East Ashtabula Crossing
4.1262 reviews2630 114TH AVE SE, VALLEY CITY, ND 58072, USA
East Ashtabula Crossing
$20.00 - $52.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$26.00
Hookup Site Fee$52.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$20.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Peak season rates range from $20 for walk-to sites to $52 for standard electric sites. Fees do not reflect discounts or additional charges.
About this campground
Nestled along the sparkling shores of Lake Ashtabula, East Ashtabula Crossing Campground welcomes visitors to 12 thoughtfully developed acres where outdoor adventures await. As one of eastern North Dakota's most beloved camping destinations, this scenic retreat draws nature enthusiasts year-round with its perfect blend of woodland tranquility and waterfront recreation.
East Ashtabula Crossing offers electric hookups for RVs, tent camping areas, and walk-in sites. Group camping and glamping options are not available.
Historical SignificanceThe story of Lake Ashtabula began in 1944 when the Baldhill Dam transformed the meandering Sheyenne River into this recreational treasure. The lake carries the Native American name 'Ashtabula,' meaning 'Fish River,' honoring the indigenous heritage of this land and the abundant aquatic life that has sustained communities here for generations.
Weather and SeasonsEach season paints East Ashtabula Crossing in spectacular new colors. Spring awakens the campground with the melodic calls of migrating birds returning to their prairie home, while summer transforms the lake into a playground for swimming, boating, and waterside relaxation. Autumn brings another wave of winged travelers and a canvas of changing leaves, and winter enthusiasts embrace the frozen landscape for ice fishing adventures and cross-country skiing through snow-dusted trails.
ElevationThe campground's gently rolling terrain provides varied vantage points throughout the property, creating unique perspectives of the lake and surrounding landscape from different campsites.
Natural Features and SceneryPerched on a wooded hillside that gently slopes toward the water's edge, East Ashtabula Crossing offers campers the best of both worlds—cool, shaded sites beneath a canopy of mature trees and easy access to the lake's inviting shores. This prairie pothole paradise serves as a vital stopover for majestic white pelicans and countless other migratory species, while resident deer browse quietly through the undergrowth and wild turkeys strut across the forest floor, creating unforgettable wildlife encounters.
Geological RegionEast Ashtabula Crossing sits within North Dakota's remarkable prairie pothole region, where ancient glaciers carved thousands of wetlands and lakes into the landscape. This unique geological heritage has created a stunning tapestry of wooded hillsides, scenic river valleys, and pristine waters that make the campground a natural jewel in the heart of the northern plains.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific mentions of accessibility features from authoritative sources or user reviews.
Sites SizeThe campsites vary in size, and several reviews mention small or cramped sites. For example, Jackie L said, 'Campsites are very small.'
Sites PrivacyPrivacy varies by site. Some users noted close proximity to neighbors, while others appreciated the shade provided by trees. For example, Charles B stated, 'Trees made for good shade.'
Total Campsites38 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites 18, 19, and 20 are recommended for privacy, especially for families.
Best CampsitesCampsites by the water are popular for scenic views, but reviews indicate privacy concerns due to foot traffic.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in time unspecified.
Check-out
Check-out time unspecified.
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Number of guests per site unspecified.
Groups
Group sites are not available at this campground.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground is situated on a wooded hillside with sites that are closely spaced and some that are uneven.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen May 1 through September 30 for reservations.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made online at Recreation.gov or via their contact center.
Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability is not explicitly described. No information regarding the number of sites allocated for walk-up is provided.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations incur a $10 fee plus forfeiture of the first night's recreation use fee if canceled within 24 hours of check-in. Late fees apply for changes made after the reservation begins.
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
Flush toilets
Electricity hookups
Camp Store
Activities you can enjoy
East Ashtabula Crossing provides diverse year-round recreational opportunities. Summer activities include fishing, boating, swimming, picnicking, and hiking, while winter options like ice fishing and cross-country skiing are also available. The Sheyenne River Valley National Scenic Byway and the North Country National Scenic Trail offer additional exploration options.
