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Lake Metigoshe State Park wilderness guide
State Park · ND

Lake Metigoshe State Park

Lake Metigoshe State Park in North Dakota offers visitors a unique blend of natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities on the shores of Lake Metigoshe.

State Park1,5514+ Trails

Designation

State Park

Total Wilderness Area

1,551

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Lake Metigoshe State Park

Lake Metigoshe State Park in North Dakota offers visitors a unique blend of natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities on the shores of Lake Metigoshe.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Lake Metigoshe State Park is situated in the scenic Turtle Mountains of North Dakota, near the Canadian border. The park encompasses an area characterized by rolling hills, pristine waters, and dense groves of aspen, birch, and oak. Historically, this area was significant to the indigenous peoples and continues to bear cultural importance. Today, the park is a year-round destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a host of recreational activities. In the summer, visitors can enjoy swimming, boating, and fishing on Lake Metigoshe, while the winter months bring opportunities for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. The park's trails wind through varied landscapes, providing both scenic views and wildlife observation opportunities. Its rich biodiversity and picturesque setting make it a treasured natural retreat for locals and travelers alike.

Field Guide · State Park
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Lake Metigoshe State Park

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 30 miles.

Discover Turtle Mountain State Forest★ 7.8⌖ 5 miHiking
Turtle Mountain State Forest

Discover Turtle Mountain State Forest

Explore Turtle Mountain State Forest near Bottineau, ND. Enjoy hiking through its lush woodlands, excellent for birding and wildlife observation. This nature retreat offers diverse ecosystems and a peaceful environment, especially vibrant in fall hues.

Hiking & Nature in Homen State Forest★ 6.8⌖ 7 miHiking
Homen State Forest

Hiking & Nature in Homen State Forest

Explore Homen State Forest near Bottineau, ND, featuring diverse trails and clear lakes for fishing. Ideal for hiking, fishing, and birdwatching. Best visited in spring or fall for a quiet retreat.

Wildlife Haven at Upper Souris National Wildlife Refuge★ 8.0⌖ 61 miBirdwatching
Upper Souris National Wildlife Refuge

Wildlife Haven at Upper Souris National Wildlife Refuge

Explore the diverse habitats of Upper Souris National Wildlife Refuge near Carpio, ND. Ideal for birdwatching and nature photography, the refuge offers fishing at Lake Darling and wildlife observation trails. Best visited in fall during bird migrations.

BirdwatchingView Details→
Enchanting Serenity at Devils Lake State Parks★ 8.6⌖ 89 miBoating
Devils Lake State Parks

Enchanting Serenity at Devils Lake State Parks

Visit Devils Lake State Parks in North Dakota. Enjoy activities like boating, fishing, and hiking in a serene setting. This area is tranquil and preferred by nature enthusiasts for bird watching. Best explored during the spring and fall.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ The Turtle Mountain Scenic Overlook provides stunning views of the surrounding forest and lakes.✦ Witness diverse wildlife such as white-tailed deer, beavers, and a variety of bird species.✦ Explore the Old Oak Trail, which offers a glimpse into the park’s natural and cultural history.✦ Moose Mountain Trail, a beautifully remote path that takes hikers through the dense woodlands.
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Lake Metigoshe State Park

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Lake Metigoshe State Park
Park Recreation

Camping

Available in Lake Metigoshe State Park
Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in Lake Metigoshe State Park
Park Recreation

Fishing

Available in Lake Metigoshe State Park
Park Recreation

Paddle Sports

Available in Lake Metigoshe State Park
Park Recreation

Snow Sports

Available in Lake Metigoshe State Park
Park Recreation

Photography

Available in Lake Metigoshe State Park
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Lake Metigoshe State Park.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

Daily entrance fee or annual pass required.

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Wilderness Stays

Camping & Overnight Stays in Lake Metigoshe State Park

Frontcountry developed campgrounds, backcountry wilderness permit guidelines, and starry-night camping advice.

Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Lake Metigoshe State Park

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Bottineau
⌖ 10.42 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Bottineau, North Dakota

A peaceful Northern Plains town offering year-round outdoor adventures with access to pristine lakes, rolling hills, and winter sports.

Fall and WinterExplore Town
Deloraine
⌖ 15.32 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Deloraine, Manitoba

A charming small town offering peaceful access to natural landscapes, ideal for outdoor enthusiasts looking to explore Manitoba’s diverse terrain and seasonal recreation.

Late spring through early fall for water activities; winter for cross-country skiing.Explore Town
Waskada
⌖ 19.25 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Waskada, Manitoba

A quiet prairie town offering wide-open spaces and easy access to outdoor activities focused on hiking, birdwatching, paddling, and gentle biking with a true small-town rural charm.

Late spring through early fall for most activities, winter for skiingExplore Town
Dunseith
⌖ 19.91 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Dunseith, North Dakota

A quiet gateway to rugged outdoor fun, offering unique hiking, paddling, and winter activities near the Turtle Mountains and international border.

Late Spring through Early Fall for warm weather activities; Winter for skiingExplore Town
Boissevain
⌖ 24.15 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Boissevain, Manitoba

A quiet prairie gateway known for its access to Lake of the Prairies and Turtle Mountain Provincial Park, offering peaceful outdoor adventures across land and water.

Late Spring to Early FallExplore Town
Belcourt
⌖ 32.22 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Belcourt, North Dakota

A culturally rich town offering access to tranquil waterways, forests, and plains, perfect for peaceful outdoor activities and seasonal exploration.

Late Spring through Early Fall; Winter for snowmobilingExplore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Lake Metigoshe State Park

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

12 bookable experiences

Availability, pricing, meeting details, and fulfillment are provided by the applicable operator or booking partner.