From the giant shores of Lake Sakakawea to the wooded Turtle Mountains, North Dakota’s lakes are ringed with state parks, Corps of Engineers campgrounds and recreation areas – making a lakeside camping trip easy across the state. This guide rounds up the best North Dakota lakes for camping, with notes on state parks, RV hookups and tent sites. Each links to our full lake guide. This page is part of our North Dakota Lakes Database.
The best North Dakota lakes for camping
- Lake Sakakawea. The state’s giant offers the most lakeside camping anywhere in North Dakota – Lake Sakakawea State Park, Fort Stevenson State Park and numerous Corps recreation areas provide modern campgrounds, marinas and boat ramps for walleye anglers.
- Lake Metigoshe. Tucked in the wooded Turtle Mountains, Lake Metigoshe State Park is a classic North Dakota camping destination, with shaded sites, cabins, trails and a swimming beach.
- Devils Lake. Grahams Island State Park juts into this famous walleye lake, offering a big campground, cabins, a marina and easy access to the state’s best perch and walleye fishing.
- Lake Ashtabula. This long Sheyenne River reservoir has a string of Corps campgrounds (including Ashtabula Crossing and Sibley) with RV and tent sites, beaches and boat ramps.
- Lake Tschida. A popular south-central reservoir with Corps and county campgrounds around its shoreline, busy with anglers and boaters all summer.
- Lake Audubon. Connected to Sakakawea, Audubon has recreation-area campgrounds and is a favorite for walleye and northern pike close to the interstate.
- Lake Oahe. The huge Missouri River reservoir below Bismarck offers lakeside camping at recreation areas like Beaver Creek, with trophy walleye and salmon fishing.
- Bowman-Haley Lake. A quiet southwestern reservoir with a simple Corps campground, good for anglers seeking solitude.
Other lakes with camping nearby include Lake Isabel and Nelson Lake.
Planning a North Dakota lake camping trip
Most developed lake camping is at state parks (Lake Sakakawea, Fort Stevenson, Lake Metigoshe, Grahams Island) and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers recreation areas around the big Missouri River system reservoirs. State parks offer modern sites with electric hookups, cabins, showers and beaches, and most can be reserved in advance; Corps and county areas range from full-service to primitive. Summer weekends fill fast, so book early. A North Dakota fishing license is required if you plan to fish.
Frequently asked questions
Which North Dakota lake is best for camping?
Lake Sakakawea offers the most options, with multiple state parks and Corps campgrounds. Lake Metigoshe State Park in the Turtle Mountains and Grahams Island State Park on Devils Lake are also top choices.
Are there cabins at North Dakota lakes?
Yes – several state parks, including Lake Metigoshe and Grahams Island (Devils Lake), offer cabins in addition to campsites.
Can you camp on Lake Sakakawea?
Yes – Lake Sakakawea State Park, Fort Stevenson State Park and numerous Corps of Engineers recreation areas provide campgrounds, marinas and boat ramps around the lake.
Related: see the largest lakes in North Dakota, the best lakes in North Dakota, or head back to the North Dakota Lakes Database.
