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Best Lakes Near Bismarck, ND

11 lakes within 50 miles of Bismarck, ranked on agency water-quality readings.

11 lakes within 50 miles of Bismarck have nutrient and algae readings on record. Nelson Lake in Oliver County leads the set on measured water quality, with about 1.3 ft of clarity. 9 of the 11 have a recorded public access point.

A moderate cluster of 11 measured lakes lies within reach of Bismarck. Nelson Lake has the lowest nutrient and algae readings of the set.

The lakes below are sorted on measured water quality. If you have a specific activity in mind, swimming, kayaking, ice-fishing, family-fishing, the activity-specific sub-pages will filter further.

11
Lakes Within 50 mi
9
With Clarity Readings
0
With Fish Data
9
Public Access
LakeDistanceCountyClarityDepthFish
Nelson Lake26.8 miOliver1.3 ft-0
East Arroda Lake36 miOliver5.6 ft-0
Arroda Lake36 miOliver6.7 ft-0
Mcdowell Dam Lake7.2 miBurleigh1.6 ft-0
Nygren Dam Lake25.3 miMorton2.6 ft-0
Froelich Dam Lake45.8 miSioux3.9 ft-0
Cherry Lake46.7 miKidder2.2 ft-0
Harmon Lake12.3 miMorton—-0
Sweet Briar Dam-Mid Reservoir23.5 miMorton3 ft-0
Sweetbriar Dam Lake23.6 miMorton3 ft-0
Long Lake29.6 miBurleigh—-0

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Cleanest Lakes Near Bismarck

Nelson Lake

26.8 mi · Oliver County · 1.3 ft clarity

East Arroda Lake

36 mi · Oliver County · 5.6 ft clarity

Arroda Lake

36 mi · Oliver County · 6.7 ft clarity

Mcdowell Dam Lake

7.2 mi · Burleigh County · 1.6 ft clarity

Nygren Dam Lake

25.3 mi · Morton County · 2.6 ft clarity

Froelich Dam Lake

45.8 mi · Sioux County · 3.9 ft clarity

Lakes Near Other Cities

Minneapolis, MNSt. Paul, MNDuluth, MNRochester, MNBrainerd, MNSt. Cloud, MNMankato, MNBemidji, MNGrand Rapids, MNAlexandria, MNMoorhead, MNWillmar, MNPark Rapids, MNDetroit Lakes, MNEly, MNMilwaukee, WIMadison, WIGreen Bay, WIEau Claire, WIWausau, WILa Crosse, WIAppleton, WIOshkosh, WIStevens Point, WIRhinelander, WIMinocqua, WIHayward, WIEagle River, WIWisconsin Dells, WIChicago, ILRockford, ILDetroit, MIGrand Rapids, MITraverse City, MIDes Moines, IACedar Rapids, IAColumbus, OHCleveland, OHPittsburgh, PAErie, PASyracuse, NYRochester, NYAlbany, NYSt. Louis, MOKansas City, MOSpringfield, MOIndianapolis, INFort Wayne, INFargo, NDDevils Lake, NDSioux Falls, SD

Plan a lake trip in North Dakota

The State of North Dakota's Lakes

North Dakota's cleanest lakes, ranked on agency measurements

Lake Fishing Forecast

Species activity outlook by water temperature and season

North Dakota Lake Trips

Where to stay at North Dakota's top lakes, each with its readings

Frequently Asked Questions

How many lakes are near Bismarck?

There are 11 lakes with water-quality readings on record within 50 miles of Bismarck, North Dakota. 9 of them have a recorded public access point and 9 have a clarity reading.

What are the best lakes near Bismarck for fishing?

0 lakes near Bismarck have documented fish species data. The best fishing lakes combine favourable water-quality readings with diverse fish populations. 0 lakes within 50 miles have 5 or more documented fish species.

Where to stay near Bismarck

Compare lakeside cabins, hotels, and vacation rentals near Bismarck — book a place close to the cleanest lakes in the area.

Top-rated places to stay near Bismarck

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Source: EPA National Aquatic Resource Surveys, 2026.