Stretching across a vast area of around 1,292 acres, Lake Sakakawea State Park lies on the southern shore of Lake Sakakawea in Mercer County, North Dakota. Lake Sakakawea is the third largest man-made reservoir in the nation. It is a famous camping spot with 249 campsites and lake access with two boat ramps and a full-service marina. It offers a perfect place to enjoy and explore water-based activities like swimming, fishing, and boating.
Guests can enjoy lake-facing sites with mesmerizing views of the sunrise and sunsets over the calm and clear lake waters. Guests can visit the surrounding fish hatcheries, spend time at the beach area, experience camping in the trees, or enjoy hiking on the trails. It is a perfect place for sail boaters and windsurfers who get the opportunity to enjoy the refreshing wind on this vast lake.
Locals and visitors alike love Lake Sakakawea State Park for its premier fishing opportunities where anglers can get catch large-sized Walleye, Northern Pike and Chinook Salmon. More experienced anglers can go salmon fishing on boats to catch game-size salmon in the deeper lake waters. The park also offers a full-service marina, a convenience store and a fish cleaning station for anglers and campers alike.
Lake Sakakawea State Park is located on the shore of Lake Sakakawea in Mercer County, North Dakota adjacent to Garrison Dam which is one mile north of Pick City. It is spread across an area of 1,293 acres and accessible from many routes. The roads leading to the park are wide and once inside park grounds paved and gravel roads lead to the various campsites, park office, park store and various facilities. The boat launch area and campsites are large enough to accommodate RVs, motor homes, 5th wheels, trailers and small boats with both concrete and gravel sites available.
Lake Sakakawea State Park has over 200 campsites in total which include 153 modern campsites with electricity and water hookups, 10 group campsites and 42 primitive campsites for a more rugged camping experience. Some campsites can only be reserved while some are available on a first-come-first-serve basis. Different campsites have different perks with some offering amazing views of the marina while others offer amenities like electric and water hookups and nearby shower and washroom facilities. Picnic tables and fire rings are attached to each site. It is a pet-friendly campground as long as your pets are on a leash. In non-hookup sites, potable water and threaded faucets are provided along with nearby vault toilets. It is a well-maintained campground with regularly cut grass and proper roads. Security is also good, with Rangers patrolling frequently to ensure everything is in order.
Lake Sakakawea State Park have seasonal cabins that are facilitated with air-conditioner and small refrigerator and can accommodate up to five people. This park offers RV and camping enthusiast every amenity and facility to ensure an enjoyable and comfortable stay enveloped in natures beauty.
The park hosts many multi-use trails which are perfect for hiking, biking, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. The western terminus of the famous North Country National Scenic Trail that crosses seven states lies in Lake Sakakawea State Park. It is one of the longest hiking trails of the US, stretching for more than 4,600 miles. The shoreline trail is the longest trail inside the park and transverses the entire length of the shoreline. The shortest loop in the park is Whitetail Loop. Lake Sakakawea State Park offers a hiking experience like no other for both beginner and seasoned hikers.
Lake Sakakawea State Park offers some of the most amazing views of nature and is a heaven for nature lovers. The prairie near the North Country Trail offers a myriad of flowers and pollinators of many varieties and species. The Shoreline trail ends with the calm views of shorebirds and waterfowls, while the Whitetail loop winds through a variety of mature elm, juneberry, ash, and buffaloberry tree species. Enjoy the beauty by stopping on these scenic points and connect with nature.
Lake Sakakawea offers a wonderful experience to anglers and boaters alike with a two large boat launch area and a vast shoreline of over 180 miles containing many secluded spots for fishing and wildlife watching. Boating is allowed year-round with easily accessible points around the lake and anglers can enjoy catching large-sized Walleye, Northern Pike and Chinook Salmon in the deeper lake waters.
Lake Sakakawea Marina is situated at an elevation with a concrete breakwater for protection that is accessible by foot. There are a number of facilities available at the Marina including a convenience store, a gas dock, pump-out service, boat, and camper storage. 74 slips of various lengths are available for seasonal rent. The marina store is famous for its hand-dipped ice cream, cold beverages, pizza, clothing, camping gear, and other products. Visitors can have access to Wi-Fi within the store and nearby dock areas.
There are two small shelters without electricity on the Lake Sakakawea State Park that can accommodate 30-40 people. There is also a large shelter with electricity and lights where up to 300 people can stay. If you are looking at renting a campsite for a large group, make sure you contact the park for the availability of rental equipment. Picnic areas and shelters are equipped with grills, fire pits, horseshoe pits, and are located close to vault toilets and dump stations. There are two playgrounds located in the park, where children can enjoy rides and little games, making there camping trip fun and exciting.
The Lake Sakakawea State Park is recognized for hosting a number of places that are of interest to visitors including Garrison Dam, Fish Hatchery, Audubon National Wildlife Refuge, Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site, Coal Mine & Power Plant Tour, Golfing and Lewis, and Clark Visitor Center. If you are on a day visit, you must visit the fish hatchery and these surrounding points of interest.
