and we didn't hear anyone all night." City park campgrounds in Washburn, Wilton, and Turtle Lake offer more accessible alternatives for RV travelers, though they typically provide fewer natural amenities than the state park sites.
Best Campgrounds near Washburn (67)
1. Cross Ranch State Park Campground
"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 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."
2. Washburn City Park
"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 Availability3. Primitive Campground — Cross Ranch State Park
"Stayed one night in one of the numerous walk-in primitive sites."
from $15 / night
Check Availability4. Governors Centennial Loop Campground — Cross Ranch State Park
"There are a lot more trails then show on the map so happy exploring. While you are right next to the river, can't really see it from most of the RV campsites."
from $25 - $135 / night
Check Availability5. Sakakawea Park
"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."
6. Lake Sakakawea State Park Campground
"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 Availability7. Wilton City Park
8. COE Lake Sakakawea Downstream Campground
"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 Availability9. Nelson Lake
10. Sweet Briar Lake
"We’re traveling thru North Dakota to Montana & just needed a place to rest overnight. The very few campgrounds around were all full & it was looking like we were staying at Walmart."
"Gorgeous lake/reservoir, fish were jumping all night. Drove in with our 34' bus and had no issue finding a nice level spot with a fire ring and picnic table. Good seperation between spots."
Drive Time
- 34 min from Bismarck, ND
- 1 hr 2 min from Minot, ND
- 3 hrs 7 min from Fargo, ND
- 3 hrs 36 min from Grand Forks, ND
Recent Camping Photos near Washburn, ND
30 Photos of 67 Washburn Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Recent Reviews near Washburn, ND
196 Reviews of 67 Washburn Campgrounds
Timothy J.
ScoutMckenzie Slough State Game Management Area
Clean and quiet
I camped 13 days. The area is clean and quiet with one person that camped for a day.
Travis A.
RangerMitchell Lake
Small area
Small area, maybe enough for two or three rigs, but it would be close company. There are two small pavilions covering three picnic a port o John, two grills and a water pump jack. There was, dog crap next to the water pump, at least, I hope it was. I used a shovel to throw it off into the weeds. The water pump is loose on its mount and bits of rust were floating in the water of my 5 gallon bucket. I tossed the water. No dumpsters. It's a Wednesday afternoon, when I arrived. I'm the only person here so far. Great ATT cell service
Emma L.GuideFort Abraham Lincoln State Park Campground
Quiet peaceful spot with good river access
Nice 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.
David L.GuideFort Abraham Lincoln State Park Campground
Campground on Missouri River
The 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.
Melody J.GuideSweet Briar Lake
Lots of spots to choose from
We 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.
- KKelly W.
TravelerMitchell Lake
Nice spot
What a great little spot. Nobody else here on a Sunday night. There’s a water pump and a porta potty (didn’t check it out). Right on the water
- CCarla B.Traveler
Wolf Creek Campground
Gorgeous, quiet, windy, manicured
Reminds 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.
- TTim K.Guide
Danzig Dam 10 miles northwest of New Salem, ND.
Nice free little camping/fishing spot near I-94 exit 120 west of Mandan, ND
This 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.
Guide to Washburn
Campers visiting Washburn, North Dakota have access to multiple outdoor recreation opportunities along the Missouri River corridor where elevations range from 1,650 to 1,700 feet. The area experiences hot summer days with cooler nights and seasonal temperatures that can vary by 40-50 degrees in a single day. River access points around Washburn serve as popular fishing spots for walleye, northern pike, and smallmouth bass.
What to do
River activities: Cross Ranch State Park offers canoe and kayak rentals with shuttle service for river trips. "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," reports Afton L.
Hiking trails: The trails at Cross Ranch connect to longer national trail systems. According to Lisa M. at Lake Sakakawea State Park, "Great hike along the shoreline Trail, and also apparently north country Trail, and here that goes all the way across to Vermont."
Historic sites: Multiple historic attractions are accessible from camping areas. "Up the road was an extremely interesting National Historic Site we visited," notes Shelly S. about the historic sites near Cross Ranch. The area contains significant Lewis and Clark sites and Native American cultural points of interest.
