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Map showing campground location near Williston, North Dakota
Camper submitted image from Blacktail DamView 9 Photos
FacilitiesMap showing campground location near Williston, North Dakota

Blacktail Dam

5 ReviewsAdd Review

Anglers targeting pike, walleye, and sunfish will find direct water access from every campsite at Blacktail Dam, a county-managed campground on a small reservoir near Zahl. The facility provides electric hookups shared between neighboring sites, along with drinking water, restrooms with showers, and a dump station for RVs.

Each campsite sits directly on the water, though cattails and thick vegetation limit shore fishing opportunities and water access at most spots. A designated swimming beach located about 1.5 miles from the main camping area offers sandy access for families, though space fills quickly during busy periods. The campground includes a playground and picnic shelters, with garbage service and campfire permissions.

Most surrounding land consists of privately owned lots, creating a developed lake atmosphere rather than wilderness camping. Jodi P. notes the area "tends to get quite busy, with minimal camping spots." Holiday weekends like Fourth of July see particularly heavy use from local visitors. Swimming restrictions apply to most areas outside the designated beach.

The facility operates seasonally, with water and restrooms closed during winter months. Reservations are accepted for the limited number of sites. Campers seeking additional options in the region can explore camping near Williston.

Reservation Info

First-come, first-serve sites - no reservations.

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Location

Public Campground

Blacktail Dam is located in North Dakota

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

48.42900049 N
103.73400097 W

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Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 2 users
    Last on 4/23/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 2 users
    Last on 4/23/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group
  • Cabins

Features

For Campers

  • ADA Access
  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • Showers
  • Drinking Water
  • Electric Hookups
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Sanitary Dump
  • Big Rig Friendly

Contact

General Info

Reservations

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Reviews

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3.5

out of 5

5 Reviews

Guests frequently mentioned waterfront sites and family-friendly amenities as highlights. However, many visitors reported crowding issues and limited privacy due to surrounding homes, particularly during peak summer periods.

Teresa T.The Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Apr. 19, 2025

Cute

I think for families this would be a nice place to spend a weekend. Everything was closed I'm here in April so I would have been the only camper had I stayed. But the bathrooms aren't open and the water is not on yet so we'll probably head over to a state park instead. But if you had small boats or wanted to fish it's very cute you can see the water from every campsite and pretty much can access the water from every campsite. Probably well used by the locals.

Month of VisitApril
Leah N.
Reviewed Jul. 5, 2022

Nice Place

All camp spots are right on the water, though most of them have cat tails and thick vegetation making it difficult to get to the water. Each site has electric that you share with your neighbor. They have a water station, dump station, showers that could use some attention, they have a nice playground for the kids, some picnic shelters, bathrooms and garbage cans. We stayed over the 4th so it was very busy but still enjoyable (coming from a family that prefers our solitude). There isn't a lot of water access for shore fishing and swimming is prohibited in most areas. There is a swimming beach about 1.5 miles from where we had camped which was pretty central to the grounds. It's not a big beach area so busy days it can be a little crowded. It is nice and sandy and great for the kiddos, though. All in all, the campground was nice and I would stay again!

Site22
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Blacktail Dam by Leah N., July 5, 2022
  • Review photo of Blacktail Dam by Leah N., July 5, 2022
  • Review photo of Blacktail Dam by Leah N., July 5, 2022
  • (9) View All
Kori P.
Reviewed Jul. 11, 2019

Cute and cozy

Cute place to go camp. I don’t like all the houses out here. It makes you feel like you are constantly being watched. Play area for the kids and decent fishing for pike, walleye and sunfish. We haven’t camped here yet, but I would love too. We go out fishing for day trips

J
Reviewed Aug. 20, 2018

Popular area

Blacktail Dam is a popular destination for most area people. It is a small dam so it does tend to get quite busy, with minimal camping spots. Most of the land around the lake is privately owned lots.

Month of VisitJune
Jackie R.
Reviewed Aug. 14, 2016

Can get busy!

It's a smaller lake with housing all around it. Around the 4th of July can get super busy. They keep the facilities clean!

Showing results 1-5 of 5 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping facilities are available at Blacktail Dam?

Blacktail Dam features campsites positioned directly on the water, though some sites have thick vegetation and cattails that limit water access. Each site comes with electrical hookups that are shared with neighboring campers. The campground provides a water station, dump station, and shower facilities. Bathrooms and water services are seasonal and typically not available in early spring. The facilities are generally well-maintained and clean.

Where is Blacktail Dam Campground located in North Dakota?

Blacktail Dam Campground is located in northwestern North Dakota, near Williston. It's situated on a smaller lake surrounded by privately owned lots and residential housing. The campground offers a peaceful setting despite its proximity to residential areas, making it a popular destination for local residents looking for convenient outdoor recreation.

What recreational activities can visitors enjoy at Blacktail Dam?

Visitors to Blacktail Dam can enjoy fishing for pike, walleye, and sunfish in the lake. The area features a nice playground for children, making it family-friendly. Small boats are welcome on the water for fishing and recreation. While the lake is relatively small, it provides ample opportunities for water activities. The campground gets especially busy during summer holidays like the Fourth of July weekend, so plan accordingly for the best experience.

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