Your Ultimate Guide To State Parks In North Dakota
Tori Jane
Author
If there’s one “fun fact” about North Dakota that we don’t think is very fun at all, it’s this: North Dakota is the least-visited state in the entire United States. Why is this? Well, we’re certain it’s a nuanced matter with many reasons, but no matter what, it’s simply unfair. The Peace Garden State is amazingly beautiful and filled with just as many natural wonders and things to see as anywhere else in the U.S.; one of the best ways to explore is by checking out our amazing state parks. Since there are just 13 to pick from, this is the ultimate list of all the best state parks in North Dakota… which just so happens to be all of ‘em.
Most Popular State Parks In North Dakota
Everyone’s got to start somewhere, right? Right! And what better place to begin the ultimate list of all the greatest state parks in North Dakota than with the top contenders? Some of our amazing state parks get more attention than others, but there’s good reason for that: these parks are the cream of the crop, the best of the best, and they offer a little more on top than others might. Here are the most popular state parks in North Dakota – all of which are worthy of a day trip (at least).
1. Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park
The list of things to do at Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park is impressively long, so we suggest a stay of at least a day or two if you want to see everything. Established in 1907, this is the single oldest state park in North Dakota. Time travel at the Visitor Center Museum and meander through reconstructed Earth lodges to learn all about what life was like at the On-A-Slant Native American village before experiencing old Fort Lincoln, Fort McKeen, and a day in the life of a frontier soldier. With awesome camping and amazing hiking, this is one North Dakota state park that’s a delight year-round.
2. Lake Metigoshe State Park
Nestled in the scenic Turtle Mountains is Lake Metigoshe State Park, by far one of the most popular state parks in North Dakota. Things to do at Lake Metigoshe State Park include yurt camping, cabins, canoeing, kayaking, a boat ramp, and so much more. Don’t have your own? Canoes and kayaks are available as rentals from the park! Pretty awesome, right? In the colder months, Lake Metigoshe State Park turns into an amazing place for some cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, sledding, and snowshoeing, making it one of the most beloved state parks in North Dakota in winter. Who’s afraid of the cold anyway? Not us.
3. Turtle River State Park
Like most of North Dakota’s state parks, the shortlist of things to do at Turtle River State Park isn’t very short at all. Hikers love the 12 miles of pristine hiking trails that weave through the park like lifeblood-giving veins, and that’s just the beginning. Other popular activities at Turtle River State Park include fat-tire mountain biking, picnicking, camping, cross-country skiing, and sledding. This park is a popular choice for weddings thanks to its large, scenic Woodland Lodge, which is available for reservations. Come be amazed at the beauty of the Turtle River – North Dakota’s wilderness awaits.
Best State Parks In North Dakota To Camp
Camping is an ancient human pastime – once we did it for survival, but now we do it for fun. And fun it is! Camping in North Dakota is an experience, no matter which state park you pick, but obviously, some are going to stand above the rest when it comes to who’s-who among campers. Based on rave reviews and a few other factors, the best state parks in North Dakota to go camping at are ones like:
4. Fort Ransom State Park
Camping aside, there are plenty of things to do at Fort Ransom State Park. There’s an off-leash dog park that’s a blast, and a playground. This is one of the most popular state parks in North Dakota for camping, though, and one cannot mention this park without also mentioning its camping. Here, you’ll find 24 modern horse campsites, nine primitive horse campsites, 16 standard campsites with electricity and water, ten primitive sites, and a few more. You can also spend the night in a covered wagon if you so choose! It’s easy to see why Fort Ransom State Park is a favorite in the North Dakota camping scene.
5. Lewis and Clark State Park
Camping at Lewis and Clark State Park is second to none. As THE premier destination in North Dakota for camping, the list of things to do at Lewis and Clark State Park is seemingly endless. Here you’ll find 41 premium campsites (with electricity, sewer, and water), 47 modern campsites with water and electricity, eight primitive sites, and numerous group campsites – take your pick and enjoy! There's a marina, and boating is quite popular here. A dog park, a swim beach, and other amenities make it a slam-dunk for families with kids or pets. Score!
Best State Park In North Dakota To RV
What’s a step above camping without bothering with the whole “hotel” thing? RVing, of course! Lots of North Dakota’s state parks are wonderful for RVing thanks to being spacious, not overly crowded, and immensely scenic. So, if some state parks are better than others for camping, it only follows that some are better than others for RVing, too, and you’d be right! Honestly, most of our state parks are wonderful for RVing, but the one that reigns at the top of the list is:
6. Icelandic State Park
Icelandic State Park is an awesome park for history geeks, sure, but it’s a favorite among RV campers for a plethora of reasons. With a general store, firewood available, a sewage dump station, showers, and so much more, this campground is an RVer’s dream come true. There’s a real sense of community here, and the things to do at Icelandic State Park are plentiful and fun. The campground is known for its remarkable cleanliness, which keeps RVers coming back for more. Better still, each campsite has its own water pump, which is GLORIOUS.
