East Totten Trail Campground (Nd)
4.06108 reviewsU.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS, GARRISON PROJECT OFFICE, P.O. BOX 527, RIVERDALE, ND, 58565-0527, USA
East Totten Trail Campground (Nd)
$14.00 - $22.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$14.00
Hookup Site Fee$22.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Peak season (May 15 - September 14): Standard Electric sites cost $22/night with an additional $4 for weekend nights. Standard Nonelectric sites cost $14/night. Out-of-season dates (September 14 - May 15) are not reservable.
About this campground
Nestled along the pristine shores of Lake Audubon, East Totten Trail Campground beckons outdoor enthusiasts to discover a hidden gem where tranquil waters meet endless prairie skies. This intimate lakeside retreat serves as your gateway to adventure, whether you're casting a line at dawn, launching your boat for a day of exploration, or simply watching eagles soar overhead as the sun sets across the water.
East Totten Trail Campground accommodates RVs, tents, and primitive campers. Group camping and cabin lodging are not available.
Historical SignificanceThe waters that lap at your campsite tell a story of transformation and conservation. Born from the ambitious Garrison Dam project, Lake Audubon honors the legacy of John James Audubon, the legendary naturalist whose artistic journey through this region captured the wild spirit of its native birds and animals. Today, his namesake lake continues to inspire visitors who come to witness the same natural wonders that filled his famous paintings.
Weather and SeasonsSummer arrives with warm, sun-drenched days perfect for swimming and water sports, while gentle breezes keep evenings comfortable for campfire gatherings. As autumn paints the landscape in golden hues, crisp mornings give way to brilliant afternoons ideal for hiking and wildlife photography. When winter transforms the lake into a frozen playground, hardy anglers drill through the ice to access world-class fishing, embracing the stark beauty of the North Dakota wilderness.
Natural Features and SceneryWake to panoramic lake views from your campsite, where rolling grasslands dotted with shade trees create a perfect balance of shelter and openness. The campground's thoughtful layout ensures most sites enjoy unobstructed vistas of Lake Audubon's shimmering expanse. Just minutes away, the renowned Audubon National Wildlife Refuge unfolds as a living tapestry of wetlands and prairie, where deer graze at forest edges and waterfowl paint the sky during seasonal migrations.
Geological RegionPerched at the meeting point of two magnificent bodies of water, the campground occupies a unique position where Lake Audubon kisses the massive earthen embankment that separates it from the sprawling Lake Sakakawea. This engineered landscape has evolved into a natural paradise, where prairie grasslands sweep down to meet the water's edge, punctuated by groves of trees that provide welcome shade and shelter for both campers and wildlife alike.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessible campsites, boat dock, drinking water, fishing dock, grills, parking, picnic area, pit toilets, vault toilets, and paved roadways. Some reviews suggest improvements could be made for handicapped users: "The handicap sites should be the very last ones rented in case someone actually needs one!" (User Review, Judy B).
Sites SizeCampsites are described as large enough to accommodate campers and a truck, though some reviewers noted tight spaces when combining campers, boats, and additional vehicles: "A little tight getting a camper and pickup and boat into the lot." (User Review, Eldon W)
Sites PrivacyVaries by section. Primitive sites are more secluded, while RV sites are described as clustered: "The majority of sites here are packed into a small area." (User Review, James B)
Total Campsites40 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSelect lakeside sites for optimal views; primitive sites offer more privacy.
Best CampsitesSites nearest the lake (e.g., Site 029 and others in Pike Loop) are highly praised for views and proximity to the water.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
4:00 PM
Check-out
3:00 PM
Stay Limit
14 consecutive nights maximum within a rolling 30-day period.
Guests Allowed Per Site
- Only one camping unit (RV/tent) allowed per site
- doubling up is not permitted.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutCampground is divided into sites with electric hookups and primitive sites. Layout allows for privacy in wooded areas and lake views in open sections.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen season: May 15 - September 14; closed out-of-season.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made on Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777.
Walk-in AvailabilityNo specific information about walk-up availability provided.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled on Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777. Cancellation fees include a $10 charge and potentially forfeiting the first night's fee if canceled late.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
Cell phone service
Vault toilets
Electricity hookups
Activities you can enjoy
East Totten Trail Campground offers a wide range of recreational activities, including fishing, boating, swimming, hiking, mountain biking, scuba diving, wildlife viewing, bird watching, and hunting.
