Are you craving a weekend escape from the hustle and bustle of city life? Or maybe you’re an enthusiastic angler in search of the best watering hole to wet your line? Look no further than Fordville Dam, which is quite possibly one of the best kept fishing secrets in all of North Dakota!

Part of a flood control project, construction on the dam began in 1975 and was completed three years later, creating a 185-acre body of water fed by the Forest River. Since then the dam, only a hop, skip, and a jump from the nearby small town of Fordville has become a recreational destination, enticing fisherman, campers, and outdoor enthusiasts alike to stop and stay awhile.

With both camper and primitive sites. there’s plenty of space for you to set up your home away from home. A playground and swimming beach will keep the kids busy while you tend to camp. Trails invite you to explore the land, taking in the serene landscapes of Grand Forks County. The biggest draw isn’t what is on land, but what lurks between the surface of the water. Northern pike, largemouth bass, yellow perch, and walleye are the most desirable fish species in the dam. With world-class fisheries in North Dakota like Devils Lake and Lake Sakakawea, Fordville Dam has been able to slide under the radar, but now the beans have been spilled! Come on out, cast a line, roast a marshmallow, and spend your summer nights here in the peacefulness of the Red River Valley.