Data Disclaimer: Water level data is provided by USGS and NOAA for informational purposes only. Verify conditions on-site before any water activities.
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Heart Butte Reservoir (also known as Lake Tschida) offers excellent boating and paddling opportunities in central North Dakota. This 142-foot-high dam creates a substantial reservoir on the Heart River in Grant County, making it the largest body of water in the region. The Johnson Ford boat ramp provides convenient access to the water and features barrier-free access along the highway, located approximately 15 miles south of Glen Ullin on Highway 49.
The reservoir is well-developed for recreation, with 10 boat ramps and 10 campground areas around the lake. This access point includes nearby camping facilities with vault toilets and wells, plus RV hookups, restaurants, and convenience stores in the vicinity. Paddlers and boaters will find calm, protected waters ideal for kayaking and canoeing, while anglers target walleye, crappie, catfish, perch, and white bass.
For information and reservations, contact the Bureau of Reclamation's Dakotas Area Office at (701) 250-4592 or Box 1017, Bismarck, ND 58502. Note that boat rentals and a marina are not available at this access point, so bring your own watercraft.