North Dakota Parks and Recreation

Welcome, Wanderers

North Dakota is the land of endless adventures, and we invite you to discover the unique beauty and history of our state. You will find exciting recreational opportunities along our lakes, rivers, unexpected wooded valleys, prairie vistas and rugged Badlands. From secluded campsites to cozy cabins, there’s a perfect spot for you to unwind and make memories in North Dakota State Parks.

Whether you are a returning visitor or new to the state, your journey starts here!

Upcoming Events

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Friday, June 12, 2026 at 07:30 pm - Sunday, June 14, 2026 at 11:00 am
Categories: Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park
Join us for a spooky summer tradition at Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park during Halloween in June, hosted by the Friends of Fort Lincoln. Campers and visitors can enjoy a weekend of family-friendly Halloween fun, including bingo, crafts, carnival games, costume parades, trick-or-treating, campsite decorating contests, and more. Bring your costume, decorate your campsite, and celebrate with us!
Friday, June 19, 2026 at 06:30 pm - Saturday, June 20, 2026 at 10:30 pm
Categories: Cross Ranch State Park

Join the Bluegrass Association of North Dakota for our annual festival at Cross Ranch State Park. Acts this year include fan favorites the Waddington Brothers and returning to North Dakota with his own band is Michael Prewitt and Crunchgrass Supreme. Full schedule coming soon!

Categories: Fort Ransom State Park

There will be plenty of spookily spectacular family fun to be had at Fort Ransom's Halloween in June. Join in the fun by decorating your campsites and handing out candy to all the ghosts and goblins. Stay tuned for a full listing of event activities.

Saturday, June 20, 2026 at 07:45 am - Saturday, September 12, 2026 at 09:00 am
Categories: Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park

Get ready for the return of the 2026 Cardio & Coffee Trail Running Series at Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park! This one-of-a-kind event blends outdoor fitness with the rich flavors of specialty roast coffee, making your morning run an energizing and educational experience. We’ve transformed a typical trail run into an unforgettable adventure on the scenic and legendary trails of the park.

Saturday, June 20, 2026 at 09:00 am - Sunday, June 21, 2026 at 02:00 pm
Categories: Lake Metigoshe State Park

Learn the basics of fly-fishing and tie your own flies through in this two-day workshop at Lake Metigoshe State Park. Fishing licenses are waived as this educational workshop is supported by the ND Game & Fish Department.

Recent News

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The North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department announces that the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians Department of Natural Resources’ Sky Chief Park Trail bridge linkage project has received the 2026 Tom Petri Recreational Trails Program Annual Achievement Award for Accessibility Enhancement from the Coalition for Recreational Trails.

The North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department, in partnership with the North Dakota Game and Fish Department, is highlighting the importance of stopping the spread of Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) during the week of May 3-9. Nuisance, or invasive, species are aggressive species that pose serious threats to local ecosystems and water quality. Park visitors play a vital role in helping prevent the spread of invasive species by cleaning gear, draining water from watercraft, fully drying gear, disposing of bait properly and following important guidelines from park staff.

North Dakota Parks and Recreation is has launched a new, streamlined online donation process for its popular tree program and newly introduced bench program. The updated system allows residents and visitors to conveniently honor loved ones or commemorate special moments while enhancing the beauty and accessibility of North Dakota’s state parks.

BISMARCK, N.D. — Campers eager to explore two of North Dakota’s most scenic destinations can begin planning their summer and fall getaways. The reservation window for campsites at Pembina Gorge State Park and Rough Rider State Park opens Tuesday, May 5, 2026. Visitors are encouraged to map out their trips and secure their preferred dates once reservations become available.

The North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department Summer Day camps registration opens on May 1, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. These camps give opportunities for kids across the state to explore, learn, and connect with the outdoors. The program has expanded this year from two locations to five: Lake Metigoshe State Park, Turtle River State Park, Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park, Icelandic State Park, and Pembina Gorge State Park.

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