Lake Sakakawea
4.7(605)google
4.0(2)yelp
BoatingSwimmingFishingCampingOutdoorWorld RecordMust-SeeLake
Overview
Lake Sakakawea is a large reservoir in the north central United States, impounded in 1953 by Garrison Dam, a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers dam located in the Missouri River basin in central North Dakota. Named for the Shoshone-Hidatsa woman Sacagawea (who accompanied the Lewis and Clark Expedition), it is the largest man-made lake located entirely within North Dakota, the second largest in the United States by area after Lake Oahe, and the third largest in the United States by volume, after Lake Mead and Lake Powell. The lake is located about fifty miles (80 km) from the state capital of Bismarck; the distance by the Missouri River is about 75 miles (120 km).
Practical Info
Suggested Duration0.5-1 day
Best TimeJune through August is peak season for freshwater sailing and motorboating, while early October delivers spectacular autumn foliage shifts along the boundless cliffs. Head out onto the water around 5:30 PM for sunset; watching the fading prairie twilight transform this massive 368,000-acre reservoir into a shimmering gold sheet is unforgettable.
Getting ThereSprawling across a massive central North Dakota footprint; personal vehicles are essential. From Bismarck, take US-83 N highway north straight to the Garrison Dam recreation corridor near Pick City. The shorelines are served by extensive public boat ramps and private full-service marinas featuring deep parking lots for trailers.
Travel Tips
- As a massive reservoir, open waters spawn dangerous 4+ foot whitecaps without warning; small kayaks or low-horsepower motorboats are legally barred from launching when wind tops 15 knots.
- The extensive shoreline perimeter covers absolute cellular communication dead zones; boats tracking offshore must carry operational VHF marine radios or satellite text messengers.
- Never drive two-wheel-drive sedans or heavy motorhomes onto unpaved remote shorelines; loose mud and oscillating pool levels cause immediate vehicle sinking with high towing recovery fees.
Reviews
Positive
- This massive, top-tier artificial lake in the US offers endless scenery and sparkling waters, serving as a paradise for pike fishing and water sports.
- The rugged, wild shoreline preserves pure natural scenery with zero excessive commercialism, living up to its name and offering an authentic tranquil vibe.
- There are numerous public boat launches and spacious recreational campsites scattered along the lake, with most areas free to the public, offering incredible value.
- Far away from urban light pollution at night, camping by the lake allows views of the brilliant Milky Way and occasional auroras, offering a top-tier wilderness experience.
Heads up
- Due to the lake's massive size, once the weather shifts and strong winds blow, the water instantly becomes choppy like the ocean, posing safety hazards for small boats.
- Across most remote and wild shoreline areas, cellular signal is extremely weak or completely non-existent, making it hard to call for help in an emergency.
- The endless rugged shorelines lack basic conveniences, with very few restrooms and proper trash bins, requiring visitors to pack out all their garbage.
- There is a severe lack of commercial rental shops for boats, fishing gear, or jet skis nearby; if visitors do not bring their own watercraft, the fun is greatly reduced.