Lake Oahe is 231 miles long, extending from South Dakota to North Dakota. The lake was given its name from the Lakota Sioux tribe. “Oahe” translates to “a place to stand on.” Native Americans still live in the area with the Cheyenne River Sioux and Standing Rock Sioux Tribes residing on the west side of the lake. Construction of Lake Oahe was completed in 1958 by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Many recreational opportunities bring visitors to Lake Oahe. Stop by the visitor center when you arrive for information about the reservoir and dam. Then, continue to one of the recreation areas to set up camp before enjoying the many activities the lake and land offer. For visitors bringing boats, there are boat launches at each recreation area and two docks at Beaver Creek. Fish cleaning stations are available to use during the peak season for tending to any fish caught. Take a break from the sun and activities by having a picnic at one of the picnic areas or your campsite.
Beaver Creek and Hazelton both offer camping. Some campsites have no hookups, while others have 30 or 50-amp electric. The pet-friendly campgrounds have many amenities to take advantage of, including lake access, fishing cleaning stations, picnic areas, and playgrounds. Peak season runs from May to September. Reservations for campsites can be made online.
Lake Oahe stretches from Pierre, South Dakota to Bismarck, North Dakota, on the Missouri River. Beaver Creek and Hazelton Recreation Areas are both in North Dakota. About 23 miles apart, the recreation areas are remote, with very few services nearby. Visitors will want to ensure they stock up on any needed supplies before their trip.
Upon arrival at Beaverton or Hazelton Recreation Areas, visitors will find that the campground roads are paved and the campsites are spacious. Navigating the campground roads and parking big rigs at a campsite shouldn’t be a burden.
After settling in at camp, the lake and many of the amenities are just a short walk or drive away. Parking is located at the day-use and boat ramp area of each park. Visitors will need to drive to access some areas such as historical sites and for hunting.
Beaver Creek Recreation Area has 61 campsites. While some have no hookups, 45 of the campsites have 30-amp electric. There is a mix of back-in campsites and pull-through sites, with many easily accommodating big rigs. Each site has a picnic table and a fire ring. There is limited shade at the campground. Plan to bring a canopy for shelter if your rig doesn’t have an awning.
The campground has many amenities. There are flush toilets and drinking water, which can be used during the peak season. Water is shut off to prevent the lines from freezing late in the season. There are vault toilets that remain open after the water has been shut off. While there aren’t any sewer hookups at the campsites, there is a dump station at the campground.
Visitors to Beaver Creek Recreation Area will also have access to the three-lane boat ramp as well as two docks. A nature trail and playground also provide plenty of fun.
Hazelton Recreation Area has 30 campsites. Eighteen campsites are primitive with no hookups, while 12 have 50-amp electric. Each campsite has a campfire ring and picnic table, which are perfect to gather around under the dark, starry sky in the evenings.
The campsites are spacious and have lots of room for you to spread out while setting up camp. While there are some trees throughout the park, there is very little shade. Plan to use your awning or a canopy for shade on sunny days.
Hazelton has many amenities to make your stay comfortable. There is a boat ramp providing lake access as well as a fish cleaning station for lucky anglers to use. A playground near the campground is an excellent spot for kids to run and play. Vault toilets are located at the campground. No sewer hookups or dump stations exist at this recreation area.
The 231-mile long lake provides visitors with plenty of space and shoreline for water activities. Several boat ramps around the lake provide boaters and paddlers with easy access to the water. You'll find plenty of space if you want to try jet skiing or water skiing, or if you're looking to spend a relaxing day exploring. Don’t forget to bring along your fishing poles when heading out onto the water.
A picnic is a fun, relaxing way to spend an afternoon at Lake Oahe. Whether you’re taking a break from the many recreational activities or gathering with friends and family, you won’t have trouble finding a picnic spot. There are many picnic tables and grills at each of the recreation areas at the lake. Large groups may want to consider reserving the picnic shelter at Beaver Creek. The shelter has many tables, grills, and electricity.
Many different types of fish can be caught from Lake Oahe. The lake has northern pike, walleye, chinook salmon, various types of bass, trout, and many other species. Anglers aren’t likely to leave the lake disappointed. Fish cleaning stations are located at each of the recreation areas to gut and clean any catches. Anglers can fish from the shore or use one of the boat launches for boat access.
The thousands of acres of land are inviting to hunters from near and far. Many different species of wildlife thrive in the land around Lake Oahe. Popular game includes turkey, deer, waterfowl, and pheasants. Trapping is permitted in some areas. You’ll want to review and become familiar with state hunting and trapping regulations before your visit. Don’t forget to bring any necessary permits.
The Visitor Center is a great starting point for your trip to Lake Oahe. At the visitor center, you’ll find information about the history and settlement of the area as well as the dam project. Learning programs also cover the various types of fish and the Lewis & Clark expedition. Scenic views of the lake are enjoyed at the visitor center. Don’t forget to bring along your camera!
Lake Oahe has many historical points of interest. Old Fort Sully is at Farm Island Recreation Area in Pierre, South Dakota. It is a military post that was built in the early 1860s after the Dakota War of 1862. The gravesite of Chief Sitting Bull, a famed courageous leader of the Lakota tribe, is near Lake Oahe, as is the gravesite of Sacajawea. Plan to explore some of these fascinating pieces of the area’s history during your visit.
