North Dakota / McLean County

Downstream Campground

Closed — Closed for the season. Typically operates from mid-May through mid-September. Reservations available through Recreation.gov.

About

Downstream Campground is a US Army Corps of Engineers facility located on the east bank of the Missouri River directly below Garrison Dam, which forms Lake Sakakawea. Set within a beautiful natural cottonwood forest with open grassy areas and sand dunes along the river, the campground offers four spacious loops with paved roads and campsites. Three loops contain 98 electric sites with either 50/30/20 amp or 30/20 amp service, while one loop offers 16 primitive campsites. All sites include picnic tables and grills. The Missouri River below Garrison Dam is renowned for exceptional fishing opportunities. Anglers pursue walleye, sauger, northern pike, bass, bluegill, crappie, cutthroat trout, rainbow trout, brown trout, and white bass. The tailrace below the dam is considered the best catfishing location in the area, and Lake Sakakawea is the only body of water in North Dakota containing Chinook salmon. Several state record fish have been caught in these waters. Family amenities include three playgrounds, an amphitheater with Saturday evening movies and interpretive programs, volleyball courts, and horseshoe pits. Miles of hiking and biking trails connect the campground to the Garrison Dam National Fish Hatchery and a trout fishing pond with an accessible fishing pier. The adjacent 2,250-acre Riverdale State Wildlife Management Area offers hunting for deer, pheasants, sharp-tailed grouse, cottontail rabbits, and tree squirrels. Winter activities include cross-country skiing trails and bow hunting opportunities.

Directions

From Bismarck, 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 the bottom intersection of the dam, turn left and go 1/4 mile east, then turn right onto the campground access road. From Minot, take Highway 83 south and turn right onto Highway 48. At the intersection, turn right onto Highway 200 west toward Riverdale. After crossing the Spillway Bridge, take a left on Tow Road. At the bottom intersection of the dam, turn left and go 1/4 mile east, then turn right onto the campground access road.

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