Summary
The park is situated on the western shore of Lake Sakakawea, which is a large reservoir created by the Garrison Dam. There are several good reasons to visit the park, including hiking, fishing, boating, camping, and wildlife viewing.
One of the main points of interest in the park is the lake itself, which is a popular destination for fishing. The lake is home to several species of fish, including walleye, northern pike, and bass. There are also several hiking trails in the park, which offer great views of the lake and surrounding countryside.
Another point of interest in the park is the Indian Hills Marina, which offers boat rentals and a restaurant. The marina is a popular spot for boaters and anglers, and is a great place to relax and enjoy the scenery.
Interesting facts about the area include that Lake Sakakawea is the third largest man-made lake in the United States, and was named after a Native American woman who served as a guide and interpreter for the Lewis and Clark expedition. The park is also home to several species of wildlife, including deer, coyotes, and bald eagles.
The best time of year to visit Lake Sakakawea State Park is during the summer months, when the weather is warm and the lake is at its busiest. However, the park is open year-round, and offers ice fishing and snowmobiling in the winter months.
Weather Forecast
Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
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Hazen Bay Rec Area Campground
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Douglas Creek - COE
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Lake Sakakawea SP - Fishing Point
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