Downstream Campground: RV and Relax in North Dakota

RV Life

With the weather heating up in the southern parts of the country, many people are seeking new RV destinations up north. An often overlooked state for camping is North Dakota. There are large stretches of undisturbed land, plus plenty of parks that are cozy and affordable. One of the best options in the state is Downstream Campground.

A motorhome in an RV site at Downstream Campground. — Photo courtesy RV LIFE Campgrounds.

This park has stellar reviews and is located on the banks of the Missouri river. Thanks to the proximity to the water, this campground also has lush greenery and lots of interesting wildlife to enjoy. It’s been around for years and the trees are mature enough to provide plenty of shade during the warmer months.

So if you’re in the market for a campground that’s budget-friendly, close to nature, and well-loved by guests, this is the perfect fit for you. Turn your eyes to North Dakota this summer and maybe you’ll fall in love with this park, too.

Overview

Downstream Campground is located in Riverdale, North Dakota. The surrounding towns are quite small, including Washburn, Stanton, and Underwood. In addition to the nearby Missouri River, this RV park is also just minutes away from the massive Audubon Lake.

Although the nearby towns are small, this park is a decent size. There’s a grand total of 117 RV sites. They are arranged in a series of rings and this design gives each camper a good amount of elbow room.

As for the sites themselves, the only provided hookups are for electricity. So you can keep your RV heated or cooled, as well as run all of your appliances. But you’ll need to rely on your own systems for water and sewage while you’re here. To make things easier, there is a water-fill and dump station on site, as well as bathrooms and showers.

Every site also comes with a picnic table and grill for outdoor cooking. Plus, there’s plenty of shade thanks to the multitude of tall trees surrounding the campground.

Because North Dakota has some chilly winters, Downstream Campground is only open on a seasonal basis. Visitors can stop by between May 15 and September 14. During this window, you’ll be able to enjoy warm, temperate weather that’s perfect for outdoor activities.

The pricing is one of the best parts of this whole gig. Each RV campsite only costs $26 per night, making it one of the cheapest options in the area. There may be an additional $4 charge on the weekends, but even then this place is a steal. Whether you book months in advance or just roll in on the same day, you’ll be able to enjoy the same price.

For more information about the campground and its reservation policies, please visit the website at recreation.gov

Amenities

Next up, let’s talk about some of the amenities and benefits you’ll have access to when you camp here. Because this campground is so cheap, you shouldn’t expect any resort-level treatment. But all of the basics are provided, plus a few things that are just for fun.

We already mentioned that bathrooms and showers are available to all guests. Both flush and vault toilets are available, so you don’t have to worry about finding a spot when there’s an emergency. Multiple taps and drinking stations are also scattered around the park to make up for the lack of official water hookups.

Each campsite is paved and level as well. This makes for an easy campground setup, plus it helps you avoid mud if it rains during your visit.

Outdoor shelters are installed throughout the park if you need a place to gather with family and friends. There’s also an outdoor amphitheater for larger groups and campground events. Outdoor movies and ranger presentations happen here on a regular basis.

Pets are welcome at this park as well, and they will love all the open space to run around, as well as the nearby water sources.

As for entertainment, there are some fun options provided at Downstream Campground. Sports lovers will definitely want to take advantage of the volleyball court, while those looking for a casual outdoor game might play a few rounds at the horseshoe pit. Three fun playgrounds are also provided for kids who need to run around and get their extra energy out!

The close proximity to the lake and river makes this campground a perfect destination for fishermen. To make things easier, there’s a dedicated fish-cleaning station on the grounds, as well as a boat ramp.

Nearby Activities/Attractions

Due to the beautiful area it’s in, most of the activities at the Downstream Campground focus on the great outdoors. If you want to keep close to the campground, you can walk along the shoreline until you find the nearby sand dunes. These are scenic, plus you can enjoy a lot of fun activities there!

This RV park also connects to miles of walking trails that are perfect for all skills levels. You can bring your fishing gear along and visit the trout fishing pond. Or you can go a bit farther and walk around the National Fish Hatchery to learn about ongoing conservation projects.

Right across from the campground is the Riverdale State Wildlife Management Area. Here, you can admire local wildlife and even participate in some hunting if you have the proper license. It’s a perfect spot for hunting a variety of birds and small mammals.

The nearby lakes and rivers also have some interesting attractions. The Garrison Dam Power Plant is just a short drive away and it offers tours to anyone who is interested.

Visitors can also enjoy the massive Lake Audubon and everything it has to offer! There are plenty of options for boating, kayaking, canoeing, fishing, swimming, paddleboarding, and more. Plus, you can visit Mallard Island in the middle of the lake for a fun day trip.

Reviews

Last but not least, let’s cover some reviews for this park. Downstream Campground has earned a score of 9.6/10 on RV LIFE Campgrounds. This makes it one of the most popular and well-loved parks in the state.

Guests commented that you get a great value when you stay here. It’s a very affordable nightly rate, plus you get access to a gorgeous area and a decent amount of amenities. Other people enjoyed the size of the sites and how easy they were to get in and out of. Those who love fishing had an especially great visit!

In fact, there are very few drawbacks to speak of here. Othing to keep in mind is that some cell-phone providers may not work well out here and Wi-Fi is not provided. But as long as you’re prepared for a technology-lite camping trip, you’ll be good to go.

Check out more guest feedback on RV LIFE Campgrounds. You can also use this tool to compare the Downstream Campground to others in the area and find the place that best fits your needs.

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