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State Parks in North Dakota

10 state parks in North Dakota with photography planning data — sunrise and sunset azimuths, golden hour by month, Milky Way windows and estimated sky darkness. Burleigh County has the most (1). The darkest skies are at Icelandic State Park (Bortle 1).

Top state parks

Fort Abraham LincolnState Park
Fort Abraham LincolnBurleigh County
Fort Stevenson State ParkState Park
Fort Stevenson State ParkMcLean County
Cross Ranch State ParkState Park
Cross Ranch State ParkOliver County
Fort Ransom State ParkState Park
Fort Ransom State ParkRansom County
Icelandic State ParkState Park
Icelandic State ParkPembina County
Turtle River State ParkState Park
Turtle River State ParkGrand Forks County
Beaver Lake State ParkState Park
Beaver Lake State ParkLogan County
Lake Sakakawea State ParkState Park
Lake Sakakawea State ParkMercer County
Fort Totten State Historic SiteState Park
Fort Totten State Historic SiteBenson County
State Park
Lewis and Clark State ParkMcKenzie County

Map

How to photograph state parks

State parks often protect a signature feature — a gorge, lake or overlook — that is best in early morning before visitors and harsh light arrive.

  • Check park hours: many state parks close at dusk, which affects sunset and night shooting.
  • Ask rangers about photography permits for commercial work, models or drones.
  • Weekday mornings are the least crowded at popular viewpoints.
  • Trail maps often mark overlooks — combine them with the sun azimuth to plan.
  • Day-use fees or passes are common; buy them online before arriving.

Season: Spring wildflowers and autumn color are peak seasons in most parks.