
114
Total Campsites
Campground
—
Reservable Sites
Mostly first-come
—
Accessible
ADA-compliant sites
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Organization
Managing agency
Overview
About Downstream Campground (ND)
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. For more information, please visit the Garrision Dam & Lake Sakakawea website here . Recreation 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. Facilities 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. Natural Features 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. Nearby Attractions Garrison Dam National Fish Hatchery is minutes from the campground and is open to the public. A visitor center, complete with five 400-gallon aquariums, provides great opportunities to view the fish of North Dakota in their environment. The Garrison Dam Power Plant offers tours during the months of June, July and the first part of August on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 2pm. Lake Sakakawea State Park Audubon National Wildlife Refuge contact_info For facility specific information, please call (701) 654-7411. Charges & Cancellations Reservation changes and cancellations can be made on Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777. For more information on rules and policies regarding reservation cancellations and changes, please visit: https://www.recreation.gov/rules-reservation-policies .
- 114 total campsites listed.
- Primarily first-come camping based on current listing data.
- Most common site type: unknown (114).
- Map coordinates are available for trip planning.


Our Take
What makes Downstream Campground (ND) special
Perched on the east bank of the Missouri River just below the massive Garrison Dam, Downstream Campground offers front-row access to some of North Dakota's most exciting water recreation. The cold, clear tailwaters flowing from Lake Sakakawea create exceptional conditions for fishing, and the stretch of river here is renowned among anglers targeting walleye, northern pike, and rainbow trout. Scuba divers are drawn to the area's unusual clarity, an unexpected thrill in the northern plains. The landscape is classic western North Dakota: broad skies, open grasslands, and rugged river bluffs that glow amber at sunrise and sunset. Boaters can explore the river or head upstream to Lake Sakakawea itself, one of the largest reservoirs in the United States, where miles of shoreline and deep bays await. The campground sits in a sheltered riverside setting with cottonwood shade and direct water access. Summer is peak season, with long daylight hours and warm temperatures ideal for every type of water activity. Early fall brings fewer crowds and excellent fishing as the river cools. Downstream Campground is tailor-made for serious anglers, adventurous boaters, and anyone intrigued by the wild beauty of the northern Great Plains. Its proximity to Riverdale and the Garrison Dam National Fish Hatchery adds even more reasons to extend your stay.
Campsite Inventory
114 sites to choose from
Unknown
0
Reservable
0
Accessible
Amenities & Details
Everything you need to know
ACCESSIBLE CAMPSITES
Accessible Campsites
Accessibility
Yes
CAMPFIRE RINGS
Campfire Rings
CELL PHONE SERVICE
Cell Phone Service
Campfire Allowed
Yes
Site capacity
Single
Check-in time
4:00 PM
Check-out time
3:00 PM
Condition Rating
Prime
Driveway entry
Back-In
Driveway surface
Paved
ELECTRIC HOOKUPS
Electric Hookups
Electricity Hookup
30 amp, 50 amp
Fire Pit
Fire Pit, Yes
Location Rating
Prime
Max guests
8
Max vehicle length (ft)
40, 42, 43, 44
Minimum guests
Yes
Reservations & Contact
Plan your stay
Phone
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.
Getting There
From 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 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 bottom intersection of the dam, turn left and go 1/4 mile east, then turn right onto the campground access road.
FAQ
Common questions
Everything you need to know before your trip to Downstream Campground (ND).
How do reservations work for Downstream Campground (ND)?
Reservation availability for Downstream Campground (ND) can vary by season and campsite type. Check the contact and access section before booking.
What campsite types are available at Downstream Campground (ND)?
Downstream Campground (ND) currently lists Unknown (114).
Where is Downstream Campground (ND) located?
Downstream Campground (ND) is in North Dakota near RIVERDALE. Coordinates: 47.4822, -101.4261.
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