Campgrounds and RV parks near Ray, ND

Lake Sakakawea is the main draw. At Lewis and Clark State Park, Lake Sakakawea offers excellent fishing, giving anglers a chance to catch species such as walleye, sauger and northern pike, and two rare fish species, the pallid sturgeon and the prehistoric-looking paddlefish, can occasionally be found in the lake's western reaches. A four-lane boat ramp gives access to the lake, and kayak, canoe, and paddleboard rentals are available on site. Three hiking and mountain biking trails, Coteau, Greenhorn, and Eskers, wind through the park's native prairie and geological formations. History stops nearby include Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site and Fort Buford. Farther south, the North Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park delivers Badlands scenery, bison, and prairie dog towns. Birding is strong across wetlands, prairies, and cottonwood-lined river bottoms.

The core RV season runs late May through September. The average window for freezing temperatures is September 20 through May 21, allowing a growing season of 121 days. July is the warmest month, and campgrounds around the lake fill on weekends and holidays. Spring brings variable weather. Snow can linger into April, and rain or late snowstorms may make trails muddy, with daytime highs climbing into the 50s Fahrenheit by May while nights still regularly drop below freezing. Fishing picks up as ice leaves the lake, and migratory birds move through the wetlands. Fall is short but often clear, with cottonwoods turning gold along the Missouri drainage. Winter is severe. On average, there are 39 days with a low of 0 degrees Fahrenheit or below, and 6 days that do not rise above 0 degrees annually. Most private RV parks and state park facilities scale back services, though ice fishing continues on Lake Sakakawea for prepared visitors.

Sites in this region tend to be open and exposed. The older section closer to the lake has more tree cover, while newer loops sit more exposed, with little shade on hot days, and temperatures in this part of North Dakota can spike well above 100 degrees in summer, so site selection matters. Wind is a constant factor; awnings and canopies should be secured. Hookup levels vary. The main Lewis and Clark State Park campground features 96 campsites: 41 have full hookups with 50-amp service, 47 offer electric and water only, and 8 are primitive tenting sites, plus 5 sites for large groups, 2 with full hookups and 3 with electric and water only. WiFi is available, along with a convenience store, playground, dog park, amphitheater, marina, boat ramp, and beach; the campground is open year-round and leashed pets are welcome. Private parks near Williston and Ray typically offer full hookups oriented toward long-stay and workforce guests. Cell coverage along US-2 and near Williston is generally reliable. Grocery, fuel, and propane are easiest in Williston or Watford City.