Found a very nice US Army Corps of Engineers campground on the Missouri River, just down from Lake Sakakawea. It looks like a good place to regroup.
Downstream Campground - Army Corps of Engineers, near Riverdale, ND: Site #18 (131 RV sites total) - This site has: electric hookup • water nearby. Campground Notes: flush toilets • vault toilets • showers • dump station available • river access • trails from campground • trails nearby • 1696’ elevation. July 28th - 30th.
Overall Experience:
WIND STORM AT THE CAMPGROUND
We’re throughly enjoying this well maintained COE campground that's in a pleasant setting. Last night, the area was hit with unusually high winds, which resulted in many downed tree limbs and a few toppled trees. It was amazing how quickly the damage was cleaned up. The campground has three loops and the most popular during the week appears to be loop one, which is the non-reservable loop.
From the campground, it's a short walk on trails to Garrison Dam Hatchery. We saw even more evidence of the wind storm and a well-constructed bird viewing blind along the trail.
WALK TO HATCHERY
GARRISON DAM HATCHERY
Geographical Center of North America
Sometimes we gotta play tourist.
The Downstream Campground is a popular recreation area operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers along the Missouri River in North Dakota. The campground is located just downstream of the Garrison Dam, near the town of Riverdale, ND.
Amenities and Recreational Opportunities
- Over 200 campsites spread across four spacious loops
- Both standard and electric sites available
- Modern restrooms, showers, a dump station, and a fish cleaning station
- Stocked trout pond for fishing
- Hiking trails for outdoor exploration
- Access to the Missouri River for boating and other water-based activities
Nearby Town: Riverdale, ND
The nearby town of Riverdale, ND serves as the gateway to the Downstream Campground and the surrounding recreation area. Riverdale is a small community of around 300 residents, located just 5 miles from the campground. The town offers basic amenities and services to support campers and visitors, including a few restaurants, a grocery store, and other local businesses.
Popular Activities and Attractions
- Camping in scenic surroundings
- Fishing for trout, walleye, and other species in the river and nearby lakes
- Exploring hiking trails with beautiful views
- Enjoying picnics in designated areas
Other Day-Use Areas and Trails
In addition to camping, the Downstream Recreation Area managed by the Army Corps of Engineers includes several other day-use areas and trails:
- East Totten Trail: Offers additional hiking, biking, and picnicking opportunities.
- Wolf Creek Recreation Area: Provides more options for outdoor activities.
Historical Significance
The Downstream Campground and Riverdale area have a long history dating back to the construction of the Garrison Dam in the 1950s. The dam and surrounding lands were developed by the Army Corps of Engineers for flood control, hydroelectric power, and recreation.
The Downstream Campground has been a popular destination for campers and outdoor enthusiasts since it first opened.Overall, the Downstream Campground and Riverdale, ND provide a scenic and well-equipped destination for camping, fishing, and other outdoor recreation along the Missouri River in North Dakota. The area's natural beauty, variety of activities, and convenient amenities make it a popular choice for both local residents and visitors to the region.
