Grahams Island State Park

Named for Captain Duncan Graham, one of the first known settlers in the area, Grahams Island is located in North Dakota’s Devils Lake. Located approximately 100 miles west of Grand Forks, this is the state’s largest natural lake—yet its shoreline and surface area constantly change due to its being in a closed drainage basin. The island is accessible via a bridge from the north; the state park is located a couple miles from the bridge, on the southeast point of the island. The park provides a year-round recreation destination for every kind of outdoor enthusiast, but fishing and water play are the most popular. Many just come to Grahams Island to kick back and enjoy a taste of “Island Life.” With more than 150 campsites available, Grahams Island has an option for every type of camper. Spacious pull-through sites provide partial and full hookups for RV and trailer campers, primitive sites offer wooded seclusion for tent campers, and numerous group sites can accommodate large parties. The park even offers a few partially-furnished cabins. Campsites are equipped with picnic tables and fire rings, and the campground features drinking water, flush and vault toilets, showers, picnic shelters, playgrounds, dog park, and sports courts. Dogs are welcome, but must remain leashed unless in designated areas. Camping is available year-round, however some facilities may be closed during the winter season; sites are $17–; cabins; reservations accepted. Large and fairly shallow, Devils Lake is a hotspot for fishing, including some of the state’s best ice fishing. The park hosts several regional and national fishing tournaments, but casting for walleye, perch, white bass, and northern pike is a year-round activity. Fishing services in the park include a bait shop, boat launch, marine gas pump, and fish cleaning station. Other lake activities include paddling, sailing or relaxing at the swim beach. During the summer season, 2 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails are available for exploring the islands local woods, and in winter, 3 miles of cross-country ski trails are groomed for winter swooshing.