Coleharbor, North Dakota · McLean County · Campground
Overview 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 t…
Overview 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. For more information, please visit the Garrision Dam & Lake Sakakawea website here . Recreation The Missouri River and Lake Sakakawea offers excellent boating, fishing, and hunting opportunities. Several state record fish have been caught down below the Garrison Dam on the Missouri River Tailrace and in Lake Sakakawea. Anglers fish for walleye, sauger, northern pike, bass, bluegill, crappie, cutthroat trout, rainbow trout, brown trout, white bass, large mouth and small mouth bass. Chinook salmon can be also found in the lake, the only body of water in the state with this species. The best catfishing around is found directly below Garrison Dam on the Missouri River. Younger visitors love the three playgrounds in the campground, while the volleyball courts and horseshoe pits are enjoyed by campers of all ages. There is an amphiteater located in the campground which offers events for families with kids. Saturday nights usually show a outdoor movie and offer games or ranger staff to provide a interpretive program. The nearby trout fishing pond has a fishing pier for easy access along miles of hiking and biking trails leading to the National Fish Hatchery for hours of family filled fun! The Riverdale State Wildlife Management Area is also located directly across the campground and offers great hunting opportunities, its 2,250 wooded acres are open to hunting for deer, pheasants, sharp-tail grouse, cottontail rabbits, and tree squirrels during open seasons. Facilities The campground consists of three loops with 98 electrical sites with either a 50/30/20 amp or 30/20 amp service and one
Photos
Loop 4 Downstream Campground Shelter along the Missouri River — USACEOne of many comfort station/shower buildings in the Downstream Campground — USACETrout Pond at Downstream Campground Hiking Trail — USACEHorseshoe Pits at the Downstream Campground — USACEAmphitheater for interpretive programs and outdoor movies — USACEVolleyball Court at the Downstream Campground — USACEPicnic Site at Downstream Campground along hiking trail — USACEMissouri River Shoreline at the Downstream Campground — USACEDownstream Campground Hiking Trail leading to Fish and Wildlife Service Fish Hatchery — USACEGeneral Downstream Campground Image — USACE
How to Get 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 intersection of the dam, turn left and go 1/4 mile east, then turn right onto the campground access road.
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to Downstream Campground (ND)
Heading to Downstream Campground (ND)? A few things to know before you go:
Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Downstream Campground (ND)?
No central reservation system listed for Downstream Campground (ND). Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/233490) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How many campsites are at Downstream Campground (ND)?
Downstream Campground (ND) has 114 campsites. Site amenities (hookups, vehicle limits, ADA access) vary — see the individual campsite pages for details.
How do I get to Downstream Campground (ND)?
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…
How do I contact Downstream Campground (ND)?
You can reach the park at phone: FOR INFORMATION, PLEASE CALL: FROM MAY 15 - SEPT 15: 701-654-7440; FROM SEPT 16 - MAY 14: 701-654-7411. FOR RESERVATIONS, PLEASE CALL 877-444-6777..