Hiking
Hiking trails are available, offering scenic views and opportunities for bird watching. "Enjoyed the hiking trails nearby." (User Review, Gary F)Fishing
Lake Audubon provides excellent fishing opportunities for species such as walleye, sauger, northern pike, muskie, and bass. "If you are looking to come fish or take your boat out on the lake, this place is awesome!" (User Review, Matt & Brenda R)Swimming
Swimming is permitted, and the campground features a small beach area. "The water was so nice too! Beach area is small but wasn’t overly crowded." (User Review, Ashley K)Biking
Mountain biking opportunities are available in the area.Boating
Boat ramp and shoreline access support boating activities. "Great for swimming boating fishing or any water sport you fancy." (User Review, Peter A)Wildlife viewing
The area is next to the Audubon Wildlife Management Area and offers opportunities for wildlife and bird viewing. "Great for bird watching."Beach activities
The small beach area allows for swimming and sunbathing.Cultural and Educational Programs
Nearby attractions like the Audubon National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center offer educational programs and guided tours.Winter Activities
Ice fishing, cross-country skiing, sledding, and snowshoeing are available during the winter season.Water Sports
Activities such as canoeing, paddle boating, water skiing, and kayaking are supported.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires must be contained in designated rings/grills; firewood must be purchased locally.
- Quiet hours are Specific quiet hours not stated; some user reviews mention noise complaints.
Hazards
General hazardsTicks and mosquitoes are mentioned in user reviews as potential issues. Some sites have uneven terrain and tall weeds.
Active alertsNo current alerts mentioned.
Weather forecast
72
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 30%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 2.6 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
The nearest emergency services are located in the town of Riverdale, ND.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 15 - September 14
Trash and recyclingTrash dumpsters are available but sometimes reported as overflowing: "The garbage dumpster was overflowing." (User Review, David W).
Proximity to water featuresDirect access to Lake Audubon. Sites near the water offer enhanced recreational opportunities.
Common complaintsTall weeds, poorly maintained vault toilets, and noisy generators are recurring issues in user reviews.
HostMixed reviews on camp hosts; described as friendly by some but inattentive by others.
Campground Map
U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS, GARRISON PROJECT OFFICE, P.O. BOX 527, RIVERDALE, ND, 58565-0527, USA
Driving directionsFrom Bismarck, ND: Travel north on US-83 for approximately 65 miles, turn right onto 14th St. NW and travel 0.5 miles until you reach the campground. From Minot, ND: Travel south on US-83 for approximately 44 miles then turn left onto 14th St. NW, travel 0.5 miles until you reach the campground.
The campground is accessible via paved roads. Seasonal closures or significant road challenges are not mentioned. Access appears straightforward from US-83 via 14th St. NW.Nearby places
Bismarck, ND (65 miles)
Minot, ND (44 miles)
Nearby supplies
Fuel and supplies can be found nearby in Riverdale or at Totten Trail Bar & Grill, which is very close to the campground.
Camper Reviews
4.1
108 reviews
East Totten Trail Campground (Nd) is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews are mixed but generally positive. Many reviewers praise the lake views, clean facilities, and wide range of recreational opportunities. Some complaints include issues with maintenance, vault toilet cleanliness, and overcrowding in RV sections.
Review Summaries
Based on 108 reviews
What Campers Love
Beautiful lake views, clean campground, good cell reception, variety of recreational activities, and friendly hosts in many cases.
Based on 108 reviewsCommon Concerns
Dirty vault toilets, overgrown weeds, occasional loud campers, and limited water spigot access. "The floor was nasty, there appeared to be feces smeared on one of the walls." (User Review, Matt &...
Based on 108 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Opt for primitive sites if you prefer privacy. Be prepared for limited water access and bring a portable dump canister for longer stays.
Based on 108 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Summer is popular for fishing and water sports, but maintenance issues such as overgrown weeds are more noticeable. Winter offers excellent opportunities for ice fishing and snow sports.
Based on 108 reviewsCamper Quotes
"If I could give this place more than 5 stars, I would." (User Review, Sue Ann Jaffarian); "The campground overall was OK." (User Review, Matt & Brenda R); "Beautiful spot, walk out of camper and...
Based on 108 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site #029 praised for lake views and privacy. Site #033 criticized for noise from generators. Site #004 criticized for extremely dirty vault toilets.
Based on 108 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessible features appreciated but some concerns about availability of handicap sites: "Handicap sites should be the very last ones rented." (User Review, Judy B)
Based on 108 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, but strict leash policies are enforced. "They want them leashed 24/7 ... not sure if we will be back due to this." (User Review, Skyler Y)
Based on 108 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025