Mel Rieman Campground and Recreation Area

North Dakota, with its wide-open spaces and stunning natural beauty, offers countless opportunities to connect with the great outdoors. For those seeking a peaceful retreat, a family adventure, or a prime spot for angling and boating, the Mel Rieman Campground and Recreation Area stands out as a true local treasure. Nestled on the scenic shoreline of Lake Ashtabula, just a short drive from Valley City, this campground provides a perfect blend of natural tranquility and convenient amenities, making it a highly desirable destination for residents across the state.

The Mel Rieman Campground and Recreation Area is not just a place to park your RV or pitch a tent; it's a gateway to the vast recreational opportunities that Lake Ashtabula offers. Created by the construction of the Baldhill Dam on the Sheyenne River, Lake Ashtabula is renowned for its excellent fishing, boasting abundant populations of walleye, northern pike, yellow perch, and more. This 70-acre facility capitalizes on its prime lakeside position, providing campers with easy access to water activities and breathtaking views, especially at sunset. Whether you're a seasoned angler, a casual boater, or simply looking to unwind amidst nature, Mel Rieman offers an inviting atmosphere for all. As one local noted, it’s a “Beautiful, small campground right on Lake Ashtabula,” highlighting its intimate setting and direct connection to the water. This guide will provide you with all the essential details to plan your next memorable escape to Mel Rieman Campground.

The Mel Rieman Campground and Recreation Area is conveniently situated at 114th Ave SE, Valley City, ND 58072, USA. This location places it approximately 12 miles northwest of Valley City, North Dakota, making it an accessible retreat for many within the state and beyond. For those traveling from major cities like Fargo, it's roughly an hour and ten-minute drive west, offering a manageable distance for a weekend getaway.

Access to the campground is generally straightforward. The main route to the park is typically via Interstate 94 to Valley City exit 292. From there, visitors can follow signs through Valley City and turn left onto County Road 19, traveling for approximately 10 miles to reach the campground. While some GPS systems might suggest routes involving unpaved roads, it is often advisable to follow the main routes to avoid potential difficulties, especially with larger RVs. The campground benefits from paved access roads, ensuring a smooth arrival. Ample parking is available for both campers and day-use visitors, and the layout of the area is designed for easy navigation. Its lakeside setting, while offering seclusion, doesn't compromise on the ease of reaching this serene natural haven.

Mel Rieman Campground provides a solid range of services designed to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable camping experience for its visitors. These amenities cater to both RV and tent campers, reflecting a commitment to accommodating various outdoor preferences:

• Diverse Campsite Options: The campground offers 27 individual campsites, including both RV sites with electric hookups (20, 30, and some 50 amp service available) and dedicated tent-only sites. Some sites are "walk-to" sites, providing a more secluded tent camping experience.
• Restrooms and Showers: Clean restroom facilities are available, with flush toilets and showers. While some visitors note the older nature of the facilities, they are generally well-maintained. One review mentioned that bathrooms were “ok but had some odor because the type of bathroom,” suggesting they are vault toilets with a separate shower facility which helps with cleanliness.
• Potable Water Access: Throughout the campground, access points for potable water are conveniently located, ensuring campers have a reliable water supply for their needs.
• Fire Pits and Picnic Tables: Each campsite is equipped with a fire pit for campfires, perfect for cooking or simply enjoying the ambiance of a crackling fire under the stars. Picnic tables are also provided at each site for outdoor dining.
• Waste Disposal: Trash bins are readily available throughout the campground, and a dump station is conveniently located for RV campers to dispose of wastewater.
• Boat Ramp Access and Fish Cleaning Station: For water enthusiasts, a boat ramp with a dock is available for easy access to Lake Ashtabula. A dedicated fish cleaning station is also on-site, a valuable amenity for anglers looking to prepare their catch.
• Accessible Camp Host: A camp host is typically on-site, providing assistance, information, and ensuring the smooth operation of the campground, enhancing the overall visitor experience.
• Proximity to Hungry Pelican at the Dam: Just a short distance away, the Hungry Pelican offers a small convenience store, rentals, pizza, ice cream, and a bar, providing additional conveniences for campers.

