Best Campgrounds near Washburn, ND

Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Washburn, ND has a lot to offer. There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. Discover great camping spots near Washburn, reviewed by campers like you.

Best Camping Sites Near Washburn, North Dakota (65)

    1. Cross Ranch State Park Campground

    11 Reviews
    34 Photos
    56 Saves
    Hensler, North Dakota

    If you’ve ever wondered what North Dakota may have been like at the time of the famed Lewis and Clark Expedition, look no further than this 590-acre park, just an hour’s drive north of Bismark. Cross Ranch State Park is a natural area featuring rolling prairies, cottonwood glens, and marshy river bottoms, situated along some of the last free-flowing, undeveloped shoreline of the Missouri River. Visitors to Cross Ranch have plenty of opportunities to lounge under shady trees and picnic along the river, wander some of the many paths and nature trails, both in the park and the adjacent Cross Ranch Nature Preserve, or take to the river for swimming, fishing, and paddling.

    Cross Ranch State Park offers 65 tent and RV sites in two camp areas. RV sites are either back-in or pull-through, provide electrical hookups, and can accommodate large vehicles/trailers; tent sites are either drive-in or walk-in. The park also offers several group sites, yurts and fully-equipped cabins, as well as a Cheyenne-style tipi. Campground facilities include flush and vault toilets, showers, picnic shelters, playgrounds, and an amphitheater. A dump station is located in the upper camp area, and a boat launch in the lower camp area. Wifi service is available. Dogs are welcome in the park, but must remain leashed. Campsite rates are $17–$25/night; tipi, yurts and cabins are $35–$125/night.

    Visitors to Cross Ranch are invited to explore the area by land and water. More than 16 miles of hiking and biking trails, both in the park and the adjacent preserve, are available for exploring the area’s woods, prairies, and riverbanks, as well as observing the local birds and wildlife. You can pick up a trail map at the park’s visitor center and head out on self-guided nature walks ranging from 2 to 5.5 miles. Some trails are also open for winter snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. For a different perspective, go for a float on the Missouri River. Rent a canoe or kayak (or bring your own) and paddle around the park area, or take a shuttle (fee required) to the town of Washburn, then float 9 miles down the river, back to the park.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    2. Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park Campground

    25 Reviews
    103 Photos
    119 Saves
    Bismarck, North Dakota

    Located on the grassy plains near the confluence of the Missouri and Heart rivers, Fort Abraham Lincoln is North Dakota’s oldest state park. Established in 1907 to commemorate a 1700s US Army outpost, the park offers a look at America’s early years, as well as even longer ago when the Mandan peoples called this area home. The park is located about 7 miles south of the town of Mandan, and about 200 miles east of Fargo. In addition to its historical significance, the park is also noted for its diverse, high prairie landscape and exceptional views. More than 16 miles of multiuse trails are available for summer and winter roaming among the park’s prairies, woods, and shrublands.

    Abraham Lincoln State Park offers more than 100 tent and RV campsites, in addition to camping cabins and Cheyenne tipis. Most sites are open and grassy, and equipped with electrical and water hookups, picnic tables and fire pits; pull-through sites can accommodate large RVs and trailers. Amenities in the campground include both flush and vault toilets, showers, water faucets, playgrounds, picnic shelters, Wifi service, and a dump station. There are also corrals available for horse campers. Additional park features include a visitor center, coffee and gift shop, and an outdoor amphitheater. Dogs must remain leashed unless in designated areas. Camping is available year-round; sites are $17–$25/night; tipis are $35/night, and cabins $60/night; reservations accepted.

    There are plenty of things to do at Fort Abraham Lincoln, including hiking, biking, horseback riding, and fishing, but the main attractions are the park’s historical area and Mandan village. The historical area has replicas of Lieutenant Colonel George Custer’s home, as well as a barracks building, stables and blockhouses. Tours are available during summer months. The Mandan On-a-Slant Village—named so for the sloping ground it rests on—features several “Earthlodges” constructed in similar fashion to those used by the native peoples for homes and meeting places. A trolley runs through the park with stops at both historic locations, in addition to going to the nearby town of Mandan.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $15 - $85 / night

    3. Lake Sakakawea State Park Campground

    11 Reviews
    23 Photos
    45 Saves
    Garrison, North Dakota

    This recreation area is part of Sakakawea Lake

    • Phone Service
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Cabins
    • Standard (Tent/RV)

    4. Sweet Briar Lake

    15 Reviews
    32 Photos
    69 Saves
    Center, North Dakota
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • RVs

    $25 - $100 / night

    5. COE Lake Sakakawea Downstream Campground

    7 Reviews
    42 Photos
    4 Saves
    Stanton, North Dakota

    Overview

    The Downstream Campground is located on the East bank of the Missouri River below the Garrison Dam, which forms Lake Sakakawea. The area offers a wide variety of recreational activities, including boating, fishing, hiking, mountain biking, sailing, scuba diving, bird watching, and hunting. In the winter time the area offers a cross country ski trails and bow hunting opportunities. For more information, please visit the Garrision Dam & Lake Sakakawea website here .

    Recreation

    The Missouri River and Lake Sakakawea offers excellent boating, fishing, and hunting opportunities. Several state record fish have been caught down below the Garrison Dam on the Missouri River Tailrace and in Lake Sakakawea. Anglers fish for walleye, sauger, northern pike, bass, bluegill, crappie, cutthroat trout, rainbow trout, brown trout, white bass, large mouth and small mouth bass. Chinook salmon can be also found in the lake, the only body of water in the state with this species. The best catfishing around is found directly below Garrison Dam on the Missouri River. Younger visitors love the three playgrounds in the campground, while the volleyball courts and horseshoe pits are enjoyed by campers of all ages. There is an amphiteater located in the campground which offers events for families with kids. Saturday nights usually show a outdoor movie and offer games or ranger staff to provide a interpretive program. The nearby trout fishing pond has a fishing pier for easy access along miles of hiking and biking trails leading to the National Fish Hatchery for hours of family filled fun! The Riverdale State Wildlife Management Area is also located directly across the campground and offers great hunting opportunities, its 2,250 wooded acres are open to hunting for deer, pheasants, sharp-tail grouse, cottontail rabbits, and tree squirrels during open seasons.

