SUMMER SALE 50% off The Dyrt PRO — just $2.49/moGet now
SALE: PRO just $2.49/mo
The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App
Map showing campground location near Williston, North Dakota
Camper submitted image from Trenton Lake Recreation AreaView 3 Photos
PeopleMap showing campground location near Williston, North Dakota

Trenton Lake Recreation Area

4 ReviewsAdd Review
SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

Concrete pads, lake views across the road, and a camp store on site define the setup at Trenton Lake Recreation Area, an Army Corps of Engineers facility in Riverdale, North Dakota, within the broader camping near Sakakawea Recreation Area. The roughly 20 sites are level but closely spaced, with no screening between neighbors, so campers who value privacy should factor that in before making the drive.

Water access is the main draw here. The campground sits across from the boat ramp, giving most sites open sightlines toward the lake, and fishing is the activity reviewers mention most. The confluence of the Missouri and Yellowstone rivers influences the water, and conditions vary, so it's worth checking current fishing and swim advisories before arriving. Road access has also been an issue. One visitor found the route to the lake closed without any advance warning due to flooding, noting there was "no other way to get to the lake."

Amenities include drinking water, toilets, a dump station, trash service, and a camp store, along with cell service and alcohol allowed on site. That said, a recent visit raised questions about readiness: bathrooms were locked, some faucets were marked non-potable despite posted rates for full hookups, and no staff were present. Pets are not permitted. Full hookup sites are listed at $35, paid via envelope. The nearby Williams County Trenton Lake Recreation Area, just under a mile east, is worth checking as an alternative if this site's amenities or availability are uncertain.

Check AvailabilitySuggest an Edit

Warning 1 Alert is In Effect

There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!

Air Quality at this campground may currently be unhealthy for sensitive groups.

RV Road Trip Guides

The Great Northern Road Trip

The Great Northern Road Trip

The Great Northern Road Trip Segment: Duluth to Glacier National Park

Duluth to Glacier National Park: 4 Day Road Trip

Build Your Trip

Plan a TripAdd

Map & DirectionsTrenton Lake Recreation Area is located in North Dakota near Williston

Detail location of campground
Public Campground

Coordinates

48.067762 N
103.83898 W

Open in Google Maps

Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Tent Cabin

Features

For Campers

  • Market
  • Trash
  • Phone Service
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol

For Vehicles

  • Sanitary Dump

Contact

General Info

Drive Time

2026 Explorer Giveaway

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

North Dakota Contest

Enter to Win

Reviews4 Camper Reviews - Trenton Lake Recreation Area

Add Review

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

0%
0%
25%
50%
25%

2.0

out of 5

4 Reviews

Visitors often highlighted spacious sites with lake access for boating and fishing. Several guests reported problems regarding facility maintenance and privacy concerns due to closely spaced sites.

SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile
Reviewed Jul. 4, 2025

Very Basic, Looks to be Poorly Staffed

In the main camping area, about 20 sites with generally level concrete pads, but close together with no screening between sites.  Several campsites had trailers but no occupants.  Camping area is across from the boat ramp to the lake, but does provide decent lake views.  Posted price of "full hook-up" was $35.  Hmmm.  Electricity, yes, but no sewer connection that we could find and (despite faucets) several signs declaring "non-potable water." Scattered picnic tables (no table at many sites).  Bathrooms locked and unavailable.  Some of this might have been sorted by staff members, but no one appeared from the time of our arrival till the time of our departure (pay envelopes and a slot).  Although June 30th, the place had the feeling of not being open for the season.

Site10
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Trenton Lake Recreation Area by Patrick M., July 4, 2025
  • Review photo of Trenton Lake Recreation Area by Patrick M., July 4, 2025
Reviewed Jul. 24, 2019

Temporarily Closed

Went all the way down the road to the lake. When we got to the end there was a closed sign. Appears they are flooding badly. Wish they would have had a sign at the train tracks considering the road only leads to the lake. Appears no other way to get to the lake.

Reviewed Jul. 11, 2019

Cute spot

Cute spot to go fishing or boating, but I wouldn’t camp here. The pervious review said the water is dirty... it comes off the confluence and Yellowstone at a fast pace. I wouldn’t say it’s dirty to swim in or fish in. I’ve done both & have a great time out there... except for camping, I need more privacy then what they offer.

Reviewed Oct. 30, 2018

Basic campground

Large campground area. Fire pits, large camp spots but close together. Two small cabins . Beds only. Small store. Lake. But most of the time it isn't clean enough to swim or fish in.

  • Review photo of Trenton Lake Recreation Area by Tonya T., October 30, 2018
Showing results 1-4 of 4 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

What facilities are available at Trenton Lake Campground in North Dakota?

Trenton Lake Recreation Area offers a large campground with approximately 20 sites featuring level concrete pads. Each site includes fire pits, though the sites are positioned quite close together with minimal privacy between them. The campground also has two small basic cabins that provide beds only. A small store is available for essential supplies. The campground area is situated across from the boat ramp, providing decent views of the lake. While facilities are functional, be prepared for a more open camping experience with limited privacy.

How do I access Trenton Lake Campground in North Dakota?

Trenton Lake Campground is accessible via a single road that leads directly to the lake. The access road crosses train tracks before continuing to the recreation area. Be aware that during periods of high water, access may be restricted due to flooding conditions. It's advisable to check current conditions before traveling, as the area has experienced closures when water levels are high. There are no alternative access routes to the lake, so plan accordingly if visiting during spring runoff season.

What recreational activities can I enjoy at Trenton Lake in North Dakota?

Trenton Lake offers fishing and boating as the primary recreational activities. The lake is fed by the confluence and Yellowstone River, creating a fast-moving water environment. Swimming is possible, though water conditions vary throughout the season. The lake provides decent views from the camping area, enhancing the outdoor experience. A boat ramp is available for easy water access. Note that water quality can fluctuate, so check current conditions if planning water activities. The campground's location makes it more suitable as a fishing or boating destination rather than a swimming spot.

Keep Exploring