Downstream Campground (Nd)

4.4·162 reviews
·Sakakawea Lake

Overview

The Downstream Campground is located on the East bank of the Missouri River below the Garrison Dam, which forms Lake Sakakawea. The area offers a wide variety of recreational activities, including boating, fishing, hiking, mountain biking, sailing, scuba diving, bird watching, and hunting. In the winter time the area offers a cross country ski trails and bow hunting opportunities.

Great Facilities and Amenities

  • Campfire Allowed

    (All campsites have Campfire Allowed)

  • Checkin Time

    (All campsites have Checkin Time)

  • Checkout Time

    (All campsites have Checkout Time)

  • Driveway Entry

    (95 of 111 campsites have Driveway Entry)

  • Firepit

    (All campsites have Firepit)

  • Max Num Of People

    (Up to 8)

  • Max Num Of Vehicles

    (Up to 2)

  • Pets Allowed

    (All campsites have Pets Allowed)

  • Picnic Table

    (All campsites have Picnic Table)

  • Shade

    (All campsites have Shade)

  • Site Access

    (All campsites have Site Acceses)

Natural Features

Trout Pond at Downstream Campground Hiking Trail - Credits: USACE
Picnic Site at Downstream Campground along hiking trail - Credits: USACE
One of many comfort station/shower buildings in the Downstream Campground - Credits: USACE
Downstream Campground Hiking Trail leading to Fish and Wildlife Service Fish Hatchery - Credits: USACE
The campground is located in a beautiful nautral cottonwood forest and is situated along the Missouri River with open grassy areas. Walk along the sand dunes along the Missouri River or the miles of walking trails leading to the National Fish Hatchery and trout fishing pond.

Recreation

Garrsion Dam and Lake Sakakawea Aerial Photo - Credits: USACE

The Missouri River and Lake Sakakawea offers excellent boating, fishing, and hunting opportunities.

Several state record fish have been caught down below the Garrison Dam on the Missouri River Tailrace and in Lake Sakakawea. Anglers fish for walleye, sauger, northern pike, bass, bluegill, crappie, cutthroat trout, rainbow trout, brown trout, white bass, large mouth and small mouth bass. Chinook salmon can be also found in the lake, the only body of water in the state with this species. The best catfishing around is found directly below Garrison Dam on the Missouri River.

Younger visitors love the three playgrounds in the campground, while the volleyball courts and horseshoe pits are enjoyed by campers of all ages. There is an amphiteater located in the campground which offers events for families with kids. Saturday nights usually show a outdoor movie and offer games or ranger staff to provide a interpretive program. The nearby trout fishing pond has a fishing pier for easy access along miles of hiking and biking trails leading to the National Fish Hatchery for hours of family filled fun!

The Riverdale State Wildlife Management Area is also located directly across the campground and offers great hunting opportunities, its 2,250 wooded acres are open to hunting for deer, pheasants, sharp-tail grouse, cottontail rabbits, and tree squirrels during open seasons.

Permitted Equipment

  • rv-Up to 75ft

  • boat-N/A

  • tent-Up to 75ft

  • trailer-Up to 75ft

  • vehicle-N/A

  • 5th wheel-N/A

  • camper van-N/A

  • pickup camper-N/A

  • pop up camper-N/A

Nearby Attractions

Additional Information