Paddlers, anglers, and hikers all find reasons to spend time at Lake Metigoshe State Park Campground, set within the Turtle Mountains near the Canadian border in Bottineau County, North Dakota. The lake is the central draw, with kayak and canoe rentals available just outside the park, a fishing dock within easy reach of several sites, and a public beach for swimming. Trails throughout the park are well-marked and maintained, and the fall season brings leaf color that multiple reviewers specifically recommend as the best time to visit.
The park has several distinct camping areas, and the experience varies depending on which loop you choose. The North Hill campground sits close to the water and tends to run quieter. The Washgum Loop puts sites near the interpretive trail and a lake overlook. Reviewers note that the South and North Hill areas have sites in close proximity without much vegetation between them, which can make busy holiday weekends feel crowded. If you're after more space between neighbors, planning around non-holiday dates is worth considering.
Facilities are a consistent bright spot. "Full hookups, clean sites and facilities," notes J S., adding that the park has "the nicest public showers we have ever seen." The campground accommodates RVs up to 50 feet and includes a dump station, firewood for purchase, and cell service. Pets are welcome. One practical note: poison ivy has been spotted on at least one campsite and along the interpretive trail, so watch where you step.
The access road into the park is hilly, and the drive in warrants attention, particularly for larger rigs. Reservations are available and make sense for summer and holiday weekends given how quickly sites fill. The park operates year-round, with a nearby ski area and snowmobile trails adding options in winter months. Campers planning a broader loop through the region may also want to look at campgrounds near Bottineau or check out Pelican Sandy Recreation Area to the southeast for a different setting.
Description
Located about 26 miles northwest of Dunseith, and sharing a border with Canada, Lake Metigoshe is North Dakota’s largest state park. Encompassing an area of more than 1,500 acres in the Turtle Mountains, the park was established in 1938 as a year-round retreat. Prior to settlers arriving in the area, this forest and lake country was home to indigenous Blackfoot, Hidatsa and Assiniboine peoples. The name Metigoshe is derived from a native phrase translated “clearwater lake of scrub-oaks.” While the park contains numerous lakes, which can be explored by foot or paddle, most of the facilities and activities can be enjoyed on or near the shores of Lake Metigoshe. Summer activities include fishing, boating, paddling, swimming and hiking; winter activities include snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and sledding.
Lake Metigoshe State Park offers numerous tent and RV camping areas, including the Washegum and Maid O’ Moonshine campgrounds, as well as several primitive camping areas. The wooded campgrounds feature more than 80 pull-through and back-in sites with electricity and water hookups. Some of these sites are ADA accessible. These campgrounds provide water, flush toilets, and showers; a dump station is located between the two sites. The primitive tent areas are dispersed near the shore of Lake Metigoshe, and feature 40 drive-in and walk-in sites. These areas provide vault toilets only. The park also offers three group campsites, two group dorms, and several cabins. Other amenities in the park include an Outdoor Learning Center, kids’ playgrounds, amphitheater, dog park, and picnic shelters. Campsites are $17–25/night; group sites are $25/night; cabins and dorms range from $60–$125/night.
There are plenty of things to see and do during a camping vacation at Lake Metigoshe. Summer months offer plenty of water activities: catch some rays or take a dip at the park’s swim beach, fish for bass, crappie, walleye and perch, or rent a kayak or canoe and go for a paddle. Try the park’s 2-mile water trail that links four lakes togethers (some portages required). For exploring the woods and wetlands by foot, there are 15 miles of multi-use trails available for hikers and mountain bikers. Pick up an interpretive brochure to learn about the park’s flora and fauna on the 3-mile Old Oak Trail, or head out on any of the other paths to look for moose, deer, pine martens and grouse. Many of these trails are open in winter months for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. There is also a 3.7-mile snowmobile trail. Trail maps are available at the park’s visitor center.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsLake Metigoshe State Park Campground is located in North Dakota near Bottineau
Address
#2 Lake Metigoshe State Park
Bottineau, ND 58318
Coordinates
48.982122181379 N
100.338210370467 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GExcellent Coverage
VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 7/28/26- AT&T5GExcellent Coverage
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent Coverage
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 7/28/26
- AT&T5GExcellent Coverage
Access
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Cabins
- Yurts
- Equestrian
Features
For Campers
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Showers
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 1 hr 33 min from Minot, ND
- 2 hrs 58 min from Bismarck, ND
- 3 hrs 6 min from Grand Forks, ND
- 4 hrs 6 min from Fargo, ND