The Mel Rieman Campground and Recreation Area distinguishes itself with several key features and highlights that enhance its appeal to North Dakota locals:

• Lakeside Location on Lake Ashtabula: The most prominent feature is its direct access to Lake Ashtabula, a sprawling body of water known for its recreational opportunities. Many campsites offer beautiful views of the lake, providing a serene backdrop for your outdoor adventure.
• Excellent Fishing Opportunities: Lake Ashtabula is a renowned fishing destination. Campers can enjoy casting a line for walleye, northern pike, yellow perch, white bass, and black bullheads, making it a paradise for anglers.
• Boating and Water Sports: With a dedicated boat ramp and dock, the campground is perfect for those who enjoy boating, kayaking, jet skiing, or even swimming in designated areas within Lake Ashtabula.
• Spacious and Private Sites: Reviews consistently mention the good separation between sites, offering a sense of privacy and space that is often lacking in more crowded campgrounds. This allows campers to enjoy their natural surroundings without feeling cramped.
• Scenic Views and Sunsets: The campground is particularly known for its spectacular sunset views over Lake Ashtabula, offering a picturesque setting for evening relaxation. The natural, rolling hills and open skies provide a true taste of North Dakota's beauty.
• Proximity to Baldhill Dam: The campground is close to the Baldhill Dam, which is an interesting site to visit and explore, offering additional recreational areas for swimming, fishing, and picnicking.
• Pet-Friendly Atmosphere: While some sources state "no pets allowed," user reviews and other sources indicate that pets are generally welcome, allowing visitors to bring their "fur babies" to enjoy the outdoors with them. It is always wise to confirm current pet policies before your visit.
• Tranquil and Quiet Environment: Many campers praise the quiet and peaceful atmosphere, especially during weekdays, making it an ideal escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. The natural setting, with some shaded sites, contributes to this serene ambiance.

For reservations, general inquiries, or to obtain the most up-to-date information regarding the Mel Rieman Campground and Recreation Area, please use the following contact details:

Address: 114th Ave SE, Valley City, ND 58072, USA

Phone for Reservations (Recreation.gov): (877) 444-6777

Mobile Phone: +1 877-444-6777 (This number is for reservations through the Recreation.gov system, which manages bookings for many federal campgrounds, including those operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.)

For campground-specific inquiries, such as those that might typically be directed to a camp host or local office, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) manages this area. Their local office for Lake Ashtabula can often be reached at (701) 845-2970. It is always recommended to check the official Recreation.gov website for the most current information on availability, fees, and specific campground policies.

For residents of North Dakota, the Mel Rieman Campground and Recreation Area stands as an undeniable gem, perfectly suited for a local getaway that combines natural beauty with practical comfort. Its appeal lies in its authentic North Dakota outdoor experience, readily accessible and rich with recreational possibilities that resonate deeply with the lifestyle of the state.

Firstly, its prime location on Lake Ashtabula is a significant draw. North Dakotans appreciate the wide-open spaces and the tranquility that lakeside living offers. Mel Rieman delivers this in spades, providing breathtaking sunsets and easy access to one of the region's most popular fishing lakes. Whether you're an avid angler hoping to reel in a walleye for dinner, or simply wish to spend a peaceful afternoon boating on the calm waters, this campground provides the perfect base. The readily available boat ramp and fish cleaning station exemplify its understanding of what local outdoor enthusiasts truly need.

Secondly, the campground’s amenities are tailored for a comfortable yet authentic camping experience. With a mix of electric RV sites and tent sites, including those offering more seclusion, it caters to different preferences. The presence of well-maintained restrooms and showers, potable water, fire pits, and picnic tables at each site ensures that fundamental comforts are met, allowing locals to enjoy the natural environment without roughing it excessively. The noted "very good separation between sites" is a crucial detail for North Dakotans who value personal space and quiet enjoyment of nature, a quality often sought after in local campgrounds.

Furthermore, the proximity to the Baldhill Dam and the convenient access to the Hungry Pelican enhance the overall experience, providing extra points of interest and essential supplies just a stone's throw away. This means less time traveling for necessities and more time enjoying the serene surroundings. The consistency of positive reviews, highlighting the "nice camping spot," "beautiful" scenery, and "quiet" atmosphere, underscores its reputation as a reliable and enjoyable destination for the community.

In summary, Mel Rieman Campground and Recreation Area is more than just a place to stay; it's a piece of North Dakota's natural heritage, offering a tangible connection to the state’s beautiful landscapes. It is a place where locals can easily unwind, create lasting memories with family and friends, and embrace the simple, yet profound, joys of the great outdoors, all within a convenient drive from their homes. It’s a return-worthy destination, as one satisfied customer put it: "We will come here again."

Mel Rieman Campground and Recreation Area

114th Ave SE, Valley City, ND 58072, USA