Browse 64 boat-launch and water-access listings in North Dakota. Access, fees, and restrictions vary by facility; confirm details before visiting.
North Dakota's boating scene is built around two very different water bodies and everything in between. Devils Lake in the eastern part of the state has been rising for decades and is now one of the largest natural lakes in the Great Plains, with an outstanding walleye and yellow perch fishery. The lake has multiple public access points and the fishing draws people from well outside the state.
Lake Sakakawea on the Missouri River is one of the largest reservoirs in the United States by surface area and stretches across the western and central part of the state. The reservoir is enormous and remote in its upper reaches, and navigating the western portions requires attention to water levels, which can vary significantly with Missouri River management decisions. Garrison Dam at the eastern end of the lake is the infrastructure anchor, and the ramp facilities near Garrison and Pick City are the best-developed in the area.
The Missouri River below Garrison Dam through Bismarck and on toward South Dakota flows as a modified river with reservoir behavior and has ramp access at several points.
Wind is a constant factor in North Dakota boating. The open Great Plains provide no shelter, and conditions on Sakakawea can build to whitecaps quickly. Checking forecasts and being willing to stay off the water when conditions aren't right is practical judgment, not excessive caution.
North Dakota's boating regulations align with neighboring states, and the Game and Fish Department manages public access across the lake system.
Discover the best boat ramps, popular water bodies, boating regulations, and essential information for North Dakota.
Read the Full Guide →🌊 Bader Lake
📍 Chicago Township, ND
View Details →🌊 Balta Dam
📍 Balta, ND
View Details →🌊 Balta Dam
📍 Balta, ND
View Details →🌊 Barnes Lake
📍 Wadsworth Township, ND
View Details →🌊 Belcourt Lake
📍 Belcourt, ND
View Details →🌊 Big Mallard Marsh
📍 Conklin Township, ND
View Details →Explore 64 boat-launch and water-access listings in North Dakota. Some locations may have semi-private or restricted access. Check each facility's details and confirm that public launching is permitted before your trip.
When selecting a boat ramp in North Dakota, consider these factors:
Browse the available boat-ramp and water-access listings in North Dakota below. Use the filters to narrow your search by county or specific features you need.
Recorded waterbody: Trenton Lake. Recorded location: Trenton, ND. Imported access category: Public (unverified). Confirm current launch permission, restrictions and suitability with the facility.
Recorded waterbody: Balta Dam. Recorded location: Balta, ND. Imported access category: Public (unverified). Confirm current launch permission, restrictions and suitability with the facility.
Recorded waterbody: Jamestown Reservoir. Recorded location: Midway Township, ND. Imported access category: Public (unverified). Confirm current launch permission, restrictions and suitability with the facility.
Recorded waterbody: Big Mallard Marsh. Recorded location: Conklin Township, ND. Imported access category: Public (unverified). Confirm current launch permission, restrictions and suitability with the facility.
Recorded waterbody: Sheyenne River. Recorded location: Valley City, ND. Imported access category: Public (unverified). Confirm current launch permission, restrictions and suitability with the facility.
Recorded waterbody: Horseshoe Lake. Recorded location: Brightwood Township, ND. Imported access category: Public (unverified). Confirm current launch permission, restrictions and suitability with the facility.
Recorded waterbody: Mott Watershed. Recorded location: Mott, ND. Imported access category: Public (unverified). Confirm current launch permission, restrictions and suitability with the facility.
Recorded waterbody: Tosse Slough. Recorded location: Marboe Township, ND. Imported access category: Public (unverified). Confirm current launch permission, restrictions and suitability with the facility.
Recorded waterbody: Boom-Marion Lake. Recorded location: Marion, ND. Imported access category: Public (unverified). Confirm current launch permission, restrictions and suitability with the facility.
Recorded waterbody: Balta Dam. Recorded location: Balta, ND. Imported access category: Public (unverified). Confirm current launch permission, restrictions and suitability with the facility.
Recorded waterbody: Missouri River. Recorded location: Bismarck, ND. Imported access category: Public (unverified). Confirm current launch permission, restrictions and suitability with the facility.
Recorded waterbody: Flat Creek – Mirror Lake. Recorded location: Hettinger, ND. Imported access category: Public (unverified). Confirm current launch permission, restrictions and suitability with the facility.
Recorded waterbody: Spiritwood Lake. Recorded location: Spiritwood Lake, ND. Imported access category: Public (unverified). Confirm current launch permission, restrictions and suitability with the facility.
Recorded waterbody: Red River. Recorded location: Drayton, ND. Imported access category: Public (unverified). Confirm current launch permission, restrictions and suitability with the facility.
Recorded waterbody: Brewer Lake. Recorded location: Erie Township, ND. Imported access category: Public (unverified). Confirm current launch permission, restrictions and suitability with the facility.
Recorded waterbody: Lake Sakakawea. Recorded location: Van Hook, ND. Imported access category: Public (unverified). Confirm current launch permission, restrictions and suitability with the facility.
Recorded waterbody: Red River. Recorded location: Grand Forks, ND. Imported access category: Public (unverified). Confirm current launch permission, restrictions and suitability with the facility.
Recorded waterbody: Devils Lake. Recorded location: St. Michael District, ND. Imported access category: Public (unverified). Confirm current launch permission, restrictions and suitability with the facility.
Recorded waterbody: Carlson-Tande Dam. Recorded location: Lenora Township, ND. Imported access category: Public (unverified). Confirm current launch permission, restrictions and suitability with the facility.
Recorded waterbody: Fox Lake. Recorded location: Eckelson Township, ND. Imported access category: Public (unverified). Confirm current launch permission, restrictions and suitability with the facility.
Recorded waterbody: Brewer Lake. Recorded location: Erie Township, ND. Imported access category: Public (unverified). Confirm current launch permission, restrictions and suitability with the facility.
Recorded waterbody: Elm River – Pheasant Lake. Recorded location: Elm Township, ND. Imported access category: Public (unverified). Confirm current launch permission, restrictions and suitability with the facility.
Recorded waterbody: Streeter Lake. Recorded location: Streeter, ND. Imported access category: Public (unverified). Confirm current launch permission, restrictions and suitability with the facility.
Recorded waterbody: Lake Sakakawea. Recorded location: Shell Creek Segment, ND. Imported access category: Public (unverified). Confirm current launch permission, restrictions and suitability with the facility.
Recorded waterbody: West Lake Napoleon. Recorded location: Bryant Township, ND. Imported access category: Public (unverified). Confirm current launch permission, restrictions and suitability with the facility.
Recorded waterbody: Red River of the North. Recorded location: Wahpeton, ND. Imported access category: Public (unverified). Confirm current launch permission, restrictions and suitability with the facility.
Recorded waterbody: Jamestown Reservoir. Recorded location: Midway Township, ND. Imported access category: Public (unverified). Confirm current launch permission, restrictions and suitability with the facility.
Recorded waterbody: Lake Sakakawea. Recorded location: Shell Creek Segment, ND. Imported access category: Public (unverified). Confirm current launch permission, restrictions and suitability with the facility.
Recorded waterbody: Tioga Dam. Recorded location: Tioga, ND. Imported access category: Public (unverified). Confirm current launch permission, restrictions and suitability with the facility.
Recorded waterbody: Warsing Dam. Recorded location: Sheyenne, ND. Imported access category: Public (unverified). Confirm current launch permission, restrictions and suitability with the facility.
