Homme Lake in North Dakota offers 194 acres of water for visitors to experience. The reservoir that is Homme Lake was created in 1950 when the Homme Dam was completed. The dam, built predominantly for flood control by the Army Corps of Engineers, is an impoundment on the South Branch Park River. While the flood control and water storage aspects of this COE lake are important, the area is also the perfect vacation spot for some quiet paddling, exciting fishing, and a refreshing swim.
The US Army Corps of Engineers owns and maintains the 200 acres of land that surround the lake and Homme Dam and Recreation Area. This is the perfect place to get away from it all and experience true North Dakota wilderness. These wild areas are open in the winter for cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. During other seasons, visitors can hike and hunt in this magnificent space. The closest major city is Fargo, over two hours away, keeping this area secluded, uncrowded, and rural. Another large city in North Dakota, Bismarck, is even further at about four hours away.
The Walsh County Park Board operates the park and an RV-friendly campground with full hookups at the Homme Dam Recreation Area. You won't need to look far at all for a place to stay.
The Homme Dam is found only two miles west of Park River traveling along State Highway #17. The roads are well maintained and fine to navigate in a large rig. Be careful of the weather if you are traveling to this area in the winter. Sudden changes to road and driving conditions due to bad weather can occur.
There is a large, open parking area at Homme Lake near the fishing pier and swimming area. It can accommodate large RVs, trailers, and motorhomes. This parking lot is also a short walk to the campground.
Part of the Homme Dam Recreation Area, the Homme Dam Campground is available for camping from April to November. Reservations are not accepted online for this campground, so all sites are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis and accommodate rigs up to 45 feet. The 31 sites are open and grassy, and each has its own picnic table.
Some of the RV sites have electric hookups only whereas others have full hookups. The recreation area has a swimming beach near the dam and a playground for the kids.
Your pets are allowed in this campground managed by the Walsh County Park Board, and drinking water is available if needed. Campers also have access to a comfort station with restrooms and hot showers.
The swimming beach at the Homme Dam was reconstructed in 2004 to improve conditions for visitors. The beach provides a gradual entrance into the water which is suitable for kids. It's big enough for families to set up directly on it for the day to sunbathe, picnic, and of course, swim.
Swimming at the beach is unsupervised, as is all swimming at Homme Lake. Exercise caution and obey all posted signs since algae has occurred in the lake.
There is a lovely tree-lined picnic area at Homme Dam that water views through the trees. The area is covered and very close to the reservoir. There are bathrooms and a playground close by for convenience. Overall the recreation area is quite small so most of the activities, like the swimming beach, fishing piers, and boat ramp are only a short walk away.
Throughout the shores of the COE lake, you'll find grassy spots that can be used for an impromptu picnic. The water views and pretty backdrop of trees is the perfect setting for a fantastic dining experience.
Most forms of boating are permitted on Homme Lake. Do some waterskiing with your motorized boat or take a more relaxing paddle in your canoe or kayak. The miles of shoreline are just waiting to be explored.
There is a boat launch and small pier at the Homme Dam Recreation Area to help you get onto the water. If you don't have your own boat, both kayaks and paddleboats can be rented here too.
A popular way to relax at Homme Lake is by hitting the lake with your rod and reel. Anglers can hope to catch pike, largemouth bass, walleye, and crappie in the lake's waters. There is also a large population of minnows here including the creek chub and fathead varieties.
The maximum depth of the lake is 34 feet and the average is closer to 10 feet. You can fish from the shore, one of the two fishing piers, or head out on the water. The chances are good that you'll catch dinner so always have your fishing gear handy.
The land managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers around Homme Lake becomes even more quiet and wild in the winter. With fewer visitors than during peak season, it's the ideal time to visit if you are in search of solitude. Braving a trip to Homme Lake in the winter is worth it for the seemingly endless miles of ungroomed area to explore by snowmobile or by cross-country skiing.
This same area is also open to hunting as long as hunters adhere to the rules set forth by North Dakota Fish and Game and possess the necessary license.
The 200 acres of land surrounding Homme Lake are open to hiking. The trails are limited, and navigation through this wilderness is unguided so it should only be undertaken by experienced hikers. The reward, though, is a peaceful trek through pristine forests and expansive prairies.
If you prefer to travel on marked trails, a path was constructed from the Homme Dam Recreation Area to the west side of the town of Park River. This trail is especially nice in the fall when the foliage turns beautiful shades of red and yellow. It's an easy, relatively flat walk suitable to hikers of all ability levels. Cycling is also encouraged on this path.
