How much does camping cost at Lake Sakakawea Campground?

Camping fees at Lake Sakakawea Campground range from $15-$50/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

Is Lake Sakakawea Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Lake Sakakawea Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, to secure a spot.

Can I see photos of campsites at Lake Sakakawea Campground before I book?

Yes! Lake Sakakawea Campground has 6 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

Are there showers at Lake Sakakawea Campground?

Yes, Lake Sakakawea Campground has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

Is there cell service at Lake Sakakawea Campground?

Cell phone service at Lake Sakakawea Campground is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

Are dogs allowed at Lake Sakakawea Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Lake Sakakawea Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Lake Sakakawea Campground?

Lake Sakakawea Campground offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Dump Station, Electrical Hookups, Water Hookups, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Lake Sakakawea Campground?

Popular activities at Lake Sakakawea Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Biking, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Lake Sakakawea Campground

4.70

104 reviews

Featured in:Group Camping North Dakota#1

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,864 ft

Price

$15 - $50/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Pets Allowed

Partial HookupsShowersWiFi

Book on North Dakota Parks and Recreation Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,864 ft

Price

$15 - $50/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Pets Allowed

Partial HookupsShowersWiFi

Book on North Dakota Parks and Recreation Official Website

Get Directions

Lake Sakakawea Campground

$15.00 - $50.00 / night

Campsite Fees

140 Modern Campsites (electricity & water) Price: $25-30 per night 10 Modern Group Campsites (electricity, water and the ability to put multiple...

Standard Site Fee$25.00

Hookup Site Fee$50.00

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North Dakota State Parks

Provider

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Lake Sakakawea Campground

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Campground Map

Lake Sakakawea Campground

47.5226, -101.4492

Weather at Lake Sakakawea Campground

Best Time to Camp at Lake Sakakawea Campground

Summer brings daytime highs in the mid-70s to mid-80s and nights in the 50s to 60s, the best window for boating, kayaking, swimming, and beach access. The marina, store, and cabins operate from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Fishing stays productive year-round, though most water activity drops off after September. Weekend stays fill quickly during peak season, so book early or visit midweek for quieter campsites.

Best

Summer (Jun-Aug)

Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.

Planning Tips

About Lake Sakakawea Campground

Perched west of New Town, this scenic overlook offers sweeping views of the iconic Four Bears Bridge spanning the vast waters of Lake Sakakawea. When the water levels drop, you'll witness a hauntingly beautiful sight—the ghostly remnants of Sanish, a town that now rests beneath the reservoir's surface. This is a free day-use area perfect for photography and sightseeing, though camping and overnight parking aren't permitted.

Mix of modern sites with utilities, primitive sites and group sites. Park contains multiple loops with modern hookups and separate primitive and group areas.

Historical Significance

Provides views of the area where the town of Sanish was inundated by Lake Sakakawea; the reservoir and Four Bears Bridge are regional landmarks.

Weather and SeasonsSummer brings daytime highs in the mid-70s to mid-80s and nights in the 50s to 60s, the best window for boating, kayaking, swimming, and beach access. The marina, store, and cabins operate from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Fishing stays productive year-round, though most water activity drops off after September. Weekend stays fill quickly during peak season, so book early or visit midweek for quieter campsites.

Natural Features and SceneryStand above one of North Dakota's most impressive waterscapes, where Lake Sakakawea meets the mighty Missouri River. The panoramic views stretch across the shimmering reservoir to the striking Four Bears Bridge, while the shoreline curves into the distance. During low water periods, history rises from the depths—you can spot traces of old Sanish, the prairie town that was flooded when Garrison Dam created this massive lake in the 1950s, offering a unique glimpse into the region's submerged past.

Geological RegionLake Sakakawea (Missouri River reservoir)

Scenic ViewsViews of Four Bears Bridge, Lake Sakakawea, and glimpses of the submerged town of Sanish when water levels are low.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Reservation Platforms["ndparksrdr.usedirect.com"]

Best CampsitesSites with lake or marina views deliver the best scenery. The modern loops (Sanish, Fishing Point, Elbowoods, Van Hook, Far Loop) have electric and water hookups and sit closest to the facilities. Reviewers mention well-spaced sites throughout the park.

Amenities available

Park offers potable water, a full-service marina with a store and Wi‑Fi at the marina/dock, showers and flush restrooms, a dump station, picnic tables and campfire rings at sites, and generally has cell phone service. Firewood and a marina market are available seasonally.

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Water hookups

WiFi

Flush toilets

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Lake- and reservoir-focused recreation with trails and shoreline access. Popular for fishing, boating, swimming, hiking, biking and wildlife viewing.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.7

104 reviews

Top-Rated

Lake Sakakawea Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

Overall reviews are very positive: visitors praise the spacious sites, lake and marina views, well‑maintained facilities, and excellent fishing. Park is described as peaceful and scenic with friendly staff.

Review Summaries

Based on 104 reviews

What Campers Love

Spacious, well‑spaced campsites with lake views; clean showers and restrooms; excellent fishing and convenient marina/store; friendly staff and a peaceful atmosphere.

Based on 104 reviews

Common Concerns

There are very few negative comments in the reviews provided. The only recurring downside noted is that the park can get busy on weekends, and several visitors implied you’ll want a boat to fully...

Based on 104 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Visitors note specific on-site features: a marina with a small store, clean/modern bathhouse and restrooms, easy beach access, playground and shaded picnic areas. Multiple reviews emphasize there are...

Based on 104 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Book popular sites early (reservations open in advance for peak season). Choose lake- or marina-view sites for the best scenery; expect peak operations Memorial Day–Labor Day. Bring tick protection...

Based on 104 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviewers frequently mention lake activities (fishing, kayaking, boating) and note weekends are busier, suggesting peak activity in warmer months. Otherwise, no detailed season-specific issues or...

Based on 104 reviews

Camper Quotes

“This place is unbelievably peaceful and tranquil.” — “The sites are huge. The park is very well kept.”

Based on 104 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Park is dog‑friendly — at least one reviewer explicitly noted their dogs loved the park. No mentions of leash rules, dog stations, or restrictions were provided in the reviews.

Based on 104 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

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Go if

Walleye and pike anglers get the most from this place, the marina handles boat launches, and the store stocks supplies so you're not driving back to New Town mid-trip. Lake-view sites are large and level, and the bathhouse earns consistent praise for cleanliness.

Skip if

Without a boat, the lake stays mostly backdrop. Weekend sites fill fast on a first-come basis, so if you can't arrive Thursday or Friday during Memorial Day through Labor Day, count on less-desirable spots, or a long drive for nothing.

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