Patterson Lake Recreation Area

Patterson Lake Visitors Booth can provide you with general information, camping and entrance fees along with local tourist information.

• IN-SEASON HOURS OF OPERATION:
  May 22, 2026 through Labor Day.
  Monday-Friday 11:00 am – 8:00 pm
  Saturday & Sunday 10:00 am – 8:00 pm

• $4.00 Daily fee per vehicle
• $40.00 Season Pass (registered by household). Purchase your Season Pass Online here or at the Visitors Booth.
• Seniors age 60+, may get in free with a pass which may be picked up at the Information Booth during normal hours of operation.
• Patterson Lake is owned and managed by Dickinson Parks & Recreation District and is not a county, state or national park. However, we do honor senior passes such as America the Beautiful, Passport America and Good Sam, as the most frequent similar passes. Seniors also receive a 50% discount on campground fees.

Fees are used to maintain this recreation area, which consists of 26 miles of shoreline, 1,438 acres of land and 819 acres of water.

Camping allowed in designated areas only and must be reserved in advance.

Modern Sites – $30/night. Season:  May 22-Oct 1, 2026 (October dates, weather permitting)

• Modern sites include daily entrance fee, bathrooms, water, and electricity. Sewer dump is available at the campground.  
• Modern sites are approximately 36-38 ft. with the exception of sites 1, 2, 21, 22 that are 40 ft.
• All modern sites are back-in sites, except for site 22 which is pull-through.
• 14 day limit in a 30 day period.

Primitive Sites – $20.00/night. Season: May 22-Oct 1, 2026  (October dates, weather permitting)

• Primitive sites include daily entrance fee and parking space only. 
• 3 day limit in a 30 day period.

CAMPGROUND MAP & INFO

CAMPFIRES – Campfires are allowed in designated fire rings ONLY and only when there is not a mandated fire ban. During a fire ban, all outdoor cooking will be confined to propane grills. Information concerning fire bans will be available at the information booth or by visiting https://www.ndresponse.gov/burn-restrictions-fire-danger-maps#firedangerratingmap. 

• Fire wood bundles may be purchased at the visitor’s booth (when available) for $5.00.
• Cutting of firewood is prohibited.
• FIREWORKS are not allowed!

Patterson Lake Disc Golf Course is an 18 hole course that includes a diverse professional course next to Patterson Lake.  The course provides a wide variety from very long and open to short and very tight play. Disc golf course map is available here. 

Fireworks are strictly prohibited.

Hunting is allowed only west of 115th Ave SW on the north side of the lake and west of 114th Ave SW on the south side of the lake – walking access only.
CLICK HERE FOR A MAP OF HUNTING ACCESS AREAS AT PATTERSON LAKE.

For all fishing/hunting regulations, please visit the North Dakota Game & Fish website.

Patterson Lake is the location of the Crooked Crane Trail which offers 7 trailheads around the area. For more information on the Crooked Crane Trail, visit https://dickinsonparks.org/groups/crooked-crane-trail/.

Pets are allowed but must be leashed at all times. Please do not leave your animals unattended. All pet waste must be bagged and disposed of in an appropriate waste container.

Motorized vehicles are only allowed on designated roadways which include the main campground, south boat launch, the model airplane airport, and trap club. OFF ROAD TRAVEL IS PROHIBITED.

There are two rentable shelters available.

• Lion’s Park Shelter – $60.00 (entrance fee included)
• Old Archery Range Shelter – $55.00 (entrance fee included)
• Shelter reservations must be made in advance by contacting Dickinson Parks and Recreation at 701-456-2074 or RESERVE ONLINE.

Boating* | Fishing | Swimming | Water Skiing | Camping | Picnic Areas | Playgrounds | Disc Golf | Horseshoe Pits | Hiking/Biking | Nature Areas | Sand Volleyball Court | Crooked Crane Trail