Hiking
Hiking opportunities include access to the North Country National Scenic Trail and areas managed for wildlife viewing and birding. The nearby Sheyenne River Valley National Scenic Byway provides scenic drives and hiking options. User reviews did not provide additional details about trail difficulty or length.Fishing
Fishing is a significant draw at Lake Ashtabula, with popular species including walleye, northern pike, white bass, yellow perch, and black bullhead. The lake has seven boat ramps, three accessible fishing piers, and four automated fish cleaning stations for convenience.Swimming
The swimming beach is a notable feature of the campground. While appreciated by many, some users reported issues such as algae affecting water quality during certain seasons. For example, Maggie V noted, 'The lake was full of algae and not only did it make the lake unswimable, but the whole campground stunk from it.'Boating
Boating is well-supported at Lake Ashtabula, with amenities such as boat ramps and easy access to the water. Rod G stated, 'Beach, playground, boat launch and boat tie off are all right there.'Wildlife viewing
The region is abundant with wildlife, including migratory water birds like white pelicans, white-tailed deer, sharptail grouse, wild turkey, and gray partridge. Nearly 3,000 acres of land around the lake are managed as wildlife habitat by the Corps of Engineers.Beach activities
The beach area adjacent to the campground features swimming and picnicking facilities. However, algae issues occasionally affect usability. User reviews such as Jaden B have highlighted concerns about water quality during certain seasons.Winter Activities
Winter activities at Lake Ashtabula include ice fishing and cross-country skiing, as described in the authoritative content.Water Sports
The lake supports various water sports activities, including fishing, boating, and recreational kayaking, as noted by users like J L, who stated, 'Fun kayaking area.'Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are allowed, but only locally-sourced firewood is permitted.
- Quiet hours unspecified.
Hazards
General hazardsHazards include uneven campsites and seasonal blue-green algae blooms that can affect water activities.
Active alertsNo current alerts are explicitly reported.
Weather forecast
67
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 50%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 5.8 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Emergency services are available in Valley City, including hospitals, police stations, and fire departments. Distance is approximately 15 miles.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 1 - September 30
Trash and recyclingTrash bins are available throughout the camping area, as noted by Breanna Halls, 'Garbage bins placed periodically in the camping area makes it much easy to throw away garbage.' However, garbage collection may require attention during holidays, as noted by Wanda P, 'Garbage should be picked up more during holiday weekends/weeks.'
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is adjacent to Lake Ashtabula and includes a swimming beach and fishing pier.
Common complaintsCommon issues include uneven campsites, blue-green algae in the lake, small site sizes, and lack of cell phone coverage.
HostVolunteer campground hosts are praised for their friendliness and helpfulness, though their authority is limited.
Campground Map
2630 114TH AVE SE, VALLEY CITY, ND 58072, USA
Driving directionsThe main route to East Ashtabula Crossing Campground is via Interstate 94 to Valley City exit 292. Follow the signs through Valley City and then County Road 21 north for 15 miles.
Roads to the campground are paved and accessible year-round. No seasonal closures or challenges related to road access are noted.Nearby places
Valley City (15 miles, approximately 20 minutes drive)
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel can be found in Valley City, about 15 miles from the campground.
Camper Reviews
4.1
62 reviews
East Ashtabula Crossing is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews of East Ashtabula Crossing provide mixed feedback. While many praise the scenic location, cleanliness, and friendly hosts, others highlight issues with unlevel campsites, algae in the lake, and poor cell service.
Review Summaries
Based on 62 reviews
What Campers Love
Users appreciate the scenic location near Lake Ashtabula, cleanliness, and family-friendly features like the playground and swimming area. For instance, Dugan S stated, 'East Ashtabula Crossing was a...
Based on 62 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Common issues include unlevel campsites, poor water quality due to algae, lack of cell service, and inadequate garbage collection during busy times. Sheila Reed commented, 'Horrible sites, nothing...
Based on 62 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Users recommend choosing sites based on size and leveling needs, bringing extra blocks for RVs, and being prepared for poor cell service. Neng V suggested, 'If you want a little more privacy, book...
Based on 62 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Reviews highlight seasonal challenges such as algae in the lake during summer and the lack of cell service year-round. Winter activities like ice fishing and cross-country skiing are available but...
Based on 62 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
1. Jackie L: 'The volunteer host was really nice and very helpful.'
2. Jaden B: 'ZERO cell coverage. I couldn't even send a text while in the park.'
3. Maggie V: 'The lake was full of algae and not...
Based on 62 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Campsite 34 is noted for being heavily sloped, making it unsuitable for larger RVs. Rob Waletzko stated, 'Campsite 34 is heavily sloped away from the road (almost 2' drop from the road to the end of...
Based on 62 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
No specific reviews addressing accessibility features for users with disabilities.
Based on 62 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, but the poor water quality due to algae may pose risks. John A warned, 'Blue Algae has taken over the lake rendering it 100% unusable. Camp Hosts made no effort to even put up a...
Based on 62 reviewsShow more
Last updated August 10, 2025