10 Scenic North Dakota Lakes With Beaches, Boating, And Pristine Swimming Spots

North Dakota occupies a well-defined place in travelers' imaginations. Its outdoor gems, particularly Theodore Roosevelt National Park, make it seem like Mother Nature's gym, where she casually trains to flex her best muscles. Yet it also offers something a bit more low-key, with countless scenic lakes ideal for lounging on the beach, boating, or dipping your toes in the water for a swim. And, like most of the state, they're nearly all well off the traveler's map.

It's easy to expect grandeur and adventure from a state that hitches its tourism banner to Theodore Roosevelt and uses the travel slogan "Be legendary." And yes, some of the lakes on this list are massive, earning high praise and legions of visitors each year. Yet it's in the diversity of swimming spots and boating areas that North Dakota deserves attention.

Multi-thousand-acre behemoths of water and low-triple-digit-acre pools offer the same caliber of adventure. It's the sort of varied destination that fueled the 26th president's lifelong romance with the great outdoors. Granted, you likely won't spend your trip chasing boat thieves like the man who would later become president. Or maybe you will? Be legendary. You also won't find any of these lakes in the state's iconic national park. And the rules are the same for the majority of them: No lifeguards (how's that for adventurous?), and beaches are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. So grab a Teddy Bear and a swimsuit. There won't be any rough riding, but you may go kayaking.

Lake Metigoshe and its eponymous state park in Roland Township, right on the border with Canada, are a year-round magnet for travelers. Its beach offers stunning views of the surrounding wilderness, and the waters are best for swimming from late June through August. It also rewards a day spent paddling or boats dropped off at the designated boat launches. "With so many islands and bays, there is always a place smooth enough for your water sports," one local wrote in a review on Google. Travelers can get a little turf to go with Lake Metigoshe's surf by heading over to Turtle Mountain State Forest, which brims with tranquil trails and secluded camping.

North Dakota's largest natural body of water bears a sinister name but aesthetic beauty. Devils Lake (the body of water, not its adjacent city) in the state's east has 160,000 acres of water and is called the "Perch Capital of the World," with over 200 miles of shoreline. With the lake expanding due to climate change, its shoreline is in constant flux. Still, beaches at destinations like Grahams Island State Park, jutting into the center of the lake, offer a relaxed ambiance along with some of the best fishing in the country. Its long beach and boat ramp give visitors several ways to enjoy the water.

A massive, worm-shaped squiggle crawling across western North Dakota called Lake Sakakawea is home to over 1,300 miles of shoreline and 368,000 acres of water. As the nation's third-largest manmade reservoir with a shoreline more expansive than California's Pacific coast, North Dakota's "ocean" is a wildly underrated lake that offers a beachy getaway with a twist — it gets a bit gusty. The breezes make it a magnet for windsurfers and sailboats. Swimming spots can be found at the lake's eponymous state park, or take advantage of the lake's size to find a swimming spot a bit off the beaten path... Just look out for the ticks when beating that path.

The shores of 204-acre Lake Renwick offer a time portal to North Dakota's homesteading era. Within its Icelandic State Park, the lake and its surroundings offer more than the usual fun, sun, and soothing white noise of water. The state park also includes historic structures, from a church to a community hall, dating back to North Dakota's earliest days as a state. The state park's sand beach is a draw for families, thanks partly to its cleanliness. The lake includes a boat ramp, and visitors say it's ideal for kayaking, with on-site camping available if you wish to stay overnight.

North Dakota is technically bookended by two Beaver Lakes, one near the border with Canada and the other at the southern end. For boating, swimming, and pristine beaches, head to the latter. The 1,000-acre lake and the aptly named Beaver Lake State Park offer a bucolic escape from the manic energy of daily life. At its heart lies the picturesque lake, which is the epicenter of any stay. A petite beach lets guests hop into the water, while a boat ramp lets others get on the water. Be sure to check out its historic cairn and a stone cabin built for the park's caretaker.

Travelers staying in Fargo, North Dakota's largest city, can take a detour from the walkable destination and its intriguing attractions with an hour's drive south to Lake Elsie. Visitors laud the 390-acre lake's cleanliness, its sandy beach bolstered by the usual grab bag of amenities you'd expect at an outdoor space — picnic tables, restrooms, and grills. The lake also offers a boat dock and a parking lot for trailers. Just keep an eye on the water temperatures while you're there. Sometimes, you might need a wetsuit. A cozy bed and breakfast right on the lake also offers lakeside views and warmth.

In North Dakota's eastern half is what appears to be a 2,000-acre tear in the Earth's surface, which has been filled with water and serves as a paradise for lakeside fun. The Jamestown Reservoir lies just north of its namesake town, the state's "Buffalo City," with pure frontier attractions. The beach on the lake's southern end offers an abundance of lakefront fun, though it's not exactly a sandy paradise (it's largely composed of small stones and pebbles). The lake's seven boat ramps let boaters hit the water. Pelican Point, on the lake's western shore, includes a campground for those hoping to overnight.

Here's a gem for those looking to find a small local favorite. Clausen Springs Lake in North Dakota's southeast remains decidedly removed from any metropolitan area (although you could say as much for the entire state). The lake's eponymous recreation area offers a mix of idyllic scenery, amenities, a small beach, and varied terrain, making it a jack-of-all-trades-style destination, minus the crowds. The adjacent wildlife management area ensures an encounter with pristine nature. The boat ramp and kayak launch will let anglers and boaters hit the water, though at 43 acres, there's not much of it to explore. Depending on what you're going for, that might be a good thing.

About 40 miles northwest of Fargo lies another local gem known to those in its vicinity and few others. Brewer Lake and its adjacent recreational area offer the usual grab bag of amenities, from camping grounds to a fishing dock. Unlike many of the other lakes mentioned, it's practically minuscule, at only 125 acres, making it great for a short kayaking trip. The small beach and boat ramp round out the offerings, though guests claim the real charm lies in its bang-for-buck nature. It can get a bit crowded on weekends when the weather is nice, so consider rolling up early.

Snaking down the middle of both Dakotas like a spill of water is Lake Oahe, a 232-mile-long body of blue that doubles as the nation's fourth-largest reservoir created by damming the Missouri River. Going from Pierre, South Dakota, all the way up to Bismarck, North Dakota, its shoreline presents an opportunity to swim, fish, hit the water, and spend some time in nature — and it's created lifelong local fans. Beaver Creek Recreation Area, near the middle of the lake's North Dakota appendage, offers a smorgasbord of the lake's fun, from swimming to a boat ramp.