What campers like
River views: Riverfront sites provide unique camping experiences. At Primitive Campground, Cullen C. reports, "The camp hosts provided wagons in the parking area for easy transport of camping supplies. I highly recommend staying in a site along the river for a great water view right from your site. The tall cottonwood trees provide great seclusion."
Spacious sites: The COE campgrounds feature extra room between sites. "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," writes Erin A. about COE Lake Sakakawea Downstream Campground.
Clean facilities: Most developed campgrounds maintain good amenities. Shandi C. notes about Cross Ranch: "This place has it all! 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."
What you should know
Weather preparedness: The region experiences strong winds and rapid temperature changes. At COE Lake Sakakawea, Krussell observed: "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."
Reservation timing: The best sites fill quickly during peak season. "Group spots here are fun but you need to book the day they come available to reserve or you will miss out!" advises Kyle O. about Lake Sakakawea State Park.
Free camping options: Budget campers can find no-cost sites at Nelson Lake near Center. "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. These sites lack toilets or water but offer free lakeside camping.
Tips for camping with families
Specialized accommodations: Cross Ranch offers unique lodging options beyond standard campsites. "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," shares Zachary N., though he cautions "the size and shape of it don't allow any warmth to be retained."
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature play areas for children. Karen Z. notes Cross Ranch has "great camping facilities. Tent and camper sites. Yurts available and cabins available. Great hiking area, playground, ranger presentations."
Water activities: Beaches and swimming areas provide summer recreation. At Sakakawea Park, c G. reports finding a "beautiful spot right by the river with large camp spots and grass lawn by every spot. Large playground, clean bathrooms. Cheap."
Tips from RVers
City park options: Several towns offer affordable municipal camping with basic hookups. At Washburn City Park, Kim H. reports: "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."
Hookup availability: Electrical connections are most common, with water and sewer less available. According to Thomas C. at COE Lake Sakakawea Downstream, "Sites are 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."
Site selection: Some of the best places to camp near Washburn, North Dakota require careful site selection. Teresa T. notes about Governors Centennial Loop: "While you are right next to the river, can't really see it from most of the RV campsites. There are some cool tent sites though with a terrific view. The sites are really not very private but at least they are under the trees out of the sun and wind."
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find camping spots in Washburn, Wisconsin?
Where can I find camping spots in Washburn, Wisconsin?
Washburn offers several camping options in the area. Washburn City Park is located at the edge of town, providing full hookups for $25 per night. It's conveniently situated near a bicycle path that leads to the Lewis and Clark center, and within walking distance to the town diner and museum. Another excellent option is Cross Ranch State Park Campground, which offers beautiful riverside camping and recreational activities like canoeing and kayaking. The park provides transport services for paddlers between Washburn and Sanger boat launch, making it perfect for river adventures.
What amenities are available at Washburn campgrounds?
What amenities are available at Washburn campgrounds?
Campgrounds around Washburn offer a range of amenities to enhance your camping experience. Lake Sakakawea State Park Campground features huge, well-spaced campsites maintained in immaculate condition. The park provides beautiful waters for recreation and breathtaking views from areas like the Elbowwoods loop. Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park Campground offers electrical and water hookups, a convenient dump station, well-maintained comfort stations, and a playground for children. Many sites also have bike and walking trails, making it easy to explore the surrounding natural beauty.
What is the best time of year to camp in Washburn?
What is the best time of year to camp in Washburn?
The ideal time to camp in Washburn is late spring through early fall (May to September). During this period, Sweet Briar Lake and other area campgrounds offer their best conditions with moderate temperatures perfect for outdoor activities. Summer provides optimal conditions for water recreation at locations like COE Lake Sakakawea Downstream Campground, where you can enjoy peaceful waterfront settings. Winter camping is possible but challenging – some brave campers have tackled November and December camping with specialized gear like fishing tents with wood stoves. Be aware that winter camping typically means reduced or no amenities and preparation for potential snowstorms.
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