East Ashtabula Crossing

Campground · North Dakota · 36 bookable sites ·

Managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers

36
Bookable sites
79 ft
Max rig length
up to 16
People per site
1,299 ft
Elevation
East Ashtabula Crossing

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.

The facts

  • 36 bookable sites
  • 37 sites in total, including non-bookable
  • Vehicles up to 79 ft
  • Up to 16 people per site
  • Loops: ASHTABULA CROSSING

Site types

  • 30 Standard Electric
  • 6 Walk To
  • 1 Management

Amenities

  • Electric hookups
  • Campfires allowed
  • Fire pits
  • Picnic tables
  • Shade
  • Pets allowed

Not recorded upstream: water hookups, sewer hookups, grills.

Book on Recreation.gov

37 campsites at East Ashtabula Crossing

Check-in 1:00 PM · Check-out 1:00 PM

SiteLoopTypeEntrySurfaceGradeAccessMax rigPeople
01ASHTABULA CROSSINGWalk To———Hike In—8 🐾
02ASHTABULA CROSSINGWalk To———Hike In—8 🐾
03ASHTABULA CROSSINGWalk To———Hike In—8 🐾
04ASHTABULA CROSSINGStandard ElectricBack InGravel——60 ft8 🐾
05ASHTABULA CROSSINGStandard ElectricBack InGravel——60 ft8 🐾
06ASHTABULA CROSSINGStandard ElectricBack InGravel——54 ft8 🐾
07ASHTABULA CROSSINGStandard ElectricBack InGravel——50 ft8 🐾
08ASHTABULA CROSSINGStandard ElectricBack InGravel——61 ft8 🐾
09ASHTABULA CROSSINGStandard ElectricBack InGravel——50 ft8 🐾
10ASHTABULA CROSSINGStandard ElectricBack InGravel——79 ft8 🐾
11ASHTABULA CROSSINGStandard ElectricBack InGravel——66 ft8 🐾
12ASHTABULA CROSSINGStandard ElectricBack InGravel——61 ft8 🐾
13ASHTABULA CROSSINGStandard ElectricBack InGravel——45 ft8 🐾
14ASHTABULA CROSSINGStandard ElectricBack In———42 ft8 🐾
15ASHTABULA CROSSINGStandard ElectricBack InGravel——72 ft8 🐾
16ASHTABULA CROSSINGStandard ElectricBack InGravel——45 ft8 🐾
17ASHTABULA CROSSINGStandard ElectricBack InGravel——55 ft8 🐾
18ASHTABULA CROSSINGWalk To———Hike In—8 🐾
19ASHTABULA CROSSINGWalk To—————8 🐾
20ASHTABULA CROSSINGWalk To—————8 🐾
21ASHTABULA CROSSINGStandard ElectricBack InGravel——36 ft8 🐾
22ASHTABULA CROSSINGStandard ElectricBack InGravel——75 ft8 🐾
23/24ASHTABULA CROSSINGStandard ElectricBack InGravel——47 ft16 🐾
25ASHTABULA CROSSINGStandard ElectricBack InGravel——35 ft8 🐾
26ASHTABULA CROSSINGStandard ElectricBack InGravel——35 ft8 🐾
27ASHTABULA CROSSINGStandard ElectricBack InGravel——48 ft8 🐾
28ASHTABULA CROSSINGStandard ElectricBack InGravel——70 ft8 🐾
29ASHTABULA CROSSINGStandard ElectricBack InGravelModerate—41 ft8 🐾
30ASHTABULA CROSSINGStandard ElectricBack InGravelModerate—41 ft8 🐾
31ASHTABULA CROSSINGStandard ElectricBack InGravel——33 ft8 🐾
32ASHTABULA CROSSINGStandard ElectricBack InGravelModerate—35 ft8 🐾
33ASHTABULA CROSSINGStandard ElectricBack InGravelModerate—27 ft8 🐾
34ASHTABULA CROSSINGStandard ElectricBack InGravelSevere—33 ft8 🐾
35ASHTABULA CROSSINGStandard ElectricBack InGravel——39 ft8 🐾
36ASHTABULA CROSSINGStandard ElectricBack InGravelSevere—46 ft8 🐾
37ASHTABULA CROSSINGStandard ElectricBack InGravelSevere—45 ft8 🐾
38ASHTABULA CROSSINGManagementBack InGravelSlight—45 ft8 🐾

Getting there

The main route to the park is via Interstate 94 to Valley City exit 292. Follow the signs through Valley City and follow County Road 21 north for 15 miles.

47.15789, -98.00422 · 47°9'28.4"N 98°0'15.2"W

Directions (Google Maps) · Directions (Apple Maps)

Typical weather

Typically 81°F in Jul, down to 18°F in Jan.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F182336536776818071563824
Low °F-211428415357544532186
Precip in0.50.50.81.23.23.63.02.62.71.90.70.7

1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 14 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.

Map

More photos

Member photos

Common questions about East Ashtabula Crossing

Can you reserve a site at East Ashtabula Crossing?
Yes, East Ashtabula Crossing is reservable through Recreation.gov.
How many campsites does East Ashtabula Crossing have?
37 sites in total, of which 36 can be booked.
What is the maximum RV length at East Ashtabula Crossing?
79 ft. That is the longest vehicle the sites here are recorded as taking; individual sites may be shorter.
Are pets allowed at East Ashtabula Crossing?
Yes, pets are allowed at East Ashtabula Crossing.
Does East Ashtabula Crossing have hookups?
Electric.
Are campfires allowed at East Ashtabula Crossing?
Campfires are allowed at East Ashtabula Crossing. Check for a current fire restriction before you go.

Camping near East Ashtabula Crossing

Comments

Contact

Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-02-25.

Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.