DOWNSTREAM COE CAMPGROUND, LAKE SAKAKAWEA, NORTH DAKOTA

Our Opinion: Recommend. Large, green, well-managed campsites near the Missouri River.

Date of Stay: July 10th, 2008

Weather During Stay: Hot (low 90’s) with severe thunderstorm and tornado warnings.

Site Description: The campground has three large loops. Sites in two of the loops can be reserved; we were in site 14 (photo) of the first-come, first-served loop. All sites have 50 amp electric and picnic tables. No water at sites. Potable water is available at the large, clean dump station is positioned at the entrance to the campground which can be used in either direction. All the sites are large and flat, with huge cottonwood trees providing shade. Lots of mowed grass. Each loop has a bathhouse and dumpster. The loops are connected by concrete paths. Two large playgrounds and access to the Missouri River provide recreation for kids. A pay phone is located at the entrance kiosk.

Rate: $14/night - half price with a Golden Age Pass, so we paid $7.

Phone/radio/TV: Verizon phones had a signal; the aircard alternated between Broadband and the slower National Access. A couple of local TV stations came in on the TV antenna. Roof mounted TV satellites are challenged here. Local NPR on 88.5. Our NOAA weather radio did not get a signal here.

Elevation/Landscape/Terrain: This is a flat, grassy park with huge shade trees located at the bottom of a dam at 1700’ elevation. Views are of other campers, trees, and glimpses of the Missouri River.

Lighting/Noise: No traffic noise in this out-of-the-way location. No bright night lighting in our site.

Favorite Sites: Site 14 was great for us, long, level, and east-facing, but most of the other sites in any of the loops would worked as well.
Hiking/Walking: Two miles of trails and at least of mile of paved loop roads provide plenty of walking opportunities.

Comments: Unfortunately for us, the campground was plagued with mosquitoes when we visited. A tornado skirted to the south of us in the evening, and a high wind warning in the morning sent us on our way well before our usual departure.