State Park

Lake Metigoshe State Park

Bottineau County, North DakotaAbout 1,690 acresEstablished 1937
Status
Status not posted
Entrance fee
See fee details
Day-use reservations
None mentioned
Dogs
Dogs allowed, with restrictions
Camping
126 campsitesAlso cabins, yurts
Official site
parkrec.nd.gov(701) 263-4651

Official page last checked Oct 29, 2026. Details last changed Oct 29, 2026. How we keep this current

Overview

Covering about 1,690 acres, Lake Metigoshe State Park lies in Bottineau County, about 13 miles northeast of Bottineau.

Visitors come for cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, winter sports, canoeing and kayaking, and swimming. The official site lists about 13 miles of trails. On the water side, there is a swimming beach, a boat ramp, and a fishing pier. For overnight stays there are 126 campsites across 3 camping areas (RV sites with electric hookups, tent sites, primitive or hike-in sites, group camping, and showers). There are also cabins and yurts for rent.

Fees and passes

ItemAmount
Fees/Rates: Rates are$5
There is a$50
Official wording

Fees/Rates: Rates are $5 per participant, per program. There is a $50 minimum for groups with 10 or fewer participants. Rates include state park entrance fees for up to one bus and two vehicles. Changes and or cancellations require two weeks' notice or fees may apply.

North Dakota park passes

  • Daily vehicle entrance — $7. One vehicle, one day Details
  • Annual single vehicle permit — $35. One vehicle, all state parks Details
  • Annual family permit — $61.25. 2 vehicles in the same household Details
  • Senior annual permit (ND residents 65+) — $28 Details

From the North Dakota state guide. Confirm which passes this park accepts.

Reservations

Day use
No day-use reservation requirement mentioned
Booking system
reserveNDparks.com
Phone
800-807-4723

Check availability and book

We link to the official booking system rather than showing live availability, which changes minute to minute.

Pets

Dogs allowed, with restrictions

Not allowed in or on: cabins or yurts.

Pets are not allowed in cabins or yurts. Pets are welcome but must stay on a leash. Most parks have off-leash areas or dog parks for your four-legged friends.

Service animals are generally permitted where pets are not. Check with the park for specific areas.

Camping

Campground or site typeSitesHookups / featuresPrice
Modern Campsites
electricity & water; Price: $25-30 per night
84Electricity & water—
Primitive Campsites
Price: $15 per night
39—
Modern Group Campsites
electricity, water and the ability to put multiple units on one site; Price: $25-30 per night, per unit
3Electricity, water and the ability to put multiple units on one site—
Camping details from the park

Campsite Type 84 Modern Campsites (electricity & water) Price: $25-30 per night 39 Primitive Campsites Price: $15 per night 3 Modern Group Campsites (electricity, water and the ability to put multiple units on one site) Book Now Campground Maps • Washegum, Maid O'Moonshine, and Primitive Campgrounds Map Full Park Map • Lake Metigoshe State Park Camping Information

From the official park page, checked Oct 29, 2026. Site counts and prices can change; confirm when booking.

Cabins and lodging

  • Slemmen Lodge
  • Kingfisher Cabin
  • White Pelican
  • Loon Lodge
  • Blue Heron Yurt
    Price: $70-85 per night (two-night minimum stay required)
  • Cormorant
    Price: $70-85 per night (two-night minimum stay required)
  • Osprey Cabin
    Price: $70-85 per night (two-night minimum stay required)
  • Group Dorms

