About HAZELTON RECREATION AREA
Overview Hazelton Recreation Area is located on the east bank of the Missouri River on Lake Oahe just south of Bismarck, North Dakota. The lake is formed by the Oahe Dam in South Dakota, which was built during the Flood Control Act of 1944, commonly called the Pick-Sloan Plan. The lake and dam are named for the Oahe Indian Mission established in 1874 among the Lakota Sioux Indians. Over 50 recreation areas are scattered around Lake Oahe, where camping, fishing, boating and hunting are popular activities. For more information, please visit the Oahe Dam & Lake website . Recreation Visitors enjoy coming to Lake Oahe for its great boating, water skiing, swimming and fishing opportunities. Many species of fish inhabit the lake, including walleye, northern pike and yellow perch. Many acres of land around the lake are open to public hunting. A wide variety of small and large game animals inhabit the area, including deer, pronghorn, grouse, dove, pheasant, partridge, squirrel, rabbit and waterfowl.Facilities The campground offers 18 primitive sites and 12 sites with 50-amp electrical hookups. Picnic tables and campfire rings are provided. Amenities include vault toilets and a playground. A boat ramp is located on-site and has a large paved parking lot, adjacent picnic tables, a fish cleaning station and additional vault toilets.Natural Features Lake Oahe extends from Oahe Dam near Pierre, South Dakota to Bismarck, North Dakota and is 231 miles long. Its 2,250 miles of shoreline are made up of mixed grass prairie dotted with trees that grow down to the shore in occasional steep draws. Contact Info For facility specific information, please call (701) 255-0015. Nearby Attractions Lake Oahe Charges & Cancellations A $10 service fee will apply if you change or cancel your reservation. Reservation changes and cancellations can be made on Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777. For more information on rules and policies regarding reservation cancellations and changes, please
How to Get There
From Bismarck, ND, take University Drive south (road becomes Highway 1804). Continue 25 miles south. Recreation area will be on the right side of the road.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
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Long-sleeve shirt
Synthetic or merino, sun-protective.
- 🧥
Light shell or windbreaker
Even on warm days, wind can chill (avg wind 0 mph).
- 👖
Hiking pants or convertible
Layer for variable conditions.
- 🥾
Trail runners or low boots
Comfortable, broken in.
🎒 What to Pack
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Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection
Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to HAZELTON RECREATION AREA
Heading to HAZELTON RECREATION AREA? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for HAZELTON RECREATION AREA?
No central reservation system listed for HAZELTON RECREATION AREA. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/234676) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to HAZELTON RECREATION AREA?
From Bismarck, ND, take University Drive south (road becomes Highway 1804). Continue 25 miles south. Recreation area will be on the right side of the road.
How do I contact HAZELTON RECREATION AREA?
You can reach the park at phone: 701-255-0015. FOR RESERVATIONS, PLEASE CALL 877-444-6777. or email: oahecampgrounds@usace.army.mil.
References & Official Resources