RV Parks In Garrison, North Dakota
47.6522° N, 101.4157° W
Quick Overview
Garrison sits on the north shore of Lake Sakakawea in central North Dakota, and it's one of the top RV camping destinations in the state for anglers and water recreation enthusiasts. With several RV parks and campgrounds in the area and some free options, this small lakeside community offers solid camping infrastructure built around the incredible recreational opportunities that Lake Sakakawea provides. The lake itself is one of the largest man-made reservoirs in North America, stretching over 180 miles along the Missouri River behind the Garrison Dam, and the fishing here -- particularly for walleye, northern pike, and chinook salmon -- draws anglers from across the upper Midwest and beyond throughout the warm-weather months. Garrison is home to the famous North Dakota Fishing Hall of Fame and hosts fishing tournaments that bring serious competitive anglers and their rigs to town during the summer season. The campgrounds around Garrison range from full-hookup private parks on the outskirts of town to public campgrounds and recreation areas right along the lakeshore where you can fish from your campsite and launch your boat from nearby ramps. Full hookups with 30 and 50 amp electrical, water, and sewer are available at the private facilities, and many of the public campgrounds offer electric hookups at a minimum. The Garrison Dam and the Fish Hatchery below it are interesting stops that give you a sense of the massive scale of the Missouri River engineering projects from the mid-20th century. Highway 37 connects Garrison to US-83, which is the main north-south route through central North Dakota, making it accessible from both Bismarck to the south and Minot to the north. If you love fishing, boating, and lakeside camping, Garrison and Lake Sakakawea should be high on your North Dakota camping list. The combination of world-class walleye fishing, scenic lakeshore campgrounds, and the friendly small-town hospitality that Garrison is known for creates a camping experience that keeps anglers and outdoor enthusiasts coming back year after year.
Top Rated Dump Stations in Garrison
No rated stations yet. Be the first to leave a review!
All Dump Stations Near Garrison
| Station Name | Distance | Rating | Category | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sakakawea RV | 0.5 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Stoney Hill RV Park | 1.3 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Sportsmen's Centennial Park | 4.8 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Morning Star Campground | 10.4 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Dakota Waters Resort | 20.6 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Sakakawea Park Campground | 22.9 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Moms Market And Dads RV Park | 23.1 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Antelope Creek RV Park | 25.9 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Hazen City Parks & Recreation | 26.5 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Lewis & Clark RV Park | 27.0 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
Sakakawea RV
0.5 miStoney Hill RV Park
1.3 miSportsmen's Centennial Park
4.8 miMorning Star Campground
10.4 miDakota Waters Resort
20.6 miSakakawea Park Campground
22.9 miMoms Market And Dads RV Park
23.1 miAntelope Creek RV Park
25.9 miHazen City Parks & Recreation
26.5 miLewis & Clark RV Park
27.0 miTraveling to Garrison by RV
Highway 37 is the main route into Garrison from US-83, which runs north-south through central North Dakota connecting Bismarck about 70 miles south and Minot about 50 miles north. From US-83, take Highway 37 west for about 12 miles to reach Garrison and the Lake Sakakawea shoreline. The roads are flat, well-maintained, and handle RVs without any issues. If you're towing a boat, the roads to the public boat ramps are paved and in good condition, though some of the marina access roads can be steep near the lake level -- check with local campground operators for the best launch points for your specific setup. Fuel is available in Garrison at stations along the main highway through town, and you should fill up here if you're planning to explore the more remote areas along the lake where services are sparse. For major supplies, Minot is about 50 miles north on US-83 and has Walmart, grocery stores, and RV repair facilities. Bismarck to the south also has full services about 70 miles away.
Useful Links
Find additional dump stations near Garrison
Browse RV parks and campgrounds in North Dakota
Helpful articles for RV travelers
Navigate to Garrison, ND
National Weather Service forecast
Recreation.gov campground search
Find emergency medical care nearby
Find grocery shopping nearby
Dump Station Costs in Garrison
Camping costs in Garrison are modest and reflect the area's small-town character and lakeside recreational focus. Of the campgrounds in the area, a portion% are free while a portion% charge a nightly fee for their sites. Full-hookup sites at private RV parks in and near town typically run between $25 and $45 per night, with weekly rates available at some parks that bring the cost down for extended fishing and camping trips. Public campgrounds along the lakeshore managed by the Army Corps of Engineers charge around $15 to $25 per night for electric hookup sites, and these are often the best deal when you consider the waterfront locations and decent facilities. If you've got a Golden Age, Access, or America the Beautiful interagency pass, you'll get 50 percent off camping fees at the federal recreation areas around the lake. Free dispersed camping may be available on some of the more remote shoreline areas, but access can be tricky and you'll want a self-contained rig with enough supplies for your planned stay.
Contact station for pricing details.
Prices may vary. Always confirm with the station before visiting.
What RVers Are Saying About Garrison
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience!
