Grahams Island State Park
Grahams Island State Park covers a total area of 1,122-acres south of the city of Devils Lake in Ramsey County, North Dakota. The park’s land is encompassed by Devils Lake, North Dakota's largest natural lake which is a closed drainage basin that experiences periods of fluctuating water level. In recent years, rising water levels of the lake have led to much smaller recreational parks in the area like Black Tiger Bay Recreation Area to be closed due to inaccessibility. Grahams Island State Park is situated on the eastern end of Grahams island and can be found on the lake’s west side.
Direct access to the park’s main entrance can be found by traveling 10 miles west of Devils Lake on Highway 19 and then five miles south on Grahams Island Road over an elevated embankment. Travelers should be careful when traveling over this embankment because common high winds can take you off the road. Grahams Island State Park is mostly popular because of the lake and water activities, especially fishing. In fact, the park hosts several national and regional fishing tournaments throughout the year and is known to offer the best fishing experience in the Midwest.
Some of the other activities that you can enjoy at the park include boating, camping and picnicking. All these activities can be accessed at the park due to the great amenities including an activity center, modern and primitive camping facilities (including 144 picnic shelters and 4 sleeping cabins with electricity and showers), playground, boat ramp, fishing facilities and bait shop, hiking trails, and RV dump station.
Like all other North Dakota state parks, Grahams Island State Park is pet-friendly which means that you can come with your dog at no extra cost. You will have to follow standard North Dakota park rules which include the following: Dogs are not allowed in designated swimming areas and buildings or playgrounds. Your dog must also be always attended to and must be on a leash (not more than 6 feet long) or in a secure enclosure. Also, you must clean up after your dog and generally ensure that your pooch is well-behaved.
