Beaver Lake State Park in North Dakota, USA - map and visitor information

Research checked: 2026-10-27. Check linked official notices before travel.

Beaver Lake State Park near Wishek, North Dakota, pairs prairie-and-lakeshore trails with a campground and seasonal cabins. Managed by North Dakota Parks and Recreation, it suits a walking trip or a planned summer stay. In the off-season, check facilities individually: year-round camping does not mean year-round full service.

Highlights beside Beaver Lake

• The 0.3-mile Nature Trail is a short, hiking-only option by the swimming area.
• Old Settlers Trail connects a lakeshore walk with the park’s dedication cairn.
• Longer loops extend into prairie and woodland within the 5.4-mile trail network.

Plan for the season

Fees, hours, and seasonal access

Water safety

The beach has no lifeguards. Children under 12 need adult supervision, and swimmers must remain inside the buoyed area when one is present. Glass containers and fishing are prohibited in the swimming area. Read posted rules before using the beach.

Pets and overnight limits

Keep pets leashed in the park. They cannot enter the swim beach or the camping cabins. Campsite and cabin occupancy is limited to 14 nights in any 30-day period.

Book the correct accommodation

Use North Dakota’s reservation system or call 800-807-4723. Campsites open for booking 95 days ahead; cabins can be booked up to 365 days ahead within their operating season. The nonrefundable booking fee is USD 5.80 online or in person, or USD 9 by phone. Reserve a picnic shelter by calling the park directly.

Finding the park

The park address is 3850 70th St. SE, Wishek, ND 58495. The official park page provides campground and full-park maps. Choose a loop before setting out: most trail surfaces are grass, dirt, or compacted single-track, and some sections are steeper.

A regional refuge stop

Long Lake National Wildlife Refuge: a regional wildlife-viewing option near Moffit, with headquarters access from U.S. 83 and local roads. Use the refuge’s current directions: its listed approach via 102nd Avenue is closed. Refuge visiting hours are sunrise–sunset.

Walk, cycle, or use the beach

Choose the Nature Trail for a brief walk from the swimming area, or the 0.5-mile Old Settlers route for lakeshore history. Most of the wider trail system permits hiking and biking; the Nature Trail is the exception and is reserved for walkers. The swim beach is at the park’s northern end.

Camping facilities and cabins

The park lists showers, flush toilets, a dump station, a boat ramp, a kayak launch, and picnic shelters; use the seasonal notice above when planning an overnight stay. All three camping cabins are described as accessible. Bring your own bedding and towels, and confirm that the cabin and its approach meet your needs.

Prairie and settlement history

The dedication cairn

The cairn on Old Settlers Trail records the founders and the park’s dedication on July 24, 1932. It gives a short walk a direct connection with the communities that established the park.

Birds along the woodland edge

Kingbirds, meadowlarks, woodpeckers, chickadees, and yellow warblers are among the summer birds listed for Woodland Trail. Treat them as possibilities rather than a checklist of guaranteed sightings.

Contact Beaver Lake

Call 701-452-2752 or email [email protected]. Consult the limited-service notice for facility changes before an off-season visit.