Getting Oriented
The Turtle Mountains rise out of the prairie along the Manitoba border, a forested upland of aspen, oak, and glacial lakes that stands apart from the open farmland surrounding it. Turtle Mountain State Recreation Area, run by the North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department, sits six miles northwest of Bottineau inside the larger Turtle Mountain State Forest, which the North Dakota Forest Service manages separately. The recreation area is the region's dedicated OHV trail system, more than 12 miles of trail built for motorcycles, ATVs, and UTVs, apart from the state forest's own hiking and equestrian routes.
Trail Overview
The system is built from short, connected segments, most under a mile apiece, threading through hills and hardwood cover north of Sjule Road. Its named route is the Miskaadesi ("Painted Turtle") Loop, a one-way multi-use trail; a separate youth trail and an open play area sit closer to the trailhead for newer riders. Motorcycles and dirt bikes, ATVs, and UTVs or side-by-sides are all welcome on the system. A section of the Peace Garden Snowmobile Trail also crosses the property, linking it to Lake Metigoshe State Park and the International Peace Gardens for winter travel.
Points of Interest
- Old Baldy Overlook. A marked viewpoint above the trail system, looking out over the roughly 7,500-acre Turtle Mountain State Forest.
- Miskaadesi Loop. The recreation area's named one-way trail and the closest thing to a signature route in the system.
- Peace Garden Snowmobile Trail. The winter route that connects the OHV area to Lake Metigoshe State Park and the International Peace Gardens.
Where to Camp
The recreation area's own facilities list covers trailhead parking and a portable restroom, nothing more; there's no campground on site. The nearest one is Lake Metigoshe State Park, 11 miles away, with 84 modern sites carrying electric and water hookups, 39 primitive sites, and three group sites. Reserve up to 95 days ahead online or by calling 800-807-4723. Bottineau, six miles south, has motels for travelers who'd rather not camp.
Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Trip
- North Dakota residents register OHVs through the state Department of Transportation. Non-residents buy a non-resident public trails and lands access permit at any state park, by phone at 701-328-5357, or at travel.parkrecnd.com.
- Riders under 12 cannot operate an OHV in the recreation area. Those 12 to 15 need the state's OHV safety certification, available as a classroom course or online at parkrec.nd.gov/motorized-safety.
- Helmets are required for operators and passengers age 17 and under.
- Every OHV needs a working spark arrestor and exhaust. During high fire-danger periods, carry a shovel and either water or a fire extinguisher.
- Pets are welcome on the trails but must stay leashed.
- Dial 911 for emergencies; the recreation area is open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, year-round.
Fuel and Water
The recreation area's facilities list covers trailhead parking and a portable restroom only; there's no fuel or potable water on site. Bottineau, six miles south, has gas stations and grocery stores.
Nearby
Lake Metigoshe State Park, 11 miles away, has its own year-round trail system, including the Old Oak Trail, North Dakota's first National Recreation Trail, plus cabin rentals, canoe and kayak rentals in summer, and groomed snowshoe and cross-country ski trails in winter. The International Peace Gardens, straddling the U.S.-Canada border, connects to the recreation area via the Peace Garden Snowmobile Trail. Bottineau, six miles south, is the closest town for fuel, food, and lodging.
