How much does camping cost at Downstream Campground?

Camping fees at Downstream Campground range from $16-$30/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Downstream Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Downstream Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Downstream Campground before I book?

Yes! Downstream Campground has 11 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.

What is the best time to visit Downstream Campground?

Downstream Campground is open May 15 to September 16. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Downstream Campground?

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

Is there cell service at Downstream Campground?

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

How many campsites does Downstream Campground have?

Downstream Campground has 114 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Downstream Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Downstream 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 Downstream Campground?

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

What activities can I do at Downstream Campground?

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

Downstream Campground (Nd)

4.21

339 reviews

U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS, GARRISON PROJECT OFFICE, P.O. BOX 527, RIVERDALE, ND, 58565, USA

Top 12% in NDFall

Fishing

Featured in:Group Camping North Dakota Summer Camping North Dakota Pet-Friendly Campgrounds North Dakota +1 more

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,706 ft

Price

$16 - $30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

114 campsites

Season

Open season runs fro...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

ElectricShowers

Book on U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,706 ft

Price

$16 - $30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

114 campsites

Season

Open season runs fro...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

ElectricShowers

Book on U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Official Website

Get Directions

Downstream Campground (Nd)

$16.00 - $30.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD ELECTRIC: $26.00 (+$4.00 weekend); TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC: $16.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3...

Standard Site Fee$16.00

Hookup Site Fee$26.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

FOR INFORMATION, PLEASE CALL: FROM MAY 15 - SEPT 15: 701-654-7440; FROM SEPT 16 - MAY 14: 701-654-7411. FOR RESERVATIONS, PLEASE CALL 877-444-6777.

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS, GARRISON PROJECT OFFICE, P.O. BOX 527, RIVERDALE, ND, 58565, USA

Downstream Campground (Nd)

U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS, GARRISON PROJECT OFFICE, P.O. BOX 527, RIVERDALE, ND, 58565, USA

Nearby places

Riverdale (2 miles, approx. 5 minutes), Washburn (15 miles, approx. 20 minutes), Minot (50 miles, approx. 1 hour), Bismarck (60 miles, approx. 1 hour 10 minutes).

Driving directionsFrom Bismarck, North Dakota, take Highway 83 north and turn left on Highway 200 west toward Riverdale. After crossing the Spillway Bridge, take a left on Tow Road. At the bottom intersection of the dam, turn left and go 1/4 mile east, then turn right onto the campground access road. From Minot, North Dakota, take Highway 83 south and turn right onto Highway 48. At intersection, turn right onto Highway 200 west toward Riverdale. After crossing the Spillway Bridge, take a left on Tow Road. At the bottom intersection of the dam, turn left and go 1/4 mile east, then turn right onto the campground access road.

Weather at Downstream Campground (Nd)

Best Time to Camp at Downstream Campground (Nd)

Best season: fall. Early fall (especially the first two weeks of September) offers the best combination of weather and scenery — daytime highs typically range from the mid-50s to mid-70s°F with crisp nights in the 35–50°F range — and the cottonwoods turn brilliant gold along the riverbanks. Fishing and birding are at their peak as migratory songbirds pass the Missouri River corridor and walleye and catfish remain active; boating and easy riverside hikes are very pleasant without midsummer heat. Crowds are usually軽 Peak months: September, June, July, August Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 12% in ND

Early September touted as best: crisp temps, golden cottonwoods, excellent fishing conditions.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 15 to September 16. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open season runs from May 15 to September 14. Outside of these dates, reservations are not available.

About Downstream Campground (Nd)

Downstream Campground sits on the Missouri River below Garrison Dam at Lake Sakakawea, operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The foothills setting offers spacious tent, RV, and primitive sites with electric hookups, showers, and a dump station. Campers fish for walleye, hike maintained trails, and visit the nearby National Fish Hatchery and Garrison Dam Power Plant.

Downstream Campground offers a mix of camping types, including primitive, RV, tent, and group camping sites. There are no cabin or glamping options.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Early fall (especially the first two weeks of September) offers the best combination of weather and scenery — daytime highs typically range from the mid-50s to mid-70s°F with crisp nights in the 35–50°F range — and the cottonwoods turn brilliant gold along the riverbanks. Fishing and birding are at their peak as migratory songbirds pass the Missouri River corridor and walleye and catfish remain active; boating and easy riverside hikes are very pleasant without midsummer heat. Crowds are usually軽 Peak months: September, June, July, August Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation1706 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe Missouri River runs alongside the campground at 1,706 feet elevation, flowing through a transitional zone where ancient cottonwood forests meet prairie grasslands. Sand dune formations along the riverbank reveal centuries of shifting water patterns. Miles of trails wind through shaded groves and open meadows. The cottonwoods turn brilliant gold in early fall, particularly striking along the riverbanks. This ecological crossroads supports diverse wildlife and birding, especially during fall migration along the Missouri River corridor.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere are no hotel-style lodges or similar accommodations available directly within the campground.

Programs & ActivitiesEducational programs include tours of the nearby National Fish Hatchery and Garrison Dam Power Plant. The amphitheater hosts interpretive programs and outdoor movies during peak camping weekends.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

14 nights maximum per stay within a rolling 30-day period.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Only one camping unit (RV/tent) is allowed per campsite
doubling up is not permitted.

Groups

Group sites accommodate larger gatherings, but specifics regarding maximum occupancy or vehicles are not detailed.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations are available through Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777.

