Lake Sakakawea S. P.
Swimming hole in Pick City, North Dakota · Lake
Lake Sakakawea S. P. is a reservoir swimming hole. It is near Pick City, North Dakota. Fee notes: $7 daily vehicle entrance fee. Best season: June through early September for swimming, once the huge reservoir has warmed.
Typical season: June through early September for swimming, once the huge reservoir has warmed
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
- Pick City
- State
- North Dakota
- Coordinates
- 47.52950, -101.45510
- Best season
- June through early September for swimming, once the huge reservoir has warmed; the marina store operates Memorial Day through Labor Day. Swim beach hours are 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Access difficulty
- Easy. The park sits on the south shore of Lake Sakakawea just north of Pick City near Garrison Dam; the beach is drive-up with nearby parking. A vehicle entrance permit must be displayed year-round.
- Restrooms
- Yes
- Lifeguard
- Present (seasonal)
- Camping
- Campgrounds and camping cabins within the park.
- Land manager
- State park / recreation agency
- Activities
- Swimming, boating, sailing, windsurfing, fishing, camping
- Facilities
- Designated swim beach on the south side of the park near the primitive campground, plus a full-service marina, convenience store, showers, flush toilets, playgrounds, campgrounds, and camping cabins. Loaner life jackets are available at the marina store.
- Last verified
- July 13, 2026
The experience
- Best time to visit June through early September for swimming, once the huge reservoir has warmed; the marina store operates Memorial Day through Labor Day. Swim beach hours are 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Access Easy. The park sits on the south shore of Lake Sakakawea just north of Pick City near Garrison Dam; the beach is drive-up with nearby parking. A vehicle entrance permit must be displayed year-round.
- Facilities Designated swim beach on the south side of the park near the primitive campground, plus a full-service marina, convenience store, showers, flush toilets, playgrounds, campgrounds, and camping cabins. Loaner life jackets are available at the marina store.
- Camping nearby Campgrounds and camping cabins within the park.
Highlights & features
- Swim beach on the 3rd-largest man-made reservoir in the US
- Western terminus of the 4,800-mile North Country National Scenic Trail
- Full-service marina with free loaner life jackets
Access & fees
Verified against parkrec.nd.gov (checked July 2026). Rules and fees can change; confirm with the land manager before you go.
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What to pack for Lake Sakakawea S. P.
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Frequently asked questions
Can you swim in Lake Sakakawea?
Yes — Lake Sakakawea State Park maintains a designated swim beach near its primitive campground, open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. No lifeguards are on duty; loaner life jackets are available free at the marina store.
How big is Lake Sakakawea?
At about 368,000 acres, Lake Sakakawea is the third-largest man-made reservoir in the United States, formed by Garrison Dam on the Missouri River. Its size makes it wind-prone — watch waves and conditions before swimming.
Is there an entrance fee at Lake Sakakawea State Park?
Yes — the standard North Dakota state park vehicle fee of $7 daily or $35 annually, displayed year-round. Camping and marina services are charged separately.
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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.