New Salem is located in western North Dakota in Morton County along I-94 about 40 miles west of Bismarck and the Missouri River.
Nearby recreational venues include Sweet Briar Lake, just over 5 miles to the east; Crown Butte Lake, about 15 miles east of town; Nelson Lake, 20 miles to the north-northeast and Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park, about 35 miles east of town just south of Mandan.