Best Time to Visit Garrison by RV
Winter
Nov - Feb
0-25°F
Crowds: Low
Lake freezes over and most campgrounds close for the season -- ice fishing is popular on the lake but RV camping options are extremely limited in winter
Spring
Mar - May
30-65°F
Crowds: Low
Ice-out on Lake Sakakawea usually happens in April and the walleye fishing picks up quickly -- campgrounds begin opening in May as roads dry out
Summer
Jun - Aug
60-90°F
Crowds: High
Peak fishing and camping season with warm water temperatures and the best walleye bite -- popular lakeside campgrounds fill up on weekends so reserve ahead
Fall
Sep - Oct
35-60°F
Crowds: Medium
Excellent fall fishing as walleye move to their autumn patterns and campground crowds thin out -- cooler nights make for comfortable sleeping in your rig
Explore the Garrison Area
If you're coming to Garrison for the fishing, walleye is the main attraction on Lake Sakakawea and the tailrace area below the Garrison Dam is one of the most productive walleye fishing spots in the entire state. Bring your own boat if you can, but guided fishing trips are available through several local outfitters if you want someone who knows the lake's structure and seasonal patterns to put you on the fish. The Garrison Dam National Fish Hatchery is a free attraction worth visiting -- you can see the tanks where they raise millions of fish each year and learn about the fisheries management program for the lake. Try to secure a campsite with lake views if possible -- watching the sunset over Lake Sakakawea from your campfire is one of the best evening experiences in North Dakota camping. Stock up on bait, tackle, and ice in Garrison at the local sporting goods shops before heading out on the water. The town hosts a walleye tournament in June that brings a lot of visitors to the area, so book your campsite well ahead if you're planning to be here during tournament week. Keep an eye on the wind -- Lake Sakakawea can whip up serious whitecaps when the wind blows across its long fetch, so plan your boating around the daily wind forecast.
National Parks Nearby
Other Cities in North Dakota
RV Tips & Articles
Secure Your Site: A Guide to FootLoose RV Sewer Caps and Grip-N-Lock Well Caps
Read more →Understanding AASHTO M306, H20, and EN 124 Load Ratings: What They Really Mean for Manhole Covers
Read more →Anti-Tamper & Locking Solutions for Public Utility Access Points: Keeping Manholes Secure and Compliant
Read more →Frequently Asked Questions About Dump Stations in Garrison
How many RV parks are near Garrison, North Dakota?
Garrison has {{stationCount}} RV parks and campgrounds in the area, including {{freeCount}} free options. These range from full-hookup private parks to public Army Corps of Engineers campgrounds along the Lake Sakakawea shoreline. The area is well set up for RV anglers and water recreation enthusiasts.
Are there free camping options near Garrison?
There are {{freeCount}} free camping options in the Garrison area. Some dispersed lakeside camping may also be available along more remote stretches of Lake Sakakawea for self-contained rigs. Free spots generally lack hookups and water, so fill your tanks and charge your batteries before heading out.
What is the fishing like at Lake Sakakawea near Garrison?
Lake Sakakawea near Garrison is one of the premier walleye fisheries in North America. Northern pike, chinook salmon, and smallmouth bass are also plentiful. The tailrace area below the Garrison Dam is particularly productive for walleye. Guided fishing trips are available through local outfitters who know the lake's structure and seasonal fish patterns.
What do campgrounds near Garrison cost per night?
Full-hookup sites at private parks near Garrison typically run between $25 and $45 per night. Public Army Corps campgrounds along the lakeshore charge around $15 to $25 per night for electric hookup sites. Federal interagency passes like the America the Beautiful pass get you 50 percent off at the federal campgrounds.
When is the best time to camp and fish near Garrison?
Summer from June through August is peak fishing and camping season with the warmest lake water temperatures and best walleye bite. Late May and September are excellent shoulder-season options with good fishing, fewer crowds, and lower campground rates. Most parks close from November through April due to the frozen lake and cold temperatures.
How many RV parks are near Garrison, North Dakota?
Garrison has {{stationCount}} RV parks and campgrounds in the area, including {{freeCount}} free options. These range from full-hookup private parks to public Army Corps of Engineers campgrounds along the Lake Sakakawea shoreline. The area is well set up for RV anglers and water recreation enthusiasts.
Are there free camping options near Garrison?
There are {{freeCount}} free camping options in the Garrison area. Some dispersed lakeside camping may also be available along more remote stretches of Lake Sakakawea for self-contained rigs. Free spots generally lack hookups and water, so fill your tanks and charge your batteries before heading out.
What is the fishing like at Lake Sakakawea near Garrison?
Lake Sakakawea near Garrison is one of the premier walleye fisheries in North America. Northern pike, chinook salmon, and smallmouth bass are also plentiful. The tailrace area below the Garrison Dam is particularly productive for walleye. Guided fishing trips are available through local outfitters who know the lake's structure and seasonal fish patterns.
What do campgrounds near Garrison cost per night?
Full-hookup sites at private parks near Garrison typically run between $25 and $45 per night. Public Army Corps campgrounds along the lakeshore charge around $15 to $25 per night for electric hookup sites. Federal interagency passes like the America the Beautiful pass get you 50 percent off at the federal campgrounds.
When is the best time to camp and fish near Garrison?
Summer from June through August is peak fishing and camping season with the warmest lake water temperatures and best walleye bite. Late May and September are excellent shoulder-season options with good fishing, fewer crowds, and lower campground rates. Most parks close from November through April due to the frozen lake and cold temperatures.
Are there free dump stations in Garrison?
Yes — there are free RV waste disposal options available near Garrison.
All Dump Stations Near Garrison (37)
RV ParkSun Valley Park & RV
RV ParkNorthview Mobile Home And RV Park Llc
RV ParkWashburn RV Park
RV ParkCenter Park Campground
RV ParkCasa Motel & RV Park
RV Park with Dump StationsValley View RV Park
RV ParkRoughrider RV Resort
RV ParkNorth Dakota State Fair Grounds Red Lot Campground
RV ParkNorth Dakota State Fair Grounds White Lot Campground
RV Park