Jamestown Dam
Free
BoatingFishingOutdoorFreeDamLake
Overview
The Jamestown Dam is a rolled-earth dam spanning the James River in Stutsman County in the U.S. state of North Dakota, serving the primary purpose of flood control. It is north of the city of Jamestown, North Dakota. Built from April 1952 to September 1953, the dam measures 1,418 feet (432 m) long at the crest and 85 feet (26 m) high.
Practical Info
Suggested Duration1-2 hours
Best TimeSummer months from June to August during the warm evening golden hour from 5:50 PM to 7:30 PM are stellar. Commanding the northern valley, the low sun lights up the expansive reservoir waters beautifully, providing a peaceful window for relaxing on the crest benches and watching pelicans slide across the calm water.
Getting ThereSituated 4 miles north of historic downtown Jamestown. Driving a personal vehicle is required as no public transit serves the reservoir line. Travel north from the city via 12th Avenue NE for roughly 5 minutes, turn right following the large brown recreation billboards, and park in the extensive free lot wrapping the eastern beach docks.
Travel Tips
- Reservoir waters experience hazardous, uneven ice formation from late autumn through early spring; driving motor vehicles or stepping out for ice fishing is strictly banned.
- The spillway channel and mechanical control zones are heavily restricted areas; parking along the security fence is forbidden, and tresspassing will result in immediate arrest.
- Summer camping and hiking surrounding the reservoir carries risks of rattlesnake encounters; walking through dense tall brush without heavy high-top boots is a major hazard.
Reviews
Positive
- A favorite local scenic escape! The reservoir lake is sparkling, surrounded by rolling hills—ideal for sunset viewing, camping, and BBQs.
- It is completely free to visit; the lakeside park packs plentiful clean restrooms, trash bins, and smooth beachfront accessible paths.
- The reservoir is a paradise for bass and pike fishing or kayaking, boasting clear pristine waters and a serene vibe free of commercial noise.
- Driving here is a breeze via well-signed highways; the RV campsites offer full hookups and park staff patrol regularly, ensuring solid safety.
Heads up
- The dam structure itself is a utilitarian earthen embankment, lacking the sheer architectural wow-factor or scale of massive concrete arches.
- On sticky summer evenings, the calm reservoir waters attract thick, brutal swarms of mosquitoes and horseflies, requiring heavy deet.
- The park only has basic soda vending machines and picnic tables; there are zero proper food diners, requiring a drive back to town for grub.
- During heavy spring runoff spillway releases, prime low-lying fishing piers get flooded and barricaded for safety, limiting access.