Lake Sakakawea State Park RV & Campground Guide
North Dakota
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Enjoy playing on the water at Lake Sakakawea State Park near Pick City, North Dakota. This lake is the third-largest artificial lake in the United States. The park is located at the western terminus of the North Country National Scenic Trail, the longest in the national trail system. The city of Garrison, North Dakota is only about 30 miles away and hosts attractions like the Fort Stevenson Guardhouse Interpretive Center, Fort Stevenson State Park, North Dakota Fishing Hall of Fame. In Coleharbor, you can visit the Audubon National Wildlife Refuge.
Spring 18-64 F
Summer 52-82 F
Fall 34-74 F
Winter 4-41 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Lake Sakakawea State Park
There are 149 campsites at Lake Sakakawea State Park that offer electricity and water hookups. In addition, 10 campsites can accommodate multiple campers. This park is also home to 42 primitive camping spots. Many campsites are located near the lake, making it easy to go shore fishing. Most of the campsites are arranged along two loops.
What to Do at
Lake Sakakawea State Park
Lake Sakakawea State Park is a terrific place to go boating, and pontoon boats are available to rent at the park's marina. The lake's swimming beach is also a fantastic place to cool off on a hot summer day. Winds are often favorable for windsurfing and sailing. This park's gently rolling hills are beautiful places to go hiking. End your day with an ice cream cone and souvenir shopping at the marina.
Fishing
Many anglers head to Lake Sakakawea State Park in the fall to fish for Chinook salmon. Even in the winter, anglers often catch northern pike, sauger, walleye and smallmouth bass in the park. This lake produces some of the largest walleyes in the country.
Nature Watching
Visitors to Lake Sakakawea State Park often see a variety of wildlife in the wooded draws and across the rolling prairies, including white-tailed deer, raccoons, foxes and coyotes. Various birds live in the park, including yellow warblers, catbirds, rufus tohees and pheasants.
Flora and Fauna
The section of the North Country Trail running through Lake Sakakawea State Park is stunning when the prairie roses, yellow yarrow, and wild blue flax bloom in the spring. Spring is also a fabulous time to hike along the Whitetail Loop to see elm, juneberry, ash and buffaloberry trees.
Hiking
The longest trail at Lake Sakakawea State Park is the Shoreline Trail, which meanders along the lake's shore. You will love seeing the stark contrast between the red volcanic rocks, called scoria, and the black coal veins. As you hike along this trail, you will likely see many waterfowl species.
Boating
There are two boat launches at Lake Sakakawea State Park. The one on the park's west side has multiple lanes, while the one on the east side has a single lane. There is designated parking, a vault toilet, a fish cleaning station and a floating gas pump near both locations. Over 70 slips are available for seasonal rental at the marina.
Swimming
The swimming beach at the park's south side, near the primitive campground, is an excellent place to swim. The beach is open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. There is no lifeguard on duty, so swim at your own risk.
Biking
There are 8 miles of mountain bike trails at Lake Sakakawea State Park. A favorite option is the Overlook Trail, which begins near the Visitor Center. The trail runs to the east, offering beautiful lake views along the way. You will also adore the view of Garrison Dam from this trail's end.
How to Get to
Lake Sakakawea State Park
Getting to Lake Sakakawea State Park from Pick City, North Dakota, is easy. Start by heading west on North Dakota 200. Turn right on 45th Avenue Northwest. Turn right on 7th Avenue Northwest. This road becomes 44th Avenue Northwest and Sioux Drive, but continue to follow it until you see the park.
Entering Lake Sakakawea State Park
This park is open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, but some facilities, like the marina, are only available from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Multiple parking lots are available throughout the park.
Lake Sakakawea State Park Entry Fee : $7.0
Frequently Asked Questions About Lake Sakakawea State Park
Summer is a terrific time to visit Lake Sakakawea State Park since it's the ideal time to go swimming, boating, fishing, biking and hiking.
Visitors may see deer, rabbits, coyotes, foxes and raccoons at Lake Sakakawea State Park. Visitors often spot various birds, especially on the park's east end.
There are almost 200 camping spots at Lake Sakakawea State Park. Consider camping in one of the 149 campsites offering electric and water hookups.
While you may not always need a reservation to camp at Lake Sakakawea State Park, they are highly recommended and can be made online or by calling the park's office up to 95 days ahead of time. Primitive camping spots start at $17 per night, while sites with hookups start at $25 nightly.
Well-behaved pets on a leash are welcome to explore Lake Sakakawea State Park with you. They cannot be on the swimming beach.