Best State Park In North Dakota For Boating
Sometimes we want to spend a day or two (or longer) on or near the water. Boating is a popular pastime at our many lakes, and it just so happens that we have an amazing state park that fits the bill, too. Almost all of our lakes are wonderful, clean, and without many crowds, but by far the title for the greatest boating lake in North Dakota goes to:
7. Lake Sakakawea State Park
Fishing, hiking, camping, boating: these are just a tiny handful of all the things to do at Lake Sakakawea State Park that are sure to keep you coming back. Fish for walleye and chinook salmon and utilize the full-service marina and fish cleaning station while you’re at it. There’s also a gas dock, pump-out service, and more! With 74 slips ranging in size from 24-72 feet long, you’re sure to find what you need. Come see all the reasons why Lake Sakakawea State Park is the best one for boaters and boating.
Best State Parks In North Dakota For Hiking
Perhaps the single most popular outdoor activity in America, hiking is an incredible way to connect with the great outdoors on a primal level. Our species has been walking for tens of thousands of years, and it’s in our DNA to continue to do so. With our modern lives being fairly stationary, hiking is an excellent way to get out and explore the great outdoors firsthand. Like with everything else on this list, ALL the parks are wonderful for hiking, but some of our all-time favorite North Dakota state parks for hiking are:
8. Sully Creek State Park
Of all the things to do at Sully Creek State Park, hiking is easily among the most popular. The reason for this is quite obvious: the landscape here is utterly incredible, with badlands stretching as far as you can see and an impeccable trail system to explore it all on foot with. The Little Missouri River courses through the park and you can hike trails right alongside it; the river goes on seemingly forever (for 274 miles, to be exact) and makes for truly scenic hikes. Cliff after cliff, butte after butte, few state parks can measure up to this one in terms of awe-inspiring hikes. Seriously, though:
wear good hiking shoes.
9. Cross Ranch State Park
Camping and horseback riding are popular, but hiking is THE thing to do at Cross Ranch State Park. Lovers of all the things to do at Cross Ranch State Park will adore the plethora of activities available, but we’re simply obsessed with the hiking trails to be explored here. There are almost 17 miles of trails weaving all over the park, and each one comes with its own wonders and challenges. To really step up your hiking game, consider checking out AllTrails Plus. You’ll have no idea how you hiked without it.
10. Little Missouri State Park
Incredibly, Little Missouri State Park has more than 45 miles of trails to explore – enough for a whole backpacking trip! Some trails may close thanks to heavy rain or other issues, so always be sure to check before you leave to make sure your planned trail is good to go. Other things to do at Little Missouri State Park include some of the best camping in North Dakota, incredibly horse-friendly infrastructure, pay showers, and more. Rest and unplug at this beautiful, rural state park in North Dakota.
Little-Known State Parks In North Dakota
As the least-visited state in the US, can we just say EVERY state park in North Dakota is a little-known state park? While, yes, some are certainly well known to locals, the ones that aren’t simply aren’t big secrets. With just 13 parks, it’s easy for a few to fall through the cracks… though not too far. When it comes to the hidden gem state parks in ND, the winners are clear, as for some reason these parks tend to see fewer visitors than the others. But don’t let this fool you – they are just as worthy of a day trip or longer.
11. Graham’s Island State Park
Graham’s Island State Park is tragically underrated. With plenty of fun things to do at Graham’s Island State Park, you’ll never get bored – from awesome camping to plentiful boating, a swim beach for swimming galore, a few miles of trails, and more, there’s something for everyone at this lesser-known gem. If you show up at the right time, you might even have it all to yourself! Talk about relaxing.
12. Beaver Lake State Park
Beaver Lake State Park is equal parts beautiful and interesting. Discover the long history of this region regarding groups of settlers of Logan, McIntosh and Emmons counties before embarking on a hike on one or more of the park’s six trails. Additional things to do at Beaver Lake State Park include camping (a must do!), a boat ramp, picnic shelters, showers, and, of course, a swim beach. This underrated state park is one of the best state parks in North Dakota in summer – while everyone else is at more popular spots, you can be royalty at this one.
13. Fort Stevenson State Park
The wonders contained at this state recreation area and park are not to be understated. If you’re hoping for some water-based shenanigans, rent a canoe, kayak, or even a motorized boat and take off onto the water. Those without their sea legs will love the incredible hiking trails, of which there are about ten miles all over the park. Other things to do at Fort Stevenson State Park include camping, biking (you can also rent bikes!), cabin rentals, and lots more. Cabins are typically available from May through September. Fishing is another beloved pastime, and there are plenty of Walleye to catch – enough that this park is called the Walleye Capital of North Dakota!
North Dakota is one of the lesser-known delights in the US. Honestly, we think the fact that it’s the least-visited state just makes it better. After all, you’re less likely to encounter the large, overwhelming crowds out here that you’ll find at much bigger, more popular state parks across the US. The more popular ones get “North Dakota crowded”, which to most isn’t much to write home about. So, avoid the crowds and enjoy the great outdoors ASAP in the beautiful state of North Dakota. You’ll adore every one, we promise.
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