One of the best things about North Dakota is that during its warm months, it’s a fantastic place for outdoor recreation. With plenty of ponds and lakes for fishing, boating, and swimming, rivers for kayaking, parks for hiking and biking, and so many campgrounds, there are seemingly endless opportunities for weekend destinations. Many people would say one of the best options is Lake Oahe, and here’s what makes this reservoir in North Dakota a recreation mecca:

Lake Oahe is the fourth largest reservoir in the United States. It goes across both South Dakota and North Dakota with an area of 370,000 acres.

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The dam that created Lake Oahe is in South Dakota and is located on the Missouri River.

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There are over 2,000 miles of shoreline along Lake Oahe, making it the perfect place for a day out at the lake in both North and South Dakota.

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You’ll find plenty of places along its shores for recreation. Whether you come with a boat or camper in tow or just some lawn chairs, swimsuits, and fishing rods, you’re bound to have a great time.

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1.5 million people visit Lake Oahe every year, making it a top recreation destination. There are plenty of parks, campgrounds, and more located around it in both states so there is ample opportunity to experience everything it has to offer.

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In over 50 recreation areas, there are trails for hiking and biking, docks, campgrounds, picnic shelters, resorts, and more. People enjoy it all year long, whether it’s with fun in the sun during summer or out on the ice for ice fishing in the winter.

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With miles upon miles of beautiful shoreline and so many ways to take advantage of the impressive amount of water, Lake Oahe is unsurprisingly the favorite destination for many North Dakotans and beyond.

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Have you ever visited Lake Oahe? Where is your favorite North Dakota lake destination? Nominate which ones you think are the best by clicking here, and discover some of the other great lakes in ND here.

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Address: Lake Oahe, United States