West Ashtabula Crossing Campground

Welcome to West Ashtabula Crossing Campground, a popular and scenic camping destination located on the shores of beautiful Lake Ashtabula in eastern North Dakota. Managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), this campground offers a range of facilities for both RV and tent campers, providing a gateway to the diverse recreational opportunities of the region. While recent updates have sparked discussion among long-time visitors, West Ashtabula Crossing remains a beloved spot for North Dakotans seeking to connect with nature, enjoy water activities, and experience the tranquility of the prairie potholes region. Whether you're an avid angler, a family looking for a lakeside retreat, or simply passing through the scenic Sheyenne River Valley, this campground provides a convenient and enjoyable base for your North Dakota adventures.

North Dakota's landscape, though often understated, offers immense beauty, particularly around its numerous lakes and rivers. Lake Ashtabula, formed by the Baldhill Dam on the Sheyenne River, is a prime example of this, offering a vast aquatic playground for locals. West Ashtabula Crossing Campground embraces this natural bounty, providing direct access to fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing. We understand that North Dakota locals value accessible outdoor spaces that offer a true escape, and despite some recent changes to the campground's infrastructure, its core appeal as a lakeside haven persists. The presence of friendly hosts and the ongoing efforts by the Corps of Engineers to maintain and upgrade facilities demonstrate a commitment to providing a valuable recreational resource for the community. It's a place where the simple joys of lakeside living and outdoor recreation are readily available.

West Ashtabula Crossing Campground is situated at 118th Ave SE, Valley City, ND 58072, USA. This places it approximately 12 miles northwest of Valley City, North Dakota, a vibrant community that serves as a convenient stop for supplies and services. The campground is nestled on the western side of Lake Ashtabula, a large reservoir created by the Baldhill Dam on the Sheyenne River. Its location within the "prairie potholes" region of glacially-carved lakes offers a unique natural setting.

Accessibility to West Ashtabula Crossing Campground is generally straightforward. The main route to the park is typically via Interstate 94 to Valley City (Exit 292). From Valley City, visitors can follow signs through town to County Road 21 and travel north for approximately 15 miles to reach the lake area. Specific directions to the campground itself from County Road 21 would follow local signage. The campground is designed for drive-in access, accommodating both RVs and tents. While recent reviews mention some site pads being "too soft" or "steeply sloped" causing leveling challenges for RVs, the overall access to the campground remains viable for most vehicles. It's important to be aware of the site conditions upon arrival and prepare with leveling blocks if bringing an RV. The location provides convenient access to various boat ramps and fishing piers around Lake Ashtabula, making it an excellent choice for anglers and boaters.

West Ashtabula Crossing Campground offers a range of services, primarily focused on providing essential amenities for a comfortable camping experience by the lake.

• Electric Campsites: New 30-amp and 50-amp electric hookups have been installed in all three camping areas, providing power for RVs and tents requiring electricity.

• Water Taps: One water tap is available in each of the three camping areas, providing potable water for campers.

• Concrete Outhouses/Pit Toilets: Two of the three camping areas have concrete outhouses. The outhouses are generally reported as clean and well-stocked with toilet paper.

• Dump Station: A sanitary dump station is available on-site for RV waste disposal.

• No Showers On-Site: Visitors should note that showers are not available at West Ashtabula Crossing but can be found across the lake at the East Crossing campground.

• Picnic Tables: Most sites include picnic tables for convenient outdoor dining.

• Fire Rings: Campfire rings are generally available at sites, though it's crucial to check for any current fire restrictions before lighting a fire.

• Friendly Camp Host: Reviews highlight that the camp host is affable and friendly, contributing to a welcoming atmosphere.

West Ashtabula Crossing Campground, despite some recent development challenges, offers several key features and highlights that make it an attractive destination for outdoor enthusiasts in North Dakota.

• Lake Ashtabula Access: The primary draw is its direct adjacency to Lake Ashtabula, offering abundant opportunities for fishing (walleye, northern pike, white bass, yellow perch, black bullhead), boating, and other water-based recreation.

• Scenic Lakeside Setting: While only a few sites offer direct lake views, the campground is situated on "23 developed acres adjacent to Lake Ashtabula," within a "wooded hillside offering shade for most sites," providing a generally picturesque environment.

• Wildlife and Birding Opportunities: The lake region provides habitat for white-tailed deer, sharptail grouse, wild turkey, and gray partridge. Spring and fall bring bountiful views of migratory water birds, including large flocks of white pelicans in summer, making it ideal for wildlife viewing and birding.

• Access to North Country National Scenic Trail: Campers can access the North Country National Scenic Trail directly from the campground, offering excellent opportunities for hiking.

• Proximity to Sheyenne River Valley National Scenic Byway: The campground is near the 63-mile Sheyenne River Valley National Scenic Byway, providing scenic drives and further exploration opportunities.

• Designated Wildlife Habitat: Nearly 3,000 acres of land around the lake are managed as wildlife habitat by the Corps of Engineers, open to the public for viewing, birding, hiking, and hunting (with appropriate licenses).

• Popular Fishing Destination: With seven boat ramps, three accessible fishing piers, and four automated fish cleaning stations around Lake Ashtabula, it's very convenient for anglers.

• Year-Round Recreation: While summer activities are popular, the lake also offers ice fishing and cross-country skiing during winter months.

For inquiries, reservations, or more detailed information about West Ashtabula Crossing Campground, please use the following contact details. As a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) managed site, contact often goes through their regional office.

Address: 118th Ave SE, Valley City, ND 58072, USA

Phone for Campground Inquiries: (701) 845-2970

Mobile Phone: +1 701-845-2970 (This number is likely the same as the main inquiry line.)

Email: Lake_Ashtabula@usace.army.mil (for Lake Ashtabula inquiries, which would include this campground).

It is highly recommended to check the official Recreation.gov website (where USACE campgrounds are often listed) or contact the St. Paul District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for the most up-to-date information on reservations, operating dates, current alerts (such as potential weekday closures due to staffing shortages, as mentioned in recent news), fire restrictions, and specific site details. Making reservations in advance is advisable, especially for weekends, as the campground is popular.

West Ashtabula Crossing Campground is exceptionally suitable for locals in North Dakota for several compelling reasons. Its prime location on Lake Ashtabula offers easy access to one of the state's most popular recreational lakes, providing a convenient escape for residents across the region. For North Dakotans, this means less travel time and more time enjoying fishing, boating, and the serene lakeside environment right in their own backyard.

The campground caters to a variety of local outdoor interests. Anglers will appreciate the excellent fishing opportunities and convenient lake access, while wildlife enthusiasts can enjoy birding and observing local fauna. The availability of electric hookups makes it a comfortable option for RV owners, and the presence of dedicated tent sites ensures that traditional campers are also welcome. Despite recent infrastructure updates that have drawn varied feedback, the fundamental appeal of its natural setting and recreational potential remains strong. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' management ensures a level of maintenance and access to public lands that benefits all residents. For North Dakotans seeking an accessible, amenity-equipped (for electric sites), and activity-rich outdoor experience by the water, West Ashtabula Crossing Campground continues to be a highly viable and enjoyable choice for weekend getaways and longer stays alike.

West Ashtabula Crossing Campground

118th Ave SE, Valley City, ND 58072, USA