Patterson Lake Recreation Area:

Patterson Lake
Recreation Area
Located 3 Miles West and 1 Mile South of Dickinson, ND on Highway 10 or take Exit 59 off I-94

Patterson Lake is owned by the United States Bureau of Reclamation and is managed by Dickinson Parks & Recreation.
Information Center (701) 456-2056
The Center can provide you with general information, camping fees and entrance fees.
Hours: 11:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. (Memorial Day - Labor Day)
Entrance Fees *The fee is being used to maintain the recreation area, which consists of 26 miles of shoreline, 1,438 acres and 819 acres of water.
$2.00 Daily Fee per vehicle
$20.00 Seasonal Pass
Senior Citizens, age 60 and older may get in free with a pass which can be picked up between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday at Dickinson Parks and Recreation or the Information Center at Patterson Lake.
Camping
22 Modern Sites (includes bathrooms, water, electricity and sewer)
$18.00/evening (entrance fee included)
3 day limit per camp site
40 Primitive Sites
Parking Space Only
$12.00/evening (entrance fee included)
7 day limit per camp site
1/2 hour after sunset and 1/2 hour before sunrise is quiet time. All patrons must comply with this quiet time for our campers and our caretaker.

ALL PETS MUST BE LEASHED!
Bathrooms
Bathrooms are flush facilities
HOURS: 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.

Picnic Reservations
For individuals or groups planning picnics, you may reserve Lion's Park Shelter (with flush restroom facilities) or the picnic area located at the old Archery Range site by calling Dickinson Parks and Recreation (456-2074).

Great for Family Reunions!

Lions Park Shelter & Playground Area
Alcohol Beverage Permit
For groups of 11 or larger, you must pick up an alcohol beverage permit free of charge at Dickinson Parks and Recreation, 2004 Fairway St. NO GLASS CONTAINERS ALLOWED!
For Emergency Assistance
A phone is located at the Information Center. The caretaker is on duty 24 hours and is located at the main entrance. Security will be making rounds on a regular basis throughout the day, evening and on weekends. Park users will be notified in case of bad weather or any emergencies.
Campfires
NO Campfires allowed outside of designated fire rings. During dry season, all outdoor cooking will be confined to enclosed grills, normally after July 4th. Cutting of firewood is also prohibited.
FIREWORKS ARE NOT ALLOWED!
Recreation Activities include boating, fishing, swimming, water skiiing, horshoe pits, camping, picknicking, playgrounds, nature areas, mountain biking, disc golf and more.
Beach
  • Not responsible for accidents
  • No lifeguards on duty
  • Swim at your own risk
  • Children must be accompanied by an adult
  • Always use buddy system when swimming
  • No swimming at sunset
  • No pets allowed on the beach
  • Glass containers prohibited
  • Flotation devices are allowed unless otherwise posted
  • No alcoholic beverages
  • Boats and water skiing prohibited within 250 feet of beach
  • While swimming beware of boat traffic
  • Do not swim in area where boats are allowed
Vehicle Traffic
  • Pedestrians have the right of way
  • Bicycles must comply with the traffic regulations
  • One-way traffic has been designated while entering and leaving the park
  • Driving of any vehicle is allowed only on the established roadways
  • Speeds in excess of 15 mph prohibited
  • Unlicensed vehicles prohibited
Parking
Park only where lots are designated, not on roads or natural resources.