Lake Metigoshe State Park
Swimming hole in Bottineau, North Dakota · Lake
Lake Metigoshe State Park is a lake swimming hole. It is near Bottineau, North Dakota. Fee notes: $7 daily vehicle entrance fee. Best season: Late June through August, when the Turtle Mountains lake water is warmest.
Typical season: Late June through August, when the Turtle Mountains lake water is warmest
Key facts
Structured details for trip planning — verify access and fees with the land manager before you visit.
- Water type
- Lake
- Water body
- Lake Metigoshe
- Fee
- $7 daily vehicle entrance fee
- Nearest town
- Bottineau
- State
- North Dakota
- Coordinates
- 48.98390, -100.33400
- Best season
- Late June through August, when the Turtle Mountains lake water is warmest; the swim beach season runs roughly Memorial Day to Labor Day, with beach hours 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Access difficulty
- Easy. The park entrance is about 14 miles northeast of Bottineau in the Turtle Mountains, with the beach a short walk from parking near the primitive campground. A vehicle entrance permit must be displayed year-round.
- Restrooms
- Yes
- Lifeguard
- None — assume unguarded
- Camping
- Campgrounds, cabins, and yurts within the park.
- Land manager
- State park / recreation agency
- Activities
- Swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing, hiking, camping
- Facilities
- Designated swim beach near the primitive campground and playground, plus showers, flush toilets, picnic shelters, campgrounds, cabins, yurts, and canoe/kayak/paddleboard and Aqua Lily Pad rentals.
- Listing last updated
- July 13, 2026
The experience
- Best time to visitLate June through August, when the Turtle Mountains lake water is warmest; the swim beach season runs roughly Memorial Day to Labor Day, with beach hours 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- AccessEasy. The park entrance is about 14 miles northeast of Bottineau in the Turtle Mountains, with the beach a short walk from parking near the primitive campground. A vehicle entrance permit must be displayed year-round.
- FacilitiesDesignated swim beach near the primitive campground and playground, plus showers, flush toilets, picnic shelters, campgrounds, cabins, yurts, and canoe/kayak/paddleboard and Aqua Lily Pad rentals.
- Camping nearbyCampgrounds, cabins, and yurts within the park.
Highlights & features
- Turtle Mountains lake near the Canadian border
- Built by the WPA in the 1930s
- Old Oak Trail was North Dakota’s first National Recreation Trail
Access & fees
Verified against parkrec.nd.gov (checked July 2026). Rules and fees can change; confirm with the land manager before you go.
Frequently asked questions
Does Lake Metigoshe State Park have a swimming beach?
Yes — a designated swim beach near the primitive campground, open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. in season. There are no lifeguards; swim within the buoyed area, and children under 12 need adult supervision.
What does it cost to visit Lake Metigoshe State Park?
A North Dakota state park vehicle entrance fee applies — $7 daily or $35 for an annual permit — displayed year-round. Camping, cabins, and rentals are separate.
When is the best time to swim at Lake Metigoshe?
Late June through August, when the lake is warmest. The Turtle Mountains setting keeps evenings cool, and the beach sits conveniently next to the playground and picnic shelters for family days.
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Map & location
Sources & updates
Official land managers cited on this page
Always confirm current rules, closures, and fees on the agency site before visiting.
Reference sources
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