Best Family Friendly Beaches in North Dakota

Beaver Lake State Park, located in south central North Dakota, offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Situated on the west shore of Beaver Lake, the park spans 283 acres, providing a tranquil setting amidst gently rolling prairies. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, including boating, fishing, hiking, and biking, along with exploring the park's rich history and natural beauty. The park is open year-round, making it a perfect destination for both summer and winter activities.
The park's history is deeply rooted in the efforts of early settlers from Logan, McIntosh, and Emmons counties, who worked together to establish it as a state park. Today, it is one of the oldest parks in North Dakota, celebrating its legacy through various interpretive activities and events.
With its modern and primitive camping options, including three seasonal cabins, Beaver Lake State Park caters to diverse tastes and preferences, offering something for everyone seeking a peaceful retreat.

Jamestown Reservoir Beach is nestled in the picturesque landscape of Jamestown, North Dakota, offering a serene and tranquil environment for relaxation and outdoor activities. The beach features an expansive sandy shoreline along the shimmering waters of the reservoir, making it ideal for sunbathing, swimming, and playing beach games. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll along the shore or venture into the water for kayaking or paddleboarding. The area is also perfect for picnicking, with plenty of shaded spots and picnic tables available. The beach is open year-round, providing a unique experience in every season.

The surrounding landscape offers stunning views and opportunities for wildlife sightings, with nearby hiking trails that meander through the picturesque countryside. Additionally, the reservoir is a popular spot for fishing and boating, catering to those who seek adventure on the water. Nearby attractions include historical sites and parks, adding to the wealth of options for entertainment and exploration.

The beach is well-maintained and offers ample space for various activities, making it a delightful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Whether it's summer fun in the sun or a peaceful winter retreat, Jamestown Reservoir Beach offers something for everyone.

Lake Metigoshe, located in the scenic Turtle Mountains near Bottineau, North Dakota, is a popular year-round destination. It offers a serene environment with opportunities for outdoor activities like fishing, boating, and hiking. The lake is surrounded by beautiful woodlands and wetlands, providing a habitat for diverse wildlife and bird species. Visitors can enjoy the tranquility of nature while engaging in various recreational activities throughout the seasons.
The area is also known for its cultural attractions, such as Mystical Horizons, a replica of Stonehenge, and the iconic Tommy Turtle statue. Whether you're interested in relaxation or adventure, Lake Metigoshe provides a unique blend of natural beauty and local charm.
With its proximity to the Canadian border, the region offers a blend of American and Canadian influences, making it a fascinating place to explore.

Lake Sakakawea State Park, located in Pick City, North Dakota, is a stunning natural destination situated on the south shore of Lake Sakakawea, one of the largest man-made reservoirs in the United States. The park offers breathtaking views and a variety of activities such as swimming, boating, fishing, and hiking. Visitors can enjoy the scenic beauty of the North Country National Scenic Trail, which begins here and stretches over 4,800 miles to Vermont. The park's sandy shores provide a picturesque setting for picnics and relaxation. With its full-service marina and boat ramps, it is a haven for anglers and water sports enthusiasts alike.

Lake Sakakawea is renowned for its premier fishing, with species like walleye, northern pike, and chinook salmon. The park also features modern camping facilities, including seasonal cabins and campsites with amenities like restrooms and showers. Whether you're looking for adventure or tranquility, Lake Sakakawea State Park offers something for everyone.

The park's proximity to attractions like the Garrison Dam and the Audubon National Wildlife Refuge makes it an ideal base for exploring the region's natural and historical sites.

Icelandic State Park, located on the north shore of Lake Renwick in Akra Township, North Dakota, offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage. Established in 1964, the park spans over 900 acres, featuring a mix of wooded areas and open spaces. It is a significant site for preserving North Dakota's Icelandic heritage, thanks to the donation of land by G. B. Gunlogson. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities such as boating, swimming, fishing, and hiking, while also exploring historic buildings like the Pioneer Heritage Center and the Gunlogson State Nature Preserve.

The park's natural attractions include the Gunlogson Nature Preserve, which is home to rare plant and animal species. The preserve offers three miles of trails for hiking and cross-country skiing, providing opportunities to explore the diverse flora and fauna of the region.

With its rich history and diverse recreational opportunities, Icelandic State Park is an ideal destination for those interested in exploring North Dakota's outdoors and cultural heritage.

Lake Ashtabula, located in North Dakota, offers a serene and scenic getaway. Situated 12 miles northwest of Valley City, it is nestled in a picturesque river valley, providing a tranquil atmosphere for relaxation and recreation. The lake spans 5,174 acres with a shoreline of 73.1 miles, offering ample opportunities for boating, fishing, and swimming. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful views of migrating waterfowl during spring and fall, while winter brings opportunities for snowmobiling and ice fishing. The area is managed by the Corps of Engineers, ensuring well-maintained facilities and wildlife habitats.
The lake's average depth is 13 feet, with a maximum depth of 43 feet, making it suitable for various water activities. The surrounding landscape is dotted with campsites, each equipped with amenities like clean drinking water, restrooms, and picnic facilities. This setting makes Lake Ashtabula an ideal destination for family vacations and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
The region's natural beauty and diverse recreational activities attract tourists from across the country, offering a unique blend of adventure and tranquility.

Fort Stevenson State Park is located on the north shore of Lake Sakakawea, offering a blend of natural beauty and recreational activities. The park is nestled in the bluffs, providing breathtaking views and access to one of the nation's greatest fisheries. It is named after a late 19th-century military fort and hosts various events throughout the year, including the Governor's Cup Fishing Derby and Frontier Days. Visitors can enjoy hiking, biking, and interpretive trails that wind through diverse landscapes like tree plantings, shrublands, and native prairie.
The park features two marinas, Garrison Bay and de Trobriand Bay, which offer boat ramps, slip rentals, and fish cleaning facilities. Additionally, there are modern campgrounds, cabins, and picnic shelters available for visitors. The park's unique blend of history, nature, and outdoor activities makes it a popular destination for families and outdoor enthusiasts.
Fort Stevenson State Park is open year-round, with full-service camping available from mid-May to the end of September. The nearby community of Garrison supports the park, offering additional amenities and services for visitors.

Lake Tschida, located in Elgin, North Dakota, is a 3,400-acre public lake that offers a serene escape amidst the rolling hills of southcentral North Dakota. It is part of the Heart Butte Reservoir and is known for its wide-open waters, ideal for boating, jet skiing, and water skiing during the summer. The surrounding 7,575 acres of public land provide ample opportunities for camping, hunting, and wildlife viewing. The lake's scenic shores are perfect for family gatherings and outdoor enthusiasts alike, with activities ranging from swimming and fishing to cross-country skiing and ice fishing in the cooler months.
The lake is managed by the Tri-Cities Joint Job Development Authority in partnership with the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, ensuring a self-sustaining recreational area without the use of tax funds. Visitors can enjoy picnicking, camping, and various water sports, making it a popular destination for those seeking a peaceful retreat from urban life.
Lake Tschida is named after Michael Tschida Sr., an early settler and proponent of the Heart Butte Dam, which created the lake in 1949. This historical context adds a layer of depth to the area's natural beauty, making it a unique blend of history and outdoor adventure.