Bismarck and Mandan sit right in the middle of North Dakota – and within an easy drive of some of the best lakes in the state, from the giant Missouri River reservoirs to walleye-rich prairie lakes. This guide rounds up the best lakes near Bismarck for fishing, boating, swimming and camping, with how far each one is. It’s part of our North Dakota Lakes Database.
Right in town: the Missouri River
Bismarck-Mandan straddles the Missouri River, and Lake Oahe begins just downstream of the city – a vast reservoir offering walleye, salmon and smallmouth bass within minutes of town. It’s the closest big water to the capital.
Within an hour
- Nelson Lake – ~45 minutes northwest, the state’s best largemouth bass lake (and it never freezes).
- Lake Audubon and the lower end of Lake Sakakawea – about an hour north near Garrison, for trophy walleye and salmon.
- Long Lake – about 40 minutes southeast near Moffit, a refuge lake with abundant pike and superb birding.
- Lake Isabel – about 50 minutes east near Dawson, with pike, walleye, perch and lakeside camping.
A bit farther (1-1.5 hours)
- Lake Tschida – southwest near Glen Ullin, a popular boating, camping and walleye reservoir.
- Alkaline Lake – southeast near Napoleon, a top walleye-and-pike lake.
- Horsehead Lake – east near Robinson, the third-largest natural lake in the state and a rising walleye fishery.
What to do
The lakes near Bismarck cover every interest: trophy walleye and salmon on the Missouri reservoirs, largemouth bass year-round at Nelson Lake, camping and boating at Lake Tschida and Lake Isabel, and world-class birding at Long Lake. Most are reservoirs with boat ramps and (at the bigger ones) marinas; a North Dakota fishing license is required to fish. Always check water levels and conditions before towing a boat.
Frequently asked questions
What is the closest lake to Bismarck, ND?
Lake Oahe on the Missouri River, which begins just downstream of Bismarck-Mandan – the closest big water to the city.
What is the best fishing lake near Bismarck?
For walleye and salmon, Lake Oahe and Lake Sakakawea/Audubon to the north; for largemouth bass, Nelson Lake; for a mix, Lake Tschida and Alkaline Lake.
Are there lakes near Bismarck for camping?
Yes – Lake Tschida, Lake Isabel and the Lake Sakakawea/Audubon areas all have campgrounds within about an hour.
Browse all the largest lakes and best lakes in North Dakota, or head back to the North Dakota Lakes Database.
