Campers and historians alike will find much to love about Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park, the oldest state park in North Dakota. Settle in at one of the 100 campsites along the Missouri and Heart Rivers, or rent one of the two seasonal cabins. Learn about life on the frontier and explore Fort Abraham Lincoln and Fort McKeen. You can even take a guided tour through the barracks and officers’ quarters. Check out On-a-Slant Village – home to Indigenous American earth lodges during your stay.

You’ll find Lewis and Clark State Park at Lake Sakakawea’s northern tip. Envision a canvas of rugged buttes and rolling hills, offering a breathtaking backdrop for your camping adventure. Trails wind through tree-lined ravines, inviting hikes through grasslands and prairies. Spend the day on the water boating, kayaking or canoeing (equipment rentals are available at the Trader’s Bay Visitor Center). In the winter, there are four miles of snowshoeing trails to explore.

Nestled in a stunning wooded valley along the Turtle River’s shores, this park is ideal for a weekend camping getaway. Discover numerous secluded campsites dotting the area, some right by the riverbank, plus cabins tucked within the woods. Hikers can explore 12 miles of trails weaving through hills and by Turtle River, while select paths offer prime terrain for mountain biking. Fishing enthusiasts will find the river teeming with trout, a golden opportunity for fly fishing.

If you’re planning a weekend camping and fishing trip, head to Lake Sakakawea State Park. Located on the shores of North Dakota’s largest reservoir, this park is a fishermen’s dream, thanks to waters teeming with chinook salmon, northern pike, and walleye. Beyond fishing, the reservoir is perfect for sailing and windsurfing, thanks to high winds. And if you love to hike, the park is home to a portion of the North Country National Scenic Trail, which extends 4,600 miles from Vermont.

With astounding vistas of North Dakota’s Badlands, Little Missouri State Park is a haven for birdwatchers. From bald eagles to black-milled magpies and chipping sparrows, campers spending the night here should have their camera ready. Despite being a smaller state park, it’s an ideal spot for tranquility seekers in North Dakota’s backcountry. Venture onto 45 miles of hiking trails, spotting local wildlife like red foxes, bobcats, and mule deer.

Tucked away on the shores of a quiet lake, Beaver Lake State Park offers modern and primitive campsites, hiking trails and fishing, all with gorgeous views of North Dakota’s prairies. Hike more than five miles of hiking trails, from the Old Settlers Trail that winds along the shores of the lake to the Woodland Trail through the grasslands and surrounding forests. Birdwatchers should keep an eye out for native species such as kingbirds, meadowlarks and chickadees.

Indulge your passion for the outdoors at North Dakota’s year-round gem: Lake Metigoshe State Park. A paradise for nature lovers, it boasts various activities spanning the seasons. Choose between secluded campsites or group sites with electric hook-ups, or opt for charming cabins like the Slemmen Lodge or the White Pelican cabin on the Hemerick Trail. And yes, there’s even a yurt offering front-row seats to picturesque lake views.

Located along Lake Renwick’s northern expanse, Icelandic State Park is home to 912 acres of lakes, rivers, trails, a wildlife sanctuary, and 157 waterfront campsites. For fun on the water, rent a stand-up paddleboard, canoe or kayak. Looking to soak up the sun? The lake’s sandy shoreline is the perfect place to relax. Nature enthusiasts should explore the three-mile trail system in the Gunlogson Nature Preserve, where the elusive western wood pewee (a rare bird) might appear.