Army Corps of Engineers · North Dakota

East Ashtabula Crossing

Army Corps of Engineers · North Dakota, United States

Open on the map Drive there Reserve Directions
Sites
37
Hookups
30 electric
Season
May 14 to September 30
Max RV length
84 ft
Showers
Yes
Pets
Yes
Elevation
1,289 ft
Dark sky
Bortle class 1
Cell coverage
Verizon weak · T-Mobile none · AT&T none (carriers' 4G LTE filings to the FCC, 2025-12; not measured here)
Lake
Ashtabula Lake
Nearest town
VALLEY CITY
Address
2630 114TH AVE SE, VALLEY CITY, ND, 58072
Phone
701-845-2970
Activities
Camping, Hiking, Picnic Shelter, Swimming

37 numbered sites are mapped one by one - open the site map to pick yours.

About

Overview

The East Ashtabula Crossing Campground is located on 12 developed acres adjacent to Lake Ashtabula in eastern North Dakota. It is one of the most popular campgrounds in the area.

Lake Ashtabula was created by the construction of the Baldhill Dam on the Sheyenne River in 1944, and is situated in one of the most scenic river valleys in the region, offering visitors a wide range of recreation opportunities year-round.

Summer activities include fishing, boating, swimming and picnicking, while Ice fishing and cross-country skiing are popular during winter months.

Recreation

The name "Ashtabula" is a Native American word meaning "Fish River," which suits the lake's fish population; popular species include walleye, northern pike, white bass, yellow perch and black bullhead. With seven boat ramps, three accessible fishing piers and four automated fish cleaning stations, the lake is very convenient for anglers.

Nearly 3,000 acres of land around the lake is managed as wildlife habitat by the Corps of Engineers and open to the public for wildlife viewing, birding, hiking and hunting. Hunters and anglers should contact the North Dakota Game and Fish Department for seasons, restrictions and licenses; fishing licenses and bait may be purchased from concessionaires around the lake.

Campers can also drive the 63-mile Sheyenne River Valley National Scenic Byway and access nearly 35 miles of the North Country National Scenic Trail nearby.

Facilities

East Ashtabula Crossing has 38 campsites, 32 of which offer electric hookups. The facility also features a swimming beach, drinking water, flush toilets, a playground and a picnic shelter.

Within walking distance campers will find a dump station, fishing pier, boat ramp, restaurant and hiking trails. The nearest town is Valley City, less than 15 miles away.

Natural Features

The campground is on a wooded hillside offering shade for most sites. It lies amidst the 'prairie potholes' region of glacially-carved lakes in North Dakota.

Spring and fall bring bountiful views of migratory water birds to Lake Ashtabula, including the unique white pelican, which can be seen in large flocks during summer.

The lake region also provides habitat for white-tailed deer, sharptail grouse, wild turkey and gray partridge.

Weather, month by month

MonthTypical highTypical lowColdest nightHottest dayYears with a night below 32°F
January18°0°-26°39°11 of 11
February24°2°-32°54°11 of 11
March36°19°-12°64°11 of 11
April45°29°11°71°11 of 11
May65°45°32°87°0 of 11
June75°58°45°94°0 of 11
July82°63°51°92°0 of 11
August78°62°52°95°0 of 11
September72°55°41°89°0 of 11
October55°39°19°73°7 of 10
November39°25°2°63°9 of 10
December28°15°-26°45°10 of 10

Mid-month figures from 2016–2026 of daily weather at this spot (ERA5 reanalysis via Open-Meteo, CC BY 4.0), in °F. Typical is the median; coldest and hottest are the extremes seen.

Nearby campgrounds

All public campgrounds in North Dakota · Every state and province · Facts read from the operator 2026-02-25. Confirm fees, rules and current status with the operator before you go.