Beaver Lake State Park
RV Guide
Introduction
Surrounded by rolling prairie in southern North Dakota is the 283-acre Beaver Lake State Park. The land for the state park was purchased in 1930 and the park’s dedication took place in 1932. In 1933, a dam was built on Beaver Creek, which raised the level of the lake. A stone monument is located in the state park. This historic cairn has the names of the park’s founders carved into the stone.
While the state park is open year round, camping season runs from mid-May through Labor Day weekend. The camping loop within the state park, once a track for horse racing, now hosts 25 modern campsites with electricity and water hookups. There are an additional three campsites available for groups as well as primitive camping. Campsites can be reserved in advance of your stay online or by calling the park.
Visitors to Beaver Lake State Park can enjoy a wealth of activities during their stay. The 964-acre lake provides plenty of opportunity for boating, swimming, and other water sports. Over five miles of trails in the park lead through the prairie with views of the lake, monument, and wooded ravines. Birdwatchers will enjoy observing the many different types of birds that reside in the park. There will be no shortage of activities available during your visit.
During camping season, average temperatures range from the 60s to well into the 80s. The warm summer days are best spent on the water or at the beach. The shady hiking trails and campsites are a perfect escape from the summer sun. Though camping is closed during the winter months, the park remains open for day-use. The temperatures during the winter time are well below freezing, perfect for those looking to go ice-fishing on the frozen surface of Beaver Lake.
RV Rentals in Beaver Lake State Park
Transportation
Driving
Beaver Lake State Park is located on the west side of Beaver Lake in Wishek, North Dakota near Burnstad. About 16-miles from the small city of Wishek, it’s about a 25 to 30-minute drive to services. It is advised not to rely on GPS while driving to the park. Instead, follow the state park signs.
While driving through the park, you shouldn’t encounter any issues, regardless of the size of your RV or trailer. The campground is an oval loop that was once a horse racing track. Campsites are pull through and the pads are gravel. The maximum pad length is 70 feet.
There is plenty of parking available within the state park in the day-use areas. The lake, playground, and other amenities can be accessed by walking or driving.
Parking
Public Transportation
Campgrounds and parking in Beaver Lake State Park
Campsites in Beaver Lake State Park
Reservations camping
Beaver Lake State Park Campground
The camping loop within the state park hosts 25 campsites with water and electric hookups. An additional three sites are available for group camping. The camping loop was once a track for horse racing and its oval shape was retained when the camping area was created. Primitive campsites are located within the state park also, though they aren’t accessible for RVs or trailers. Reservations for campsites can be made in advance over the phone or online.
You’ll find the campsites at the state park to be shady and spacious. Each campsite has a picnic table and fire ring. Enjoy the cool evenings around the campfire or the peak of a warm day under the shade of a tree.
A playground is located within the camping loop for kids to enjoy. Additionally, the campsites are just a short walk from the lake. Other amenities include picnic shelters with electricity, showers, flush toilets, and a dump station. Pets are allowed within the state park on a leash. Bring your dog along to explore the many park trails.
Seasonal activities in Beaver Lake State Park
In-Season
Water Activities
Enjoy a warm day on the refreshing, cool lake water. The 964-acre Beaver Lake is perfect for water activities from swimming to jet-skiing to boating. The boat ramp located within the state park provides quick access to the lake. For swimmers, there is a swim beach on the shores of the lake.
Hiking & Mountain Biking
There are over five miles of interconnecting, multi-use trails at the state park. Beaver Lake Nature Trail is open for hiking only, however, the remainder of trails are multi-use for both hiking and mountain biking. You can expect to find beautiful views of the lake, wildlife, rolling prairie, and ravines throughout the trails.
Picnicking
There are two picnic shelters located at the state park. Each picnic shelter has six picnic tables and electricity. These shelters make the perfect spot for group gatherings, whether it be for a birthday or a family reunion. The picnic shelters can be reserved in advance.
Off-Season
Historical Site
Beaver Lake State Park has a historic stone monument. This historic cairn stands in the park has the names of the park’s founders as well as the dedication date inscribed. From the trails, you can also catch a glimpse of a stone cabin that was once used by the park’s caretaker.
Wildlife
Visitors to the park will find many different types of wildlife and vegetation throughout the lake, rolling prairies, and woods. Birdwatching is popular at this state park with pelicans, swans, goldfinches, and hawks commonly seen. Many other types of birds reside in the state park and surrounding area as well. From the hiking trails, lake, or your campsite you’re bound to see a variety of birds during your visit.
Fishing
Anglers who visit the state park will have the opportunity to catch Largemouth Bass, Yellow Perch, and Northern Pike. Bring your boat and fish from the water or fish from the banks of the lake. Floating docks with benches are located around the lake making a perfect fishing spot. In the winter time, once the cold temperatures freeze the lake, ice fishing becomes popular for visitors.
