Bismarck KOA

The Great Outdoors

Lake Sakakawea is one of the largest human-made lakes in the United States and was formed when Garrison Dam was constructed to impede the flow of the Missouri River. Covering 368,000 acres, the lake is known for its premier fishing and is home to walleye, northern pike, and Chinook salmon. The lake is also popular among sailboaters and windsurfers. If you prefer to stay dry, then you’re still in the right place as Lake Sakakawea is located within a state park of the same name. There are over five miles of nature trails within the park, but if you’re in the mood for a longer trail, Lake Sakakawea State Park is the western terminus of the North Country National Scenic Trail, which stretches 4,600 miles to upstate New York. The park also boasts picnic shelters, horseshoe pits, two playgrounds, sand volleyball courts, a swimming beach, and a modern campground. It’s the perfect place for your entire crew when you rent a camper near Bismarck KOA.Just an hour's drive outside of Bismarck in Stanton, the Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site was once home to more than 3,000 Hidatsa and Mandan Indians. When you visit, you’ll see remains of cache pits, earth dwellings, and fortification ditches that are still in great condition. The grounds also feature a museum which houses a full-sized earth lodge, Indian crafts and artifacts, and a short film which will orient visitors with the site and its history. The Knife River Indian Villages site is also where Lewis and Clark obtained the services of Sacagawea and her husband during their expedition out west.Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park in Mandan is both militarily and historically significant. It was the place from which Lieutenant Colonel George Armstrong Custer and his Seventh Cavalry rode out during the ill-fated Battle of the Little Bighorn. While here, you can explore reconstructed military buildings, visit the ancient village site of the Mandan Indians, and learn about the area’s importance. If you’re not in the mood for a history lesson, the state park has over 14 miles of hiking trails, an equestrian camp, a modern campground, picnic shelters, and much more. It’s definitely worth a visit whether you’re a history buff or an outdoor enthusiast camping at Bismarck KOA.

Exploring the City

The North Dakota Heritage Center is located on the North Dakota State Capitol grounds and features artifacts from the Plains Indians as well as displays about the agricultural and military history of the area. The museum’s primary gallery outlines millions of years of North Dakota history, ranging all the way from the age of the dinosaurs to The Great Depression. Learn more about the local area when you book an RV in Burleigh County and visit the North Dakota Heritage Center.Explore the legacy of Lewis and Clark with a visit to the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center. During your time here, you’ll learn about how the explorers interacted with the natives, hear music that the frontiersmen enjoyed, try on a robe made of buffalo hide, and sport a cradleboard much like the one Sacagawea used while helping the explorers complete their mission. Near where the Lewis and Clark Expedition wintered in 1804 and 1805, the interpretive center is an amazing place filled with history and a must-visit when you’re RV camping at Bismarck KOA.If you’re traveling with children in the campervan rental, you might consider a trip to the amusement park in Bismarck. The park has been around since 1967 and features attractions for kids and the young at heart. Enjoy a round of miniature golf or test your skills at the batting cages. Get your heart pumping as you race down the SuperSlide or challenge your friends to a competition on the go-karts. There’s also a carousel, a Ferris wheel, a rock climbing wall, small rollercoasters, bounce houses, and several other attractions.Whether you’re looking to uncover more about the Native American culture, learn about the expeditions of Lewis and Clark, spend some time unwinding outdoors, or something totally different, you are bound to create memories that last a lifetime when you visit North Dakota and camp at Bismarck KOA.