Best Glamping near Watford City, ND

Lewis and Clark didn’t seem like much, but as soon as we got settled in the Park rangers checked on us. They did patrols all the time around and were super friendly! We had one storm while we were there and they gave us the emergency plan as fast as they could. Most campgrounds could care less, they assume you know the deal. I commend the staff at this place, it’s what true North Dakota’s do for each other.

We also had plenty of space in our campsites and the area is super clean. The trails and the beach were quite exciting as the nights that were clear had the Aurora borealis in the background. So beautiful.

Located in the south east tip of South Dakota on Lewis and Clark Lake (Missouri River). This is a huge cg with over 400 sites divided into four sections. All roads and sites are paved with electric only hook up. We stayed on site 362 which is 50A but most sites are 30A. 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. The Yankton Section (about 100 sites) is same day reservation only (first come, first serve). There are several swim areas along the shore and a couple of boat ramps. Several cabins are available for reservation and a separate Marina and Resort are next to the cg. About any activity you can think of is available here, such as disc golf, soccer, basketball, archery, one mile nature trail, six mile bike trail and boat rentals for the large lake.

I’ve stayed here multiple times. The sites are relatively spread out, though I like to stay towards the back of the site where it’s even more secluded. Every time I’ve been here, the camp is never over 1/2 full. The part I like most about this campground is the easy access to the world renowned Maah Daah Hey Trail: >100 miles of trail open to hikers, bikers, and horseback riders. Either head south on Magpie road to Magpie trailhead, or follow the campground road away from the main road past the cattleguard and find the connecting trail there. From there, either head west towards Devil’s Pass or east towards the ice caves. At dusk, be sure to listen for coyotes barking in the distance

The campsite is a good 25 min off the highway on a dirt road so don't plan to go back-forth a lot. But it's worth it for the peace and surrounding beauty. That's what you came for right? 

We stayed Sat-Mon in late June and it wasn't crowded at all. I think the most we saw were two other camp sites filled. Even if it was at capacity, you wouldn't hear or see much of others. The sites are spaced apart and surrounded by trees. 

The water pump is a blessing since it was in the 90s when we visited. You really have to work the old fashioned pump but the crisp water is worth it. The pit bathroom is cleaned and was stocked with toilet paper. 

We wandered around the hiking area (Magpie Trail starts nearby) which follows a small creek.

We camped here for two nights, the first night was tricky for us to gage exactly where to camp because it we arrived at 3am. We ended up sleeping just outside of the site (haha so close!), but we found it in the morning! A lot of people hike/bike in from the Maah Daah Hey Trial what we initially thought you had to do. The sign for hiking/biking in to this site is outside of a gated area, but the actual camping is INSIDE this gated area! (Go figure 😂) We found out the next day you can actually drive into these sights as well! The GPS sent us to a dead end, but if you go a bit further down the road, there will be a sign indicating Magpie CG. We camped here in the middle of the week and we saw only three other camping groups during our two days here. There is a we’ll to pump your own water from and a super clean, enclosed pit toilet. The sights have a picnic table and a metal fire ring with a grill attached. The stars were beautiful and the camp was so quite. There were a lot of flies but there where hardly any mosquitos or other biting bugs. Would recommend to for anyone to visit and would definitely go back. Such a beautiful area!