Lake Metigoshe
4.8(56)google
5.0(3)yelp
BoatingSwimmingFishingCampingFamilySummer RetreatOutdoorLakeForest
Overview
Lake Metigoshe is a 1,544-acre (625 ha) lake in both Bottineau County, North Dakota and the Rural Municipality of Winchester, Manitoba. It is located in the Turtle Mountains on the Canada–United States border and has a maximum depth of 24 feet (7.3 m). The majority of the lake is within the United States, but two bays along the north shore extend over the international border into Canada.
Practical Info
Suggested Duration0.5-1 day
Best TimeA premier dual-season wilderness escape. July and August are optimal for motorboating and lakeside camping, while early October delivers spectacular, rich golden foliage as the dense birch and oak woodlands turn. Arriving lakeside by 6:30 AM catches stunning early morning sun rays piercing thin lake mist skating across still, mirrored coves.
Getting ThereTucked into the Turtle Mountain forest along the Canadian border north of Bottineau; personal vehicles are required. Travel north from Bottineau via ND-14 N for roughly 14 miles, turn right onto Lake Metigoshe Road following the state park signs, and pull straight into the massive free surface lots near the main boat launch.
Travel Tips
- All self-owned watercraft and gear must strictly comply with Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) 'Clean, Drain, Dry' laws prior to launch or face stiff statutory fines.
- Boat ramps and slip parking bottleneck heavily on summer weekend afternoons; oversized RVs and boat trailers will struggle to turn around past 2 PM.
- The lake straddles the US-Canada border; do not cross the international boundary line via watercraft, and lock your network provider to prevent international roaming charges.
Reviews
Positive
- Camping at Lake Metigoshe is an absolute blast! The hiking trails wind beautifully along the lakeshore and through lush aspen forests.
- The campsites are super clean, spacious, and fairly private, featuring a dedicated dog park and dog beach where puppies can swim freely.
- Highly recommend renting a kayak or canoe to paddle to the center of the lake to explore Masonic Island; the morning loon calls are magical.
- Great amenities around; miles of paved bike paths connect the park directly to nearby grocery spots, social hubs, and local ice cream shops.
Heads up
- On busy summer weekends, the lake gets crowded with noisy watercraft and jet skis, which can shatter the peaceful, quiet morning vibe.
- The main swimming beach is quite a long walk from some of the primary camping loops, making quick water access a bit inconvenient.
- You often have to share a single water tap with your direct camp neighbor; it's a design flaw that requires you to bring your own hose splitter.
- The mosquitoes and biting bugs around the lake can be brutal; failing to bring heavy-duty bug spray will ruin your outdoor evening experience.