    Natural Features

    The campground is located in a beautiful nautral cottonwood forest and is situated along the Missouri River with open grassy areas. Walk along the sand dunes along the Missouri River or the miles of walking trails leading to the National Fish Hatchery and trout fishing pond.

    Nearby Attractions

    Garrison Dam National Fish Hatchery is minutes from the campground and is open to the public. A visitor center, complete with five 400-gallon aquariums, provides great opportunities to view the fish of North Dakota in their environment. The Garrison Dam Power Plant offers tours during the months of June, July and the first part of August on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 2pm. Lake Sakakawea State Park Audubon National Wildlife Refuge

    Contact Info

    For facility specific information, please call (701) 654-7411.

    Charges & Cancellations

    Reservation changes and cancellations can be made on Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777. For more information on rules and policies regarding reservation cancellations and changes, please visit: https://www.recreation.gov/rules-reservation-policies .

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs

    $16 - $30 / night

    6. Bismarck KOA

    12 Reviews
    29 Photos
    15 Saves
    Bismarck, North Dakota
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    7. Washburn City Park

    1 Review
    1 Photo
    1 Save
    Washburn, North Dakota
    • Pets
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)

    $25 / night

    8. Harmon Lake Rec Area

    6 Reviews
    7 Photos
    11 Saves
    Mandan, North Dakota
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Reservable
    • RVs
    • Tents

    $10 - $20 / night

    9. General Sibley Park

    14 Reviews
    42 Photos
    56 Saves
    Bismarck, North Dakota

    This recreation area is part of Lake Oahe

    • Phone Service
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Market

    10. Fort Stevenson State Park Campground

    5 Reviews
    1 Photo
    36 Saves
    Garrison, North Dakota

    This recreation area is part of Sakakawea Lake

    • Phone Service
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Cabins
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
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Showing results 1-10 of 65 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Washburn, ND

149 Reviews of 65 Washburn Campgrounds



Guide to Washburn

Camping near Washburn, North Dakota, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun family adventure, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Fishing: Many campers enjoy fishing in the area. One reviewer at Lake Sakakawea State Park Campground mentioned, "There is good off-shore fishing as well as a swim beach with a bathroom."
  • Hiking: Explore the scenic trails. A visitor at Cross Ranch State Park Campground said, "Beautiful, well-groomed, shaded hiking paths everywhere."
  • Boating: With access to lakes, boating is a popular activity. One camper at Fort Stevenson State Park Campground noted, "Surrounded all the way around by Lake Sakakawea, it makes a great spot for boating."

What campers like:

  • Spacious sites: Campers appreciate the roomy spots. A reviewer at Lake Sakakawea State Park Campground said, "Huge, well-spaced campsites. Pretty much in immaculate condition."
  • Clean facilities: Many campgrounds are well-maintained. A visitor at Bismarck KOA mentioned, "Clean park. Quiet and off the highway."
  • Wildlife: The natural surroundings attract wildlife. One happy camper at Sweet Briar Lake shared, "With the lake and the wildlife, it was just relaxing."

What you should know:

  • Noise levels: Some campgrounds are near highways, which can lead to noise. A reviewer at Sweet Briar Lake said, "You can hear the interstate traffic all night."
  • Limited amenities: Not all campgrounds have full hookups. A camper at COE Lake Sakakawea Downstream Campground noted, "Only electrical service at the sites."
  • Reservations: Some popular spots fill up quickly. A visitor at Cross Ranch State Park Campground mentioned, "This park is our favorite go-to campground."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Playgrounds: Look for campgrounds with kid-friendly amenities. A reviewer at Hillcrest Acres Campground said, "They have a small playground and a basketball hoop."
  • Activities: Choose a campground with various activities. A family at Fort Stevenson State Park Campground enjoyed, "There is a fun play area for the kids and an amazing hiking trail."
  • Safety: Ensure the campground has clean facilities. A camper at Bismarck KOA mentioned, "Bathrooms were nice and updated and clean."

Tips from RVers:

  • Space for big rigs: Many campgrounds can accommodate larger RVs. A reviewer at Cross Ranch State Park Campground said, "Drove in with our 34' bus and had no issue finding a nice level spot."
  • Dump stations: Look for campgrounds with easy access to dump stations. A visitor at Lake Sakakawea State Park Campground noted, "The two dump stations are easy to pull into and use."
  • WiFi and cell service: Check for connectivity options. A camper at Bismarck KOA mentioned, "T-mobile has good signal."

Camping near Washburn, North Dakota, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. With beautiful landscapes and plenty of activities, it’s a great spot to unwind and enjoy nature.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What camping is available near Washburn, ND?

    According to TheDyrt.com, Washburn, ND offers a wide range of camping options, with 65 campgrounds and RV parks near Washburn, ND and 3 free dispersed camping spots.

  • Which is the most popular campground near Washburn, ND?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Washburn, ND is Cross Ranch State Park Campground with a 4.8-star rating from 11 reviews.

  • Where can I find free dispersed camping near Washburn, ND?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 3 free dispersed camping spots near Washburn, ND.

  • What parks are near Washburn, ND?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 6 parks near Washburn, ND that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.