Fort Stevenson S. P.
Swimming hole in Garrison, North Dakota · Lake
Fort Stevenson S. P. is a reservoir swimming hole. It is near Garrison, North Dakota. Fee notes: $7 daily vehicle entrance fee. Best season: June through early September when Lake Sakakawea is warmest.
Typical season: June through early September when Lake Sakakawea is warmest
Key facts
Structured details for trip planning — verify access and fees with the land manager before you visit.
- Water type
- Reservoir
- Water body
- Lake Sakakawea (Missouri River)
- Fee
- $7 daily vehicle entrance fee
- Nearest town
- Garrison
- State
- North Dakota
- Coordinates
- 47.59010, -101.41960
- Best season
- June through early September when Lake Sakakawea is warmest; the marina concession store runs daily Memorial Day to Labor Day. Swim beach hours are 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Access difficulty
- Easy. The park sits on the bluffs of Lake Sakakawea’s north shore, three miles south of Garrison, with a drive-up swim beach on the park’s east side. A vehicle entrance permit must be displayed year-round.
- Restrooms
- Yes
- Lifeguard
- Present (seasonal)
- Camping
- Campgrounds and cabins within the park.
- Land manager
- State park / recreation agency
- Activities
- Swimming, boating, fishing, kayaking, paddleboarding, camping
- Facilities
- Designated swim beach on the eastern edge of the park, plus two marinas (Garrison Bay and de Trobriand Bay), a concession store and grill, showers, flush toilets, playgrounds, campgrounds, cabins, and Aqua Lily Pad, paddleboat, kayak, and boat rentals.
- Last verified
- July 13, 2026
The experience
- Best time to visit June through early September when Lake Sakakawea is warmest; the marina concession store runs daily Memorial Day to Labor Day. Swim beach hours are 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Access Easy. The park sits on the bluffs of Lake Sakakawea’s north shore, three miles south of Garrison, with a drive-up swim beach on the park’s east side. A vehicle entrance permit must be displayed year-round.
- Facilities Designated swim beach on the eastern edge of the park, plus two marinas (Garrison Bay and de Trobriand Bay), a concession store and grill, showers, flush toilets, playgrounds, campgrounds, cabins, and Aqua Lily Pad, paddleboat, kayak, and boat rentals.
- Camping nearby Campgrounds and cabins within the park.
Highlights & features
- North-shore Lake Sakakawea swim beach
- Two marinas with paddle and boat rentals
- Named for an 1800s military fort that supplied posts across Dakota Territory
Access & fees
Verified against parkrec.nd.gov (checked July 2026). Rules and fees can change; confirm with the land manager before you go.
Top picks for this trip
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What to pack for Fort Stevenson S. P.
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Frequently asked questions
Does Fort Stevenson State Park have a beach?
Yes — a designated swim beach on the park’s eastern edge, open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. There are no lifeguards, pets and glass are prohibited on the beach, and children under 12 need adult supervision.
What is there to do at Fort Stevenson besides swimming?
Two marinas with boat, kayak, paddleboat, and Aqua Lily Pad rentals, standout walleye fishing (neighboring Garrison calls itself the Walleye Capital of North Dakota), hiking, mountain biking, and camping in cabins or campsites.
How much does Fort Stevenson State Park cost?
The North Dakota state park vehicle entrance fee is $7 daily or $35 annually, required year-round. Camping, cabins, and rentals are additional.
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Map & location
Sources & updates
Official land managers cited on this page
Always confirm current rules, closures, and fees on the agency site before visiting.
Spotted outdated access, fees, or safety info? Send a correction with the page URL — we review every submission.