Camping Meets the Water at Doyle Memorial State Park
Location
As one of the smallest state parks in North Dakota, Doyle Memorial State Park generally does not get as much widespread publicity as the other parks in the area. However, this doesn’t mean that the park doesn’t have as much to offer as the others. Small though it is, occupying only 21 acres of a peninsula extending into the Green Lake of south central North Dakota, Doyle Memorial is equipped with modern facilities that allow visitors to enjoy a variety of outdoor activities.
Coming from Wishek, you can reach the state park by driving seven miles south on Highway 3 then heading east for seven miles.
History
In 1884, J.J. Doyle, the son of a wealthy homestead owner, arrived in what used to be the village of Wishek and settled in the area. He had successfully made a local political career for himself and was voted a member of the first village board in 1898. His reputation grew with his career and Doyle was elected as one of North Dakota’s Congressmen from 1909 to 1915. And it was Doyle who donated the 21 acres of land that formed the park that bears his name.
The park officially opened in 1925, but real development only began in the 1930s, with the construction of a pier and the planting of trees. Further progress occurred in the 1960s, when the Wishek Wildlife Club won state grants from the Bureau of Outdoor Recreation to improve the park and make it suitable for picnicking, camping, and water sports.
Amenities
Doyle Memorial’s prominent features are a boat ramp and dock, but the park also provides a total of 12 campsites, electrical hookups, showers, picnic grounds, and a playground.
Activities
Many enthusiasts flock to Doyle Memorial’s Green Lake boating followed by a leisurely picnic lunch at one of the park’s picnic shelters. Family campers also have much to enjoy, without letting go of the modern conveniences of a shower and electricity.
| Park Name: | Doyle Memorial State Park | Showers: | Yes |
| State Park: | Yes | Electrical Hookups: | Yes |
| Address: | 5981 Walt Hjelle Parkway, Ft. Ransom, North Dakota | Playground: | Yes |
| City: | Wishek | Acreage: | 21 |
| State: | North Dakota | Horses Allowed: | No |
| Zip Code: | 58495 | Picknicking: | Yes |
| Phone Number: | (701) 452-2351 | Boating: | Yes |
| Toll Free Number: | Canoeing: | Yes | |
| Reservation Number: | (701) 452-2351 | Water Skiing: | Yes |
| Email Address: | Fishing: | Yes | |
| RV Sites: | No | Swimming: | Yes |
| Pets Allowed: | Yes | Restaurant: | No |
| Hiking: | No | Reservations Allowed: | Yes |
| Biking: | Yes | Others: | |
| Cabins & Lodging: | No | Tent Camping: | Yes |
Fees:
Camping fees at the state park range from $10 per person each night if you are not going to use an electrical hookup, and $15 if you are.
Hours and Seasons:
Doyle Memorial State Park is open 24 hours everyday. You can call the park administration area to make reservations for camping.