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North Dakota
12

North Dakota State Parks

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USA Parks
North Dakota
Western Region
Lake Sakakawea State Park
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Lake Sakakawea State Park © dave tunge
Lake Sakakawea State Park © Randy Stockert
Lake Sakakawea State Park © Randy Stockert
Lake Sakakawea State Park © Randy Stockert
Lake Sakakawea State Park © Randy Stockert
Lake Sakakawea State Park © Ben Prepelka
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LAKE SAKAKAWEA STATE PARK
LAKE SAKAKAWEA STATE PARK
Box 732
Riverdale, North Dakota   58565

Phone: 701-487-3315
Email: park email button icon
On the south shore of Lake Sakakawea adjacent to Garrison Dam, Lake Sakakawea State Park offers a wide range of water-based recreational activities and facilities. The park has a full-service marina, including boat rentals, convenience store, fishing guide services and boat and camper storage. Two large boat ramps allow access to the best salmon fishing on Lake Sakakawea. The park also features modern camping and picnicking facilities. The park is the western trailhead for the North Country National Scenic Trail. Sleeping cabins are available for rent during the summer months.<!-- North Dakota State Parks and Recreation Department -->
FACILITIES AND ACTIVITIES OVERVIEW
Day-UseFishingyes
 Hiking Trailyes
 Picnickingyes
Swimming
1. Lake Sakakawea State Park offers a designated swimming area with sandy beaches for visitors to enjoy.
2. The lake's water is generally calm, making it suitable for swimmers of all skill levels.
3. Lifeguards are not on duty; therefore, swim at your own risk and supervise children closely.
4. Swimming outside the marked areas can be dangerous due to boat traffic and fishing activities in the park.
5. Water temperatures vary throughout the year but typically warm up enough for comfortable swimming from June through August.
6. The beach area provides amenities like picnic tables and restrooms nearby.

Boating
The park offers a variety of boating options for visitors. It features two marinas, one with 96 slips and another with 144 slips, both providing access to the lake's waters. The larger marina also has fuel services available on-site for convenience. Boat rentals are offered at these locations including pontoons and fishing boats equipped with necessary safety equipment like life jackets.

For those who prefer non-motorized water activities, canoeing or kayaking is an option as well - they can be rented from the park office during summer months.

In addition to this, there are several boat ramps throughout the area which allow easy launching into different parts of the lake depending upon wind conditions & desired fish species location.

Fishing tournaments often take place in warmer seasons due to abundant walleye population along other types such as northern pike & salmon making it popular among anglers too!
Fishing
Anglers can enjoy fishing for walleye, northern pike and yellow perch. The park also offers salmon in deeper waters.



Picnicking
Lake Sakakawea State Park offers numerous picnic spots with scenic views, including areas near the beach and boat ramp.
Bicycling
Biking enthusiasts should be aware of the limited options available in this North Dakota park. The terrain is primarily rugged, making it more suitable for experienced mountain bikers rather than casual cyclists or families with young children.

There are no designated bike trails within the park's boundaries. However, biking on campground roads and parking areas is permitted but requires caution due to vehicle traffic.

For those seeking a challenging ride, there are several hiking trails that can also accommodate bikes. Be prepared though; these paths often feature steep inclines and rocky surfaces which may prove difficult even for seasoned riders.

Remember always to wear appropriate safety gear when cycling here - helmet use is strongly advised given the rough nature of most routes throughout this area.

In conclusion: while not an ideal destination for leisurely rides or beginners' practice sessions, adventurous bicyclists might find some enjoyment navigating its tougher terrains if they proceed carefully.
Birding
The park offers diverse birding opportunities with over 100 species, including waterfowl and songbirds. Birdwatchers can enjoy spotting bald eagles, peregrine falcons or American white pelicans among others. The area's varied habitats attract a wide range of birds throughout the year.
Area Attractions
Garrison Dam & Fish Hatchery ? Audubon National Wildlife Refuge ? Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site ? Coal Mine & Power Plant tours ? Golfing ? Lewis & Clark Visitor Center

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
October 4 Beautiful, awsome park. by Merle Kunz
park review stars; one to five The camping areas are big and have beautiful sights to look at. Clean and wonderfully maintained. Staff are courteous and great people. We will be back next year for a lot more camping.
June 2
park review stars; one to five
May 19 One of the nations best by The Olsons
park review stars; one to five We have traveled the 48 states, camping as we go. This was one of the most impressive and well maintained parks, clean & neat facilities, and the park staff and management were curteous and professional hosts. We will be back.
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Directions
1 mile north of Pick City

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North Dakota
12

North Dakota State Parks

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