67 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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.
"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."
"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"Stayed one night in one of the numerous walk-in primitive sites."
from $15 / night
Check Availability"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 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."
"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"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
GuideThere may be a fee for hook up or certain reservations, but otherwise seemed to be free. Pretty quiet and campsites are slightly private. The birds are a little noisey in the morning right on the water and the power line buzzes a little, but otherwise a nice spot. Only a few other people here on a thursday night in June. Seems to be a bathroom and a garbage bin
TravelerMust because this park is managed by the Bismarck Parks dept, don’t think of it a city! This place is filled with trees, cut grass and paved roads. Very calm, wide open spaces between many sites, and big sites. Dont miss it!
GuideAll around this area are beautiful vistas. The Bay is very popular here and hosts many events including fishing events. They have a fish cleaning station, kayaking, lawn games, volleyball, tent sites, electric sites, full hook ups, and they can accommodate groups. Don’t forget about the camp store, too.
Scoutwow. great view, clean and quiet. cant ask for better. little windy
ScoutFirst come first serve spot, probably busy in the summer as it is a nice spot to swim and there are grills etc.
ScoutWe camp here all summer hidden gem . older campground playground could use updated other than that. It’s great lots of shade quiet just got upgraded with some electrical spots. Only downside no shower facilities and Porta potties are the only available bathrooms site does have running water accessible to fill your camper no dump station.
RangerNice state park campground. Large camp sites and most amenities available. Good views and multiple lake access points. Come with all of your supplies, there is a small town but everything will cost you double.
ScoutIt's a nice little Park was $40 a night full hookups nice Wi-Fi laundry showers I haven't seen what the showers look like yet but it's pretty spaced out I'll pull throughs I love that we're here for two days and I'd recommend it it's I believe 240 a month I mean a week and over 700 for a month but they're closing on November 1st so this is definitely nearing the end of their season and it was a self-check in cash or check only and the lady was very friendly everything works just fine it's clean
TravelerWe needed a site for a night in the middle of a trip. This was it. Typical KOA. Clean, close to major roads. Easy to find. Easy to book online. Most of the sites are pull throughs in trees. It appeared that big rig spots were mostly back in. The bathrooms, which we utilize frequently since we are in a 15 foot Aliner, were well lit, clean, and the showers were hot!
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.
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.
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."
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.
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."
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?
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?
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?
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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