Slemmen Lodge Price: $135-150 per night (two-night minimum stay required) Book Now Situated along the United States and Canadian border, this cabin makes a great getaway for larger groups. Slemmen sleeps eight with a queen bedroom and three queen futons in the living area. The cabin includes a gas fireplace, WiFi, full kitchen and 3/4 bathroom. This secluded cabin is located in the northern part of the park. Stepping off the front porch, you will find a number of trails maintained year round. Kingfisher Cabin Price: $100-115 per night (two-night minimum stay required) Book Now Nestled in the trees near the modern campgrounds, the Kingfisher Cabin can be reserved for stays October 1 through March 30. This cabin accommodates up to four people with two bedrooms, each with a bunk bed (twin top, full bottom). The Kingfisher has a full kitchen, AC, heat and 3/4 bathroom. White Pelican Price: $100-115 per night (two-night minimum stay required) Book Now White Pelican cabin is located along Hemerick Trail in the wooded Turtle Mountains. The White Pelican comfortably sleeps six with two bedrooms (one queen bed and two singles) and queen futon in the living area and includes a full kitchen and 3/4 bathroom. The cabin is also equipped with WiFi. Enjoy the deck and private grass area in the summer or cuddle up with a good book in the winter by the gas fireplace. Loon Lodge Price: $100-115 per night (two-night minimum stay required) Book Now The Loon Lodge is located just north of the Kings Highway trail system located in the Turtle Mountains. This cozy cabin sleeps four with two bedrooms, one with a bunk bed and another with a queen bed. This cabin comes with a gas fireplace, WiFi, full kitchen and 3/4 bathroom. Blue Heron Yurt Book Now The Blue Heron Yurt sits on the edge of School Section Lake and offers beautiful views of this quiet lake. The Hemerick Point trail system runs right to the Yurt. This yurt sleeps four and has a bunk bed and a pullout futon. A gas fireplace, kitchen table and a small refrigerator are located inside the Blue Heron. A vault toilet is located on site and shower facilities are located in the main campground during the summer season. Cormorant Book Now Located in the wooded Turtle Mountains, the Cormorant Cabin offers stunning views of School Section Lake. This quiet cabin sleeps four. It has one bedroom with a queen size bed and one full futon and one twin futon in the living room. A vault toilet is located on site and shower facilities are located in the main campground during the summer season. Osprey Cabin Book Now The Osprey Cabin is perfect for the adventurous type. This primitive backcountry cabin is located along the east shore of Lake Eramosh. The cabin is only accessible by a 2-mile hike or a 1.5-mile canoe/kayak ride and short portage. This cozy cabin sleeps four with two full beds and two twins set up bunk bed style. The cabin includes wood, a wood burning stove, and solar lights. A vault toilet is available onsite but water has to be packed in. Group Dorms Price: $6 per person/night ($150 minimum) Call to reserve: (701) 263-4651 The group dorms are a great option for large groups coming to Lake Metigoshe State Park. The park has two dorms that each sleep 60 people each. The dorms are located next to a shower and restroom facilities and the kitchen/dining hall. - Smoking is not allowed in any cabins or yurts. - Game or fish cleaning in or around cabins or yurts is not allowed. - Pets are not allowed in cabins or yurts.

Things to do

FishingGeocachingCanoeing and kayakingSwimmingHikingBikingWinter sportsCross-country skiingSnowmobilingBoatingPicnickingCamping

Trails

TrailLengthDifficultyNotes
Old Oak Nature Trail3 mi—This is North Dakota's first National Recreation Trail. Built by the Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) in 1974, it was dedicated by Governor Arthur Link in 1976. This self-guided interpretive trail is approximately three miles in length and takes about two hours to hike.Hiking
East Side Multi-Use Trails8 mi—Open to: hiking, biking, cross-country skiing and snowshoeingHikingBikingCross-country skiingSnowshoeing
West Side Multi-Use Trails4 mi—Open to: hiking, biking, cross-country skiing and snowshoeingHikingBikingCross-country skiingSnowshoeing
Peace Garden Snowmobile Trail3.7 mi—A portion of the Peace Garden Snowmobile Trail is found within Lake Metigoshe State Park. This 3.7-mile section runs from the west side of the park, coming in from Lake Metigoshe, to the northeast park boundary and continues on to the International Peace Garden. Snowmobiles are to be registered and licensed according to ND state law and are only allowed on the snowmobile trail and designated roadsSnowmobiling
Trail descriptions from the park

