Lewis and Clark State Park RV & Campground Guide
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Lewis and Clark State Park is located on one of the upper bays of Lake Sakakawea, 19 miles east of Williston, North Dakota. It covers an area measuring 490 acres and features miles of shoreline with picturesque views of towering buttes and rolling hills. The state park is also home to the largest native mixed-grass prairie of any North Dakota State Park, making it a perfect habitat for wildlife such as white-tailed deer, mule deer, ring-necked pheasant, porcupine, sharp-tailed grouse and chipmunks.
With its modern boating facilities, swimming beach, over 80-site campground, and eight miles of multi-use trails, the state park is also a popular destination for a wide range of recreational activities. Due to North Dakota’s location in the Upper Midwest, the region experiences some of the widest variety of weather in the United States. Summer can bring balmy temperatures of 85°F, while winter can drop to a freezing 0°F. If you’re planning a visit to this state park, you certainly need to come prepared! Keep reading to find out all you need to know about this region, including campgrounds, in-park activities, how to get here, and more.
Spring 18°F - 68°F
Summer 51°F - 85°F
Fall 17°F - 72°F
Winter 0°F - 27°F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Lewis and Clark State Park
If you’re planning on camping in or near the state park, you may as well do so in comfort. RVs offer a lot more space than your average tent, plus they can come equipped with a comfortable bed, functioning kitchen, and private bathroom. If you don’t own one, you can rent an RV fromRVshare.com to suit your budget or needs. All rentals come with nationwide insurance, 24/7 roadside assistance, and a world-class team dedicated to helping you succeed.
The state park contains 41 campsites with full hookups, 47 campsites with water and electricity, eight primitive campsites, and five group campsites. There are also showers, toilets, and a dump station provided. Nightly rates start at $17.
If you’re looking to stay outside of the Lewis and Clark State Park, then you’re also in luck. Here are just three of our top recommendations below.
Buffalo Trails Campground
Buffalo Trails Campground is just over a 30-minute drive from the state park and offers 79 sites, many containing full hookups. It operates from May 1st to October 15th and provides a range of amenities to ensure you and your family have a comfortable stay.
Water hookup: yes
Electrical hookup: yes
Sewer hookup: yes
Wifi: yes
Pet-friendly: yes
Other amenities: showers, laundry, groceries, RV supplies, dump station, ice.
Big Country RV Park
Big Country RV Park is another place within the vicinity of the state park, and it offers a quiet retreat for travelers. They pride themselves of providing all of the comforts of home and have on-site management and maintenance staff 24/7. Nightly rate is $35.
Water hookup: yes
Electrical hookup: yes
Sewer hookup: yes
Wifi: yes
Pet-friendly: yes
Other amenities: showers, restrooms, laundry facilities, storage units for rent.
The Links of North Dakota RV Park
If you’re hoping to combine your love of golf with your love of RVing, then you’ll be pleased to hearThe Links of North Dakota RV Park is less than 20 minutes away. It offers 20 spacious RV sites with pull-through parking, as well as much-needed amenities such as electric hookups and a dump station. The daily rate is $30.
Water hookup: yes
Electrical hookup: yes
Sewer hookup: no
Wifi: yes
Pet-friendly: yes
Other amenities: restrooms, laundry facilities, dump station.
What to Do at
Lewis and Clark State Park
Inside Lewis and Clark State Park
Whether you’re hoping to enjoy recreational activities such as hiking, boating, swimming, fishing, kayaking, or more – there’s something to keep every type of traveler entertained at Lewis and Clark State Park.
Hiking : The state park has more than eight miles of multi-use, non-motorized trails, making it the perfect place to explore on foot. There’s a self-guided nature trail, as well as the North Trail System, South Trail System, and Shoreline Trail. View the trail maphere.
Boating : Modern boating facilities, including a marina with slip rentals and boat ramps, give boats access to the northern tip of enormous Lake Sakakawea. The ramp is located on the east side of the park, close to designated parking, restrooms, a fishing cleaning station, and more.
