🌤 Weather at Lewis and Clark State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 38–68 °F | 50–81 °F | 37–75 °F | 34–51 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Toledo Faa Airport, 3 mi away, elevation 379 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
Lewis and Clark State Park, which is located in Williams County, North Dakota, 18 miles east of Williston, encompasses 525 acres along the northern shore of Lake Sakakawea’s western region. Established in 1973, this North Dakota state park is named for Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, the famed Corp of Discovery explorers, whose expedition camped nearby on April 17, 1805, during their historic trek through the state. The park’s lakeside location provides excellent boating and fishing opportunities, and within its grassy prairielands, visitors can enjoy an informative, self-guided nature trail. The magnificent buttes and undulating landscape of the North Dakota Badlands offer a stark, beautiful counterpoint to the lake’s peaceful panorama, all of which can be taken in from the park’s campground, shoreline, and hiking trails. Open year-round, Lewis and Clark State Park is a wonderland of outdoor activities for the whole family.
Activities
Lewis and Clark State Park offers a host of all-season outdoor experiences for all ages, including swimming, ice skating, trail hiking, wildlife viewing, camping, bird-watching, fishing, snowshoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, mountain biking, and much more.
Boating at Lewis and Clark State Park
Located along the shores of Lake Sakakawea, America’s third-largest manmade lake, Lewis and Clark State Park features its own marina on the east end of the park that provides 20’-50’ slips, all protected by a breakwater. There is a floating fuel pump and septic pump-out service available as well as canoe, paddleboard, and kayak rentals, in season. There is a four-lane ramp near the marina, as well as a fish-cleaning area, parking, and restrooms.
Hiking at Lewis and Clark State Park
Offering 3 trails—two of which are multi-use—Lewis and Clark State Park’s hiking options provide easy trekking experiences for all ages and abilities. The routes are flat and scenic, and each has its own unique features:
- Prairie Nature Trail: Easy, .4-mile loop trail with a 59’ elevation gain that crosses native prairieland and an old wagon track; includes interpretive stations and is for hikers only.
- North Trail System: Easy, 5.2-mile out-and-back trail that includes panoramic views of the badlands and a boardwalk; biking is permitted on this trail system, and a portion is groomed during winter months for snowshoeing.
- South Trail System: Easy, 2.6-mile, multi-loop trail with a 42’ elevation gain with prairie, badland, and lake views; excellent butterfly- and bird-watching opportunities. Part of this trail system is also groomed seasonally for snowshoeing.
Mountain Biking at Lewis and Clark State Park
Recreational biking and mountain biking are permitted on both the North and South Trail Systems in the park; the Prairie Nature Trail is for pedestrians only. Fat tire bikes are available to rent within the park, and rentals include helmets; be sure to call ahead to check for availability, as equipment rentals are first-come, first-served.
Snowshoeing and Ice Skating at Lewis and Clark State Park
Open year-round, Lewis and Clark State Park is also a destination for winter-centric outdoor activities. Portions of two of the park’s hiking trails (four miles of the North and South Trail Systems) are groomed for snowshoeing; gear can be rented on a first-come, first-served basis in the park. In addition, when ice depth on the lake has been declared safe, the marina area is cordoned off as an ice-skating rink.
Fishing at Lewis and Clark State Park
World-class, year-round fishing in Lake Sakakawea is popular at Lewis and Clark State Park. State fishing licenses are required, and all regulations and fishing seasons must be followed. Depending on the season, anglers could catch species such as walleye, sauger, smallmouth bass, and northern pike. There is a fish-cleaning station at the marina, and tackle can be purchased at the nearby Trader’s Bay visitor’s center.
Nature & Wildlife at Lewis and Clark State Park
The Lewis and Clark State Park is home to a mixed-grass prairie, which features a self-guided nature tour with interpretive displays. Visitors with an interest in birdwatching can enjoy identifying feathered friends like gray catbirds, lazuli buntings, turkey vultures, horned larks, and yellow warblers. The prairie hilltops are also excellent for butterfly sightings, and sharp-eyed lepidopterists may spot a Pawnee or common banded skipper among the seasonal blooms.
Pets
Dogs are welcome in the state park—as long as they are leashed at all times. There is also a dog park located beside the picnic shelter in the campground.
Camping
Located at the northern end of Lewis and Clark State Park, this large campground features 96 campsites; 41 have full hookups (50-amp service), 47 offer electric and water only, and 8 are primitive tenting sites. There are also 5 sites for large groups, 2 of which have full hookups and 3 with electric and water only. In addition to available WiFi service, there are many other guest amenities, including a convenience store, diner, lake dock, BBQ area, playground, dog park, amphitheater, marina, boat ramp, and beach. The campground is open year-round, and pets are welcome but must be leashed; there are also two seasonal cabins available to rent.
| Type | Sites | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | 25 | Shaded sites |
| Season | Year-round | |
Reserve: washington.goingtocamp.com.
Did Lewis and Clark camp here?
