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Blacktail Dam offers a dedicated boat ramp for paddlers and boaters accessing a 147-acre lake in scenic Williams County, North Dakota. The ramp provides convenient water access for kayaks, canoes, and motorboats. The lake reaches a maximum depth of 40 feet, making it suitable for various water activities. Note that as of August 2025, a new boat ramp is open, though construction in the area may affect access routes periodically.
The surrounding Blacktail Dam recreation area includes 50 campsites with electric hookups (first-come, first-serve), a swim beach, fishing piers, and shower facilities. The nearby Lake Zahl National Wildlife Refuge (3,219 acres) offers additional paddling and wildlife viewing opportunities in the region. This location provides a good base for day trips or camping-based water recreation in north-central North Dakota.