Swimming : Visitors can also enjoy the swimming area and a day-use beach located along the east shore of the campground near the camping cabins. It’s the perfect place to cool-down during summer.
Fishing : Lake Sakakawea offers excellent fishing, giving anglers a chance to catch species such as walleye, sauger and northern pike. Two rare fish species, the pallid sturgeon and the prehistoric-looking paddlefish, can occasionally be found in the lake's western reaches.
Kayaking and canoeing : During summer, canoes and kayaks can be rented from the marina.
Outside Lewis and Clark State Park
If you thought Lewis and Clark State Park has lots on offer, then you’re going to be delighted by just how many experiences are available to you outside of the park in the surrounding area, including stunning sightseeing opportunities, award-winning restaurants, and more.
Restaurants
Applebee's Grill + Bar
Applebee’s is a full-service chain bar and restaurant serving hearty American meals such as steak, seafood, pasta, salad, burgers, and so much more. There’s also a kid’s menu, as well as happy hour specials, and delicious desserts.
Type: American bar / restaurant
Location: Williston, ND
Basil | Sushi Bar and Asian Bistro
From its creative sushi rolls, to its popular sake drinks and wide variety of Asian entrees –Basil is a wonderful fusion restaurant that has been voted into the top five restaurants in North Dakota five years in a row.
Type: Sushi / Asian
Location: Williston, ND
Don Pedro's Family Mexican
For authentic Mexican dishes in a fun, family-friendly environment,Don Pedro's Family Mexican is a must-visit. They serve Mexican favorites that you love, whilst putting their own family's spin on them.
Type: Mexican
Location: Williston, ND
Sightseeing
Spring Lake Park
Just over a half-hour drive from the state park isSpring Lake Park, which offers children's facilities, a dog park, maze, direct access to the lake, and more. It’s the perfect place to spend a few hours if you feel like a change in scenery.
Location: Williston, ND
Lewis & Clark Trail Museum
Celebrate the region further with a visit to theLewis & Clark Trail Museum, just under an hour from the state park. There’s a number of interesting showcases and displays, as well as an on-site coffee shop and country store.
Location: Alexander, ND
Fairview Lift Bridge/Tunnel
Thisbridge (along with its sister bridge at Snowden, MT) was constructed as part of an ambitious plan by Great Northern Railroad for its never-completed Montana Eastern Railway. It stretches 1,320 feet across the Yellowstone River and adjoins the only tunnel in North Dakota.
Location: Cartwright, ND
How to Get to
Lewis and Clark State Park
The state park is located 19 miles south-east of Williston on North Dakota Highway 1804. Turn right onto 119th Rd NW and your destination will be on the right.
Entering Lewis and Clark State Park
All vehicles entering the state park must purchase a daily vehicle permit for $7.
If you’re planning a trip to Lewis and Clark State Park, you’re in for a treat! Once you’ve finished exploring all that the park has to offer, check out the incredible opportunities waiting for you outside of its gates. During or after your stay, we encourage you to tag us in any of your social media posts, or why not share your photos and experience with us at [email protected]? We may even feature your story on our blog or social media channels. Happy camping!
Frequently Asked Questions About Lewis and Clark State Park
The climate of Lewis and Clark State Park varies widely by season. Winters are quite cold with lows in the single digits. Summers tend to be mild, though temperatures often break into the 90s. The area gets from 10 to 12 inches of rain each year.
The mixed-grass prairie of Lewis and Clark State Park is a perfect habitat for many wildlife species. During your visit, you might spot white-tailed deer, mule deer, porcupine, chipmunks, ring-necked pheasant, and sharp-tailed grouse.
The summer months are usually the best time of year to visit Lewis and Clark State Park. Between June and August, the weather should be warm and comfortable for activities like hiking, boating, fishing, and swimming.
The campground within the state park features 101 total campsites. There are 41 campsites with full RV hookups and 47 campsites with hookups for water and electricity. Showers, toilets, and a dump station are also provided.
Visitors may bring their pets along to Lewis and Clark State Park. However, they must always be leashed, kept under control, and cleaned up after. There's even a dog park on the premises.