Those who think North Dakota is nothing but a flyover are seriously missing out. Along with the grasslands and plains it’s known for, North Dakota is home to some incredible lake and river beaches, whose sandy slopes and cool, calm waters will make you feel like you’ve traveled much further afield.
What are the Best Beaches in North Dakota?
- Lake Metigoshe State Park Beach
- Lake Renwick
- Lewis and Clark State Park Beach
- Johnson’s Beach
- Devil’s Lake State Park Beaches
- Lake Ashtabula
- Jamestown Reservoir Beach
- Lake Tschida
- Beaver Lake State Park Beach
- Beaver Creek Recreation Area
What are the Best North Dakota Beaches for RVers?
Below is a table listing the best North Dakota beaches for RVers. The criteria we used includes campsite availability, general RV friendliness, and the availability of hookups.
| Park | Campsite Options | Hookups & Amenities | RV Friendliness | Best For | Key Advantage |
| Devil’s Lake State Park Beaches | Multiple on-site campgrounds with RV sites | Full hookups at select sites, restrooms, showers, picnic areas, playgrounds | Very high; large rigs welcome, plenty of space | Family camping, fishing, hiking, lake recreation | Large lake with diverse activities and well-developed RV infrastructure |
| Lake Metigoshe State Park Beach | On-site campground with RV sites | Full hookups, water, electricity, parking, lake access | High; manageable roads, seasonal popularity | Swimming, hiking, snow activities, camping | Scenic northern location with year-round outdoor recreation |
| Lake Tschida (Heart Butte Reservoir) | On-site campground with multiple RV sites | Restrooms, picnic shelters, park benches, some electric hookups | High; quiet, easy access for medium to large rigs | Fishing, swimming, hiking, nature-focused camping | Secluded lakeside getaway with amenities and nearby wilderness areas |
Lake Metigoshe State Park Beach
Tucked near the northern border of North Dakota, Lake Metigoshe State Park offers plenty of attractions, but its world-class beach alone is worth the trip. Soft sands lead into cool, clear waters, perfect for cooling off on hot summer days. In addition to swimming and sunbathing, the park is popular for hiking, camping, and winter activities. Snowshoers and cross-country skiers enjoy the trails, and the lake provides excellent fishing year-round.
Things to do near Lake Metigoshe State Park Beach
Bring your passport, and you can explore the Canadian side of the lake, along with surrounding wilderness. On the U.S. side, Turtle Mountain State Forest is a short drive and worth visiting.
Lake Renwick
Surrounded by Icelandic State Park, Lake Renwick features beautiful, swimmable beaches. The water is chilly but scenic and sunny. Amenities include vault toilets, modern restrooms with showers, and an on-site country club.
Things to do near Lake Renwick
Explore Icelandic State Park’s historical attractions, including the Pembina County Historical Museum and the Pioneer Heritage Center. The park is off the beaten path, ideal for a quiet getaway.
Lewis and Clark State Park Beach
Located along a northern bend of the Missouri River, which widens into Lake Sakakawea, Lewis and Clark State Park preserves a key section of the famous explorers’ path. Its sandy shoreline is ideal for strolling, playing, or sunbathing. The park also features the largest native mixed-grass prairie in North Dakota’s state parks and a boat ramp for canoes, paddleboards, and other vessels.
Things to do near Lewis and Clark State Park Beach
Just 20 minutes from Williston, the park offers easy access to city resources. Additional river and lake access points along the Missouri are nearby.
Johnson’s Beach
A small, undeveloped stretch of riverfront sand east along the Missouri, Johnson’s Beach is known for its natural beauty. Hidden stairs provide access from the road. It’s a great spot to relax, sunbathe, or launch a kayak or paddleboard, and remains scenic even in winter.
Things to do near Johnson’s Beach
Located south of Hofflund State Game Management Area and east of Little Egypt County Park, the beach is in a remote, peaceful setting. Lunds Landing nearby offers food and lodging, but RV travelers have all they need.
Devil’s Lake State Park Beaches
Devil’s Lake is North Dakota’s largest lake, over 330 square miles, with numerous sandy access points, including in Devil’s Lake State Park. The shallow, calm waters are ideal for families with children. Hiking trails, fishing, and playgrounds add to the park’s appeal.
Things to do near Devil’s Lake State Park Beaches
Grahams Island State Park, accessible by boat, offers more lakefront exploration. Nearby towns provide visitor resources.
Lake Ashtabula
Just west of Fargo, Lake Ashtabula spans over 5,300 acres and offers swimming, boating, and fishing. Three swimming areas and seven boat ramps provide access to walleye, northern pike, white bass, yellow perch, and black bullhead. Restrooms are available for convenience, and the Baldhill Dam adds scenic value.
Things to do near Lake Ashtabula
Fargo is 1.5 hours away, with Valley City to the south. Stop by the Sheyenne River Valley National Scenic Byway for scenic views.
Jamestown Reservoir Beach
West of Lake Ashtabula, Jamestown Reservoir offers swimming, fishing, sunbathing, and nearby walking trails. Amenities include a campground, boat ramps, and a disc golf course.
Things to do near Jamestown Reservoir Beach
The city of Jamestown is home to the World’s Largest Buffalo and the National Buffalo Museum.
Lake Tschida
Also known as Heart Butte Reservoir, Lake Tschida features campgrounds, hiking trails, sandy shores, park benches, picnic shelters, and restrooms. It’s popular for fishing and flood control.
Things to do near Lake Tschida
About an hour from Bismarck, it offers a balance of seclusion and accessibility. Nearby wilderness areas, including Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park, are worth exploring.
Beaver Lake State Park Beach
Southeast of Bismarck, Beaver Lake State Park has a well-maintained beach surrounded by rolling hills. The park offers lawn space for games, on-site camping, and a few cabins.
Things to do near Beaver Lake State Park Beach
About 1.5 hours from Bismarck, this beach is ideal for a countryside weekend.
Beaver Creek Recreation Area
Located along the creek feeding Beaver Lake, near the Missouri River, this area features a beach, playground, restrooms, fish cleaning station, and nature trails. Paddle vessels can be launched here.
Things to do near Beaver Creek Recreation Area
This park is near North Dakota’s southern border, close to Cannonball and Fort Yates.
Planning an RV Trip to North Dakota
Ready for a North Dakota beach trip? An RV trip is the way to go. Check out the best state parks in North Dakota and stay in the best campgrounds across the state. You’ll also want to visit major metros like Fargoand Bismarck.