Nestled in the scenic Turtle Mountains on the shores of Lake Metigoshe, Lake Metigoshe State Park was constructed by the Works Progress Administration (WPA) in the 1930s and is one of the most popular year-round vacation spots in North Dakota. Old Oak Nature Trail Distance: 3 miles Open to: hiking This is North Dakota's first National Recreation Trail. Built by the Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) in 1974, it was dedicated by Governor Arthur Link in 1976. This self-guided interpretive trail is approximately three miles in length and takes about two hours to hike. East Side Multi-Use Trails Distance: 8 miles Open to: hiking, biking, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing These trails are open to hiking, mountain biking, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Keep an eye out for a variety of wildlife and vegetation. You might see Moose, White Tail Deer, a Pine Martin or Ruffed Grouse. Our trails run through forested, grass and wetland areas creating many unique viewing opportunities. Loop Distance to Loop from Warming House Trailhead Loop Distance Round Trip Antelope (formerly Bobcat) 0.9 miles 0.7 miles 2.5 miles Beaver Loop 1.16 miles 1.93 miles 4.25 miles Coyote 2.25 miles 1.45 miles 5.95 miles Deer 2.75 miles 1.7 miles 4.5 miles Kings Highway Trail Additional trail and access point. 1.9 miles West Side Multi-Use Trails Distance: 4 miles Open to: hiking, biking, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing These trails are open to hiking, mountain biking, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Keep an eye out for a variety of wildlife and vegetation. You might see Moose, White Tail Deer, a Pine Martin or Ruffed Grouse. Our trails run through forested, grass and wetland areas creating many unique viewing opportunities. Loop Distance to Loop from Warming House Trailhead Loop Distance Round Trip Cub 1.2 miles 0.35 miles 2.75 miles Tenderfoot 1.27 miles 0.77 miles 3.31 miles Scout 1.34 miles 0.67 miles 3.35 miles Eagle 1.67 miles 1.22 miles 4.56 miles Hemerick Point Trail Connects to loops from Warming House Trailhead. 1.2 miles Peace Garden Snowmobile Trail Distance: 3.7 miles Open to: Snowmobiling A portion of the Peace Garden Snowmobile Trail is found within Lake Metigoshe State Park. This 3.7-mile section runs from the west side of the park, coming in from Lake Metigoshe, to the northeast park boundary and continues on to the International Peace Garden. Snowmobiles are to be registered and licensed according to ND state law and are only allowed on the snowmobile trail and designated roads within the park. Trail Map: • A PDF Map of the summer trails is available here. • A PDF Map of the winter trails is available here.

Amenities

Facilities

  • Restrooms
  • Flush toilets
  • Showers
  • Picnic shelters
  • Playground
  • Group facilities
  • Dog park or off-leash area

Water

  • Swimming beach
  • Boat ramp
  • Fishing pier

Camping

  • RV dump station
  • Tent camping
  • RV camping
  • Electric hookups
  • Primitive or backcountry camping
  • Group camping

Lodging

  • Cabins
  • Yurts

Accessibility

  • Beach or all-terrain wheelchairs

✓ listed by the park · ✕ the park says it is not available. Anything not shown here isn’t mentioned by the official source — that means unknown, not unavailable.

Accessibility

  • Beach or all-terrain wheelchairs

The park has an all-terrain wheelchair available free of charge for park visitors with mobility challenges. Please call 701-263-4651 to reserve in advance.

Conditions change. Contact the park to confirm specific accessible features before your visit.

Getting there

Address
2 Lake Metigoshe State Park
Bottineau, ND 58318
Nearest town
Bottineau — about 13 mi northeast (straight line)
Coordinates
48.9916, -100.3205
Phone
(701) 263-4651
Email
lmsp@nd.gov

Google Maps directionsApple MapsOfficial park map (PDF)

Nearby state parks

Sources and freshness

“Last checked” is when our system last read the official source. “Last changed” (Oct 29, 2026) is when the information shown here last differed from the previous check. Hours, fees and rules can change without notice — confirm with the park before you go. Methodology

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