Downstream Campground (Nd)
Sakakawea Lake — lakeside, fishing, hiking
Location: RIVERDALE, ND, ND
Price: From $16 per night
Price range: $16–$26 per night
Rating: 4.4 out of 5 (300 reviews)
Season: May through October
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.
Cell coverage (FCC estimate): strong signal. Actual signal may vary in remote areas. Best carrier: T-Mobile. Verizon 4G: 100%. AT&T 4G: 100%. T-Mobile 4G: 100%.
Amenities: Fire Rings, Picnic Tables, Vault Toilets, Drinking Water, Showers, Dump Station, Electric Hookups, Fishing
Availability alerts: Set a free cancellation alert at camperwatch.org/campground/downstream-campground-nd to be notified when sites open up.
Downstream Campground offers 111 sites along the Missouri River below Garrison Dam with excellent amenities including showers, dump station, and electric hookups at select sites. Campers consistently praise the large level sites, clean facilities, and scenic river views.
Wildlife alert: Moose, White-tailed Deer, Thirteen-lined Ground Squirrel, Bohemian Waxwing, Northern Pintail, American Black Duck, and Red Crossbill are verified in the area.
Insider tips for Downstream Campground (Nd): Book early — this is a popular federal campground Request Loop 3 sites like #70 for large, level spots with river views Arrive Thursday for first-come-first-serve availability if not pre-booked
Skip Downstream Campground (Nd) if: You need full RV hookups — most sites have no hookups, suitable only for self-contained RVs. You need camping outside May-October — seasonal operations only. You require winter camping — facility closes after October.
Best time to visit Downstream Campground (Nd): May-October — Campground operates seasonally May through October; August reviews mention comfortable camping conditions.
Nearby campgrounds: Wolf Creek Campground (Nd) (RIVERDALE, ND), East Totten Trail Campground (Nd) (RIVERDALE, ND).
Cell Phone Coverage at Downstream Campground (Nd)
Cell signal at Downstream Campground (Nd) (RIVERDALE, ND): strong overall signal based on FCC broadband data. Best carrier: T-Mobile.
- Verizon 4G LTE: 100% coverage · Verizon 5G: 100%
- AT&T 4G LTE: 100% coverage · AT&T 5G: 100%
- T-Mobile 4G LTE: 100% coverage · T-Mobile 5G: 100%
Coverage data source: FCC Broadband Data Collection (BDC). Actual signal may vary due to terrain, tree cover, and distance from towers. Camper reports are more reliable than coverage maps in remote areas.
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.
Verified facts
RIDB / Recreation.gov official databaseAmenities
RIDB /facilities /campsites · owner-verifiedStraight talk
CamperWatch intel · curated from camper reportsKnown issues, each with the workaround. Read before you book.
Insider tips & when to go
CamperWatch intel · hand-curated entryBook early
this is a popular federal campground
Request Loop 3 sites like #70 for large, level spots with river views
Arrive Thursday for first-come-first-serve availability if not pre-booked
Campground operates seasonally May through October; August reviews mention comfortable camping conditions
Things to do nearby
RIDB /activities /recareas + intelConditions today
LiveCell signal
FCC BDC · quarterly datasetFCC maps are theoretical — camper reports confirm signal. Best carrier: T-Mobile.
Wildlife nearby
iNaturalist · research-grade · 8 kmLocation
Leaflet · OpenStreetMap tiles
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 i
Campground entrance
Google Maps APICommunity
#community · posts, photos & Q&A · AI-moderated (Claude Vision)Pro tips
- Book on recreation.gov exactly 6 months ahead at 10am ET — Sakakawea Lake fills fast in peak season.
- Check current road conditions at Sakakawea Lake before arrival — seasonal closures common.
Frequently asked questions
RIDB facts + intel · FAQPage schema, speakableHow much does Downstream Campground (Nd) cost per night?+
What season is Downstream Campground (Nd) open?+
Does Downstream Campground (Nd) have hookups?+
What is the maximum RV length at Downstream Campground (Nd)?+
How do I make reservations at Downstream Campground (Nd)?+
What is the cell service like at Downstream Campground (Nd)?+
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Official resources
●Data sources on this page
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