AccessibilityThe campground offers accessible campsites, drinking water, fishing docks, grills, parking, playgrounds, showers, vault toilets, and flush toilets. However, one user noted mobility difficulties accessing water and the river.

Site SizeSites are generally spacious, with multiple reviews praising the ample room and level pads.

PrivacyPrivacy between sites is limited due to sparse foliage, although some loops provide shade from mature trees.

Total Campsites114 campsites

Recommended SitesLoops 1 and 2 are preferred for better maintenance and cleaner facilities. Loop 3 is less recommended due to complaints about restrooms and mosquitoes.

Best CampsitesSite 049 in Loop 2 gets strong reviews for spaciousness and trail access, though it has no cell service. Loop 2 generally receives better feedback than Loop 3, where restroom maintenance is inconsistent. Multiple campers note that sites throughout the campground offer ample room and level pads.

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Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

The Downstream Campground is known for its extensive range of amenities provided across three loops featuring 98 electrical sites offering either 50/30/20 amp service or 30/20 amp service, as well as one loop dedicated to primitive camping with 16 sites. Every campsite is equipped with picnic tables and grills. Additional facilities include flush toilets, vault toilets, showers, drinking water, a fill and dump station, paved roads, paved sites, playgrounds, volleyball courts, and horseshoe pits. User reviews provide varied insights into the amenities. While some praise the campground for its cleanliness and well-maintained facilities, others express dissatisfaction particularly with the bathrooms and showers in Loop 3, citing issues such as clogged drains, lack of soap, and poor cleaning schedules.

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Campground guests enjoy a variety of recreational options such as hiking, bird watching, fishing, boating, biking, and wildlife viewing. Specific opportunities include trails connecting to the National Fish Hatchery and trout fishing pond, outdoor movies and interpretive programs at the amphitheater, and hunting at the nearby Riverdale State Wildlife Management Area. Some reviews express concerns over seasonal pests like mosquitoes and flies that impact outdoor activities.

Hiking

Fishing

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Cultural and Educational Programs

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Trash & RecyclingTrash collection is available, but some reviews criticize delays in garbage pickup, especially after busy weekends. Recycling facilities are not explicitly mentioned.

Cell CoverageCell phone service availability is generally positive, although one review specifically mentions no service at campsite 049 in Loop 2. Several campers noted using their phones as hotspots for streaming movies.

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

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.2

339 reviews

Satisfactory

Downstream Campground (Nd) is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews of Downstream Campground reflect a mix of positive and negative sentiments. Common praises include cleanliness, spacious sites, and excellent recreational offerings. However, some campers report dissatisfaction with pest control, inconsistent bathroom maintenance, and intrusive host behavior in certain loops.

Review Summaries

Based on 339 reviews

What Campers Love

Reviewers frequently highlight the campground's clean and spacious sites, well-maintained trails, and a family-friendly atmosphere. Attractions like the National Fish Hatchery and Garrison Dam Power...

Based on 339 reviews

Common Concerns

Negative feedback includes severe mosquito and fly infestations, delayed garbage collection, and poorly maintained bathrooms in Loop 3. Several reviews mention intrusive host behavior and inadequate...

Based on 339 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Campsite 097 in Loop 3 is frequently mentioned, with mixed reviews about cleanliness and pest control. Loop 2 sites consistently receive better reviews for maintenance and proximity to playgrounds...

Based on 339 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend visiting during mosquito-free seasons and bringing bug spray. Many suggest using facilities in Loop 2 for cleaner bathrooms and showers. Guests also advise early check-ins if...

Based on 339 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews frequently mention mosquito and fly infestations that limit outdoor activities. Winter offers cross-country skiing and bow hunting but lacks availability of certain amenities. Spring...

Based on 339 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. "The campground is beautiful. The river and lake are amazing. The cost is fair and comparable to similar places." - Jessica H. 2. "Mosquitos were terrible making the walking path next to the river...

Based on 339 reviews

Accessibility Features

Campers with mobility challenges report difficulty accessing water spigots and the Missouri River. Loop 2 is often recommended for better facilities.

Based on 339 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are welcomed, with many trails and grassy areas available for walking dogs. Some reviews note issues with pet waste near playgrounds and emphasize the importance of responsible pet ownership.

Based on 339 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want spacious sites near Garrison Dam with fishing, hiking, and family-friendly amenities at a budget-friendly rate.

Skip if

You're visiting in summer and can't tolerate mosquitoes or need consistently spotless facilities across all loops.

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U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS, GARRISON PROJECT OFFICE, P.O. BOX 527, RIVERDALE, ND, 58565, USA

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U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS, GARRISON PROJECT OFFICE, P.O. BOX 527, RIVERDALE, ND, 58565-0527, USA

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Campgrounds

Sakakawea Lake

Downstream Campground (Nd)

About Sakakawea Lake

Context for the broader area surrounding Downstream Campground (Nd), sourced from the federal Recreation.gov rec-area record.

Garrison Dam, ND is located 75 miles northwest of Bismarck on the Missouri River. Lake Sakakawea is 178 miles long with 1,340 miles of shoreline and extends from Riverdale to Trenton. There are 35 recreation areas around Lake Sakakawea offering outdoor recreation opportunities such as camping, boating, fishing, sailing and hunting. The lake is an important resting stop for whooping cranes and a nesting area for the least tern and piping plover.

Directions

From Bismarck, ND, 70 miles north via US 83 and ND 200.