The expedition passed through this area in November 1805—the park preserves the landscape they would have encountered.
Park Location
Lewis and Clark State Park 4904 119th Road NW Epping, ND 58843 Phone: 701.859.3071 Park Website Reservations
Map
Columbia River Expedition History
Lewis and Clark State Park preserves old-growth forest along the Columbia River where the Corps of Discovery passed in 1805. Giant trees and pioneer heritage.
Old-Growth Forest
Walk among some of Washington’s last remaining old-growth Douglas fir and red cedar trees up to 5 feet in diameter.
Explore More North Dakota State Parks
Lewis and Clark State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in North Dakota. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in North Dakota guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
Insider Tips
Missouri River history: Lewis and Clark State Park sits on Lake Sakakawea — one of the largest man-made lakes in the US. Pro tip: The Lewis and Clark Expedition camped near here in 1805. Walleye: Lake Sakakawea is one of the premier walleye fisheries in North America.
Best Time to Visit
Summer: Boating and walleye fishing. Fall: Trophy walleye season. Spring: Walleye spawning run. Winter: Ice fishing on Sakakawea.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big is Lake Sakakawea?
Lake Sakakawea stretches 178 miles across western North Dakota — the third-largest man-made lake in the US. Created by Garrison Dam on the Missouri River, the lake has 1,320 miles of shoreline and supports world-class walleye, northern pike, and salmon fishing.
Make it a road trip: Pair a visit with Rough Rider State Park (formerly Sully Creek) or Little Missouri State Park (elsewhere in the state).
⛺ Camping at Lewis and Clark State Park: Campgrounds & Cabins
| Campsites | 101 sites — 41 Premium Campsites with electricity, sewer & water, $30-35/night; 2 Group Premium Campsites, $30-35/night per unit; 47 Modern Campsites with electricity & water, $25-30/night; 3 Group Modern Campsites, $25-30/night per unit; 8 Primitive Campsites, $15/night. Showers and flush toilets, sewer and electrical hookups, and a sewage dump station on site; boat ramp, marina, fish cleaning station. |
|---|---|
| Cabins & Lodging | One basic camping cabin, open seasonally, $70-85/night, sleeps 5 (one full bed and 3 twin beds, bunkbed style), air-conditioned with a small refrigerator, no kitchen. Bedding/towels not provided; pets not allowed. |
| Pets | Pets are welcome in the campground but must stay on a leash. |
| Reservations | Book online at reservendparks.com or call 800-807-4723, up to 95 days in advance. Check-in 4:00 pm, check-out 3:00 pm. Vehicle entrance permit required: $7 daily, $35 annual, $61.25 annual family, $28 annual senior. Park phone (701) 859-3071. |
| Special sites | Marina, swim beach, dog park, fish cleaning station; three picnic shelters (Madison, Elk Point, Friends), $50-75/day. |
| Season notes | Comfort station closes and water is turned off on October 4. |
Camping questions about Lewis and Clark State Park
Can you camp at Lewis and Clark State Park?
Yes. Lewis and Clark State Park has 101 campsites. 41 Premium Campsites with electricity, sewer & water, $30-35/night; 2 Group Premium Campsites, $30-35/night per unit; 47 Modern Campsites with electricity & water, $25-30/night; 3 Group Modern Campsites, $25-30/night per unit; 8 Primitive Campsites, $15/night. Showers and flush toilets, sewer and electrical hookups, and a sewage dump station on site; boat ramp, marina, fish cleaning station.
How do you reserve a campsite at Lewis and Clark State Park?
Book online at reservendparks.com or call 800-807-4723, up to 95 days in advance. Check-in 4:00 pm, check-out 3:00 pm. Vehicle entrance permit required: $7 daily, $35 annual, $61.25 annual family, $28 annual senior. Park phone (701) 859-3071.
Are there cabins at Lewis and Clark State Park?
One basic camping cabin, open seasonally, $70-85/night, sleeps 5 (one full bed and 3 twin beds, bunkbed style), air-conditioned with a small refrigerator, no kitchen. Bedding/towels not provided; pets not allowed.
Are pets allowed at the Lewis and Clark State Park campground?
Pets are welcome in the campground but must stay on a leash.
Source: parkrec.nd.gov (verified July 2026). Details change seasonally — confirm when booking.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Lewis and Clark State Park
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Pets are welcome in North Dakota state parks but must stay on a leash.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Leash required; no maximum length specified on the official site
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Pets are not allowed in cabins or yurts where parks state a policy (e.g. Fort Ransom State Park); no statewide pet-friendly cabin program advertised
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Most parks have designated off-leash areas or dog parks (e.g. Fort Ransom's off-leash area with river access, Grahams Island's fenced dog park)
Are dogs allowed at Lewis and Clark State Park?
Pets are welcome in North Dakota state parks but must stay on a leash. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via parkrec.nd.gov. More: North Dakota state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
Plan your gear for Lewis and Clark State Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
