Carbury Dam Recreation Area

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Carbury Dam Recreation Area is located in the state of North Dakota and is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.


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Summary

The area is known for its scenic beauty, unique wildlife, and recreational activities.

There are several good reasons to visit Carbury Dam Recreation Area. Visitors can enjoy fishing, camping, hiking, and wildlife watching. The area is also popular for bird watching, with over 100 species of birds found in the region.

One of the main points of interest in Carbury Dam Recreation Area is the dam itself. The dam was constructed in 1933 and is used for irrigation purposes. Visitors can also enjoy scenic views of the surrounding landscape, including the Missouri River Valley.

Interesting facts about the area include the presence of endangered species, such as the piping plover and the pallid sturgeon. The area is also home to a variety of other wildlife, including deer, coyotes, and bald eagles.

The best time of year to visit Carbury Dam Recreation Area is during the summer months, when temperatures are warm and the weather is ideal for outdoor activities. However, visitors should be aware that the area can be crowded during peak season.

Overall, Carbury Dam Recreation Area is a great destination for those looking to enjoy the great outdoors in North Dakota. With its scenic beauty, unique wildlife, and recreational opportunities, it is definitely worth a visit.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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