Activities
Visit for a day or spend a few nights inside this serene state park. While you’re here, have a picnic, search for one of the many hidden geocaches, get a closer look at the surrounding landscape by exploring one of the nature trails, and spend some time in or around the lake. Be sure to take time to check out the Lake Metigoshe Outdoor Learning Center. Here you will get a chance to learn more about the area’s flora, fauna, history and more through interactive displays and hands-on activities. And, if you’re thinking about a visit during the winter, you’ll be happy to learn that the park offers opportunities for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, sledding, and ice fishing. Cross-country ski and snowshoe rentals are also available. Here are some of the many activities that you can do during your visit to Lake Metigoshe State Park:
Boating at Lake Metigoshe State Park
Lake Metigoshe State Park provides access to 3 lakes that are ideal for boating. You can bring your own vessel or rent a canoe or kayak (single or double) inside the park and enjoy the day on Lake Metigoshe or exploring the water trail on School Section Lake. Or discover Eramosh Lake which lies between the US and Canada.
Swimming at Lake Metigoshe State Park
Spend a relaxing day swimming, floating, or just lounging in the beach area along Lake Metigoshe. This serene area is close to the primitive campground. For your safety, be aware that swimming is at your own risk, there are no lifeguards on duty.
Hiking at Lake Metigoshe State Park
Lake Metigoshe State Park features 14 miles of multi-use trails for hiking, mountain biking, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. These trails wind through the woodlands, wetlands, and along the picturesque Turtle Mountains offering spectacular views of the native flora and fauna. One of the park’s more popular trails is the Old Oak Nature Trail, a 3 mile trail interpretive trail. This pathway, originally created by the Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) in 1974, was North Dakota’s first National Recreation Trail.
Fishing at Lake Metigoshe State Park
Fishing is popular year round in Lake Metigoshe State Park. The 1,500 acre lake contains a variety of fish including bass, pike, crappie, bluegill, walleye, sunfish, and perch. With the right gear and a North Dakota fishing license you may fish from boat, shore, or one of the 4 fishing docks along Lake Metigoshe.
Birding at Lake Metigoshe State Park
Lake Metigoshe State Park’s woodlands and wetlands offer guests prime opportunities for birdwatching. These habitats protect a variety of birds and more than 174 species have been observed within this area. Bring your binoculars and pick up a bird checklist inside the park office. You may get a glimpse of a Bufflehead Duck, Common Loon, Red-tailed Hawk, American Wigeon, Gold-winged Warbler, Northern Shoveler, Green-winged Teal, Red-necked Grebe, Northern Water-Thrush, Common Tern, Red-eyed Vireo, Swamp Sparrow, or an Eastern Phoebe.
Nature and Wildlife at Lake Metigoshe State Park
Turtles, birds, beaver, woodchucks, chipmunks, squirrels, white-tailed deer, and moose may be seen throughout the woodlands and wetlands inside Lake Metigoshe State Park. These areas feature a variety of plants, animals, birds, and other wildlife native to North Dakota.
Pets
Pets are allowed inside Lake Metigoshe State Park but must be kept on a leash and out of park buildings (including cabins) and the swimming area. A separate dog park area, located near the North Hill Campground, is available for dogs to run and play without leashes.
Camping
Beautiful Lake Metigoshe State Park has 85 modern campsites (with electric and water hookups), 39 primitive sites, 3 group campsites, 2 primitive camping cabins, a yurt, group dorms, and 4 modern cabins, all nestled within the woodlands not far from the lake. Each campsite, rustic camping cabin, and the yurt have a picnic table and fire ring. Restrooms, showers, a playground, picnic shelters, and a dump station are also located within the campground area. For a more home away from home overnight stay, check out the Slemmen Lodge, Kingfisher Cabin, White Pelican Cabin, or Loon Lodge. Each of these cabins have bedrooms, a private bathroom, full kitchen, heat, WiFi, and picturesque views of the surrounding landscape.
Park Location
Lake Metigoshe State Park 2514 2nd St E Bottineau, ND 58318 Phone: 701.263.4651 Park Website Reservations
Map
Video
Here is a short YouTube video showcasing several attractions at Lake Metigoshe State Park:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to visit North Dakota state parks?
A daily vehicle pass costs $7. An annual pass costs $35. Multi-park passes and camping combo options are also available.
What are the best state parks in North Dakota?
Theodore Roosevelt (though federally managed, the state’s pride), Fort Abraham Lincoln (Custer’s last post), Turtle River, and Lake Metigoshe are popular destinations offering diverse Badlands and prairie experiences.
Can I see wild horses at North Dakota parks?
Wild feral horses roam in Theodore Roosevelt National Park (federal), not state parks, but Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park offers frontier history including reconstructed Mandan earth lodges and Custer’s home.
What is the best time to visit North Dakota state parks?
Summer (June-August) offers the warmest weather and longest days. Fall brings stunning Badlands colors. Spring is short and windy. Winters are extremely cold (-20°F possible) with most parks having limited services.
Explore More North Dakota State Parks
Lake Metigoshe State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in North Dakota. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in North Dakota guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
More parks nearby: Butte Saint Paul State Recreation Area is a short drive away, while Turtle Mountain State Recreation Area lies a short drive away.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Lake Metigoshe State Park
Park policy: The park's official map states that pets are welcome but must stay on a leash while in the state park, and that a dog park is located by the North Hill Campground. Pets are not allowed in the park's cabins or yurts.
- Pets allowed?
- Leashed pets are welcome, with a dog park by the North Hill Campground
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Leash required; no maximum length specified on the official site
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Pets are not allowed in cabins or yurts where parks state a policy (e.g. Fort Ransom State Park); no statewide pet-friendly cabin program advertised
- Park-specific rules
- The North Hill dog park is the only dedicated dog area in the park; the swim beach is closed to pets under North Dakota's statewide swimming rules.
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Most parks have designated off-leash areas or dog parks (e.g. Fort Ransom's off-leash area with river access, Grahams Island's fenced dog park)
Are dogs allowed at Lake Metigoshe State Park?
Leashed pets are welcome, with a dog park by the North Hill Campground.
Beyond that, North Dakota’s statewide rules apply.
Rules verified July 2026 via parkrec.nd.gov. More: North Dakota state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
🐻 Wildlife at Lake Metigoshe State Park: What to Watch For — and Watch Out For
Worth watching for: The park's East and West Side multi-use trails wind through forested, grass, and wetland areas of the Turtle Mountains, where the park says hikers may observe moose, white-tailed deer, pine marten, or ruffed grouse. Its woodlands and wetlands provide habitat for species seldom seen elsewhere in North Dakota, and plant and bird checklists are handed out at the park office. Temper moose expectations, though: North Dakota Game and Fish reports that moose numbers in the Turtle Mountains remain low.
Watch out for: The park recommends bringing bug spray for time outdoors. Ticks live in exactly the kind of grassy, brushy, and wooded habitat found here; North Dakota Health and Human Services advises using an EPA-registered repellent, walking in the center of trails, and checking for ticks afterward.
Wildlife information verified July 2026 via parkrec.nd.gov.
Park Location
Plan your gear for Lake Metigoshe State Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
