Grahams Island S. P.
Swimming hole in Devils Lake, North Dakota · Lake
Grahams Island S. P. is a lake swimming hole. It is near Devils Lake, North Dakota. Fee notes: $7 daily vehicle entrance fee. Best season: June through August for beach swimming on Devils Lake.
Typical season: June through August for beach swimming on Devils Lake
Key facts
Structured details for trip planning — verify access and fees with the land manager before you visit.
- Water type
- Lake
- Water body
- Devils Lake
- Fee
- $7 daily vehicle entrance fee
- Nearest town
- Devils Lake
- State
- North Dakota
- Coordinates
- 48.04780, -99.05990
- Best season
- June through August for beach swimming on Devils Lake. Swim beach hours are 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., and the campground is one of the only non-seasonal ones in the area.
- Access difficulty
- Easy. The park occupies heavily wooded Grahams Island on the west side of Devils Lake, reached via a causeway road about 10 miles southwest of the city of Devils Lake off Highway 19. A vehicle entrance permit must be displayed year-round.
- Restrooms
- Yes
- Lifeguard
- Present (seasonal)
- Camping
- Campgrounds and camping cabins; one of the area’s only non-seasonal campgrounds.
- Land manager
- State park / recreation agency
- Activities
- Swimming, fishing, boating, hiking, camping
- Facilities
- Designated swim beach just south of the primitive campground, plus a visitor center, bait shop, four-lane boat ramp, fish cleaning station, showers, flush toilets, playground, picnic shelters, campgrounds, and camping cabins.
- Last verified
- July 13, 2026
The experience
- Best time to visit June through August for beach swimming on Devils Lake. Swim beach hours are 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., and the campground is one of the only non-seasonal ones in the area.
- Access Easy. The park occupies heavily wooded Grahams Island on the west side of Devils Lake, reached via a causeway road about 10 miles southwest of the city of Devils Lake off Highway 19. A vehicle entrance permit must be displayed year-round.
- Facilities Designated swim beach just south of the primitive campground, plus a visitor center, bait shop, four-lane boat ramp, fish cleaning station, showers, flush toilets, playground, picnic shelters, campgrounds, and camping cabins.
- Camping nearby Campgrounds and camping cabins; one of the area’s only non-seasonal campgrounds.
Highlights & features
- Wooded island beach on Devils Lake
- World-class walleye fishery with annual tournaments
- Causeway drive onto the island
Access & fees
Verified against parkrec.nd.gov (checked July 2026). Rules and fees can change; confirm with the land manager before you go.
Top picks for this trip
Willit Rashguard Swim Shirt UPF 50+
The best all-around sun shirt for swimming holes — light enough to swim in, dry enough to hike out in.
Check price on
Outward Hound Granby Splash Life Jacket
The best all-around dog swim float for natural water — as long as the hole is calm and you stay hands-on.
Check price onDisclosure: Gear links may earn a commission as an Amazon Associate — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
What to pack for Grahams Island S. P.
Gear we compare side by side for lake swims like this one — water access, sun, and the hike in.
Disclosure: Gear links may earn a commission as an Amazon Associate — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
Frequently asked questions
Can you swim at Devils Lake North Dakota?
Yes — Grahams Island State Park maintains a designated swim beach just south of its primitive campground, open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. No lifeguards are on duty, and the closed-basin lake’s shoreline shifts with water levels, so beach conditions vary year to year.
Is Grahams Island State Park worth visiting?
It combines a wooded island setting, a swim beach, and access to one of the country’s best walleye fisheries — Devils Lake hosts national and regional fishing tournaments every year. A causeway road makes the island an easy drive.
What does Grahams Island State Park cost?
The standard North Dakota state park vehicle fee: $7 daily or $35 for an annual permit, required year-round. Camping and cabins are charged separately.
Explore more nearby swimming guides
Map & location
Sources & updates
Official land managers cited on this page
Always confirm current rules, closures, and fees on the agency site before visiting.
Spotted outdated access, fees, or safety info? Send a correction with the page URL — we review every submission.