Graham Island State Recreation Area
🎣 North Dakota’s Devils Lake Island Park — Wooded Campground, Walleye Capital, and Prairie Lake Beach — A wooded island park on 320-square-mile Devils Lake with campground, swimming beach, boat ramp, walleye and perch fishing, and prairie wildlife — Ramsey County, North Dakota
Grahams Island State Park occupies a heavily wooded peninsula jutting into Devils Lake — North Dakota’s largest natural lake at 320 square miles and one of the top walleye and perch fisheries in the northern Great Plains. While the surrounding prairie is flat and treeless, the island park is a surprising oasis of mature oak, ash, and elm trees sheltering a campground that feels more like Minnesota than North Dakota.
Devils Lake has been growing for decades (it’s risen over 30 feet since the 1990s), and the fishing has only gotten better — walleye, perch, white bass, and northern pike are all thriving. The park provides a boat ramp, swimming beach, and direct access to some of the best ice fishing in the northern US during winter.
What to Do
| Activity | Details | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Walleye Fishing | Devils Lake — 320 sq mi | ND’s #1 walleye lake |
| Perch Fishing | Year-round | Jumbo perch legendary |
| Camping | Wooded sites | Electric hookups, showers |
| Swimming | Sandy beach | Calm lake waters |
| Boating | Boat ramp | Full lake access |
| Ice Fishing | Winter season | One of ND’s best ice fisheries |
| Nature/Wildlife | Prairie birds, deer | Wooded island habitat |
Fishing Guide
| Species | Season | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Walleye | May–Oct + ice | ND’s premier walleye lake |
| Yellow Perch | Year-round | Jumbo perch, legendary quality |
| White Bass | Jun–Aug | Schooling, action fishing |
| Northern Pike | Year-round | Trophy potential |
Best Time to Visit
| Season | Weather | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | 65–85°F | Walleye fishing, camping, swimming |
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | -5–25°F | World-class ice fishing |
| Fall (Sep–Oct) | 35–60°F | Fall walleye run, hunting season |
| Spring (Apr–May) | 35–60°F | Perch run, birding |
💰 Trip Cost Estimator
| Expense | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle Entry | $7/day | ND state park pass |
| Annual Pass | $35/year | All ND state parks |
| Campsite | $20–$30/night | Electric, wooded |
| Fishing Trip | $7 + license | Boat ramp + walleye/perch access |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Devils Lake really that good for walleye?
Yes — it’s legendary. Devils Lake is consistently ranked among the top 5 walleye lakes in the US. The lake’s rising water levels have expanded habitat and boosted fish populations.
Is the park actually wooded?
Surprisingly, yes. While the surrounding prairie is flat and treeless, Grahams Island is an oasis of mature hardwood forest — oak, ash, and elm trees shelter the campground.
Can I ice fish?
Absolutely. Devils Lake is one of the premier ice fishing destinations in the northern US. The park provides winter access, and guided ice fishing services are available locally.
🎣 North Dakota’s Walleye Capital
320 square miles of walleye water, jumbo perch, wooded island camping, and world-class ice fishing — Devils Lake at its best.
