West Ashtabula Crossing
4.0228 reviews2630 114th Ave SE, Valley City, ND 58072, USA
West Ashtabula Crossing
$20.00 - $26.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$26.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Recreation Use fees for camping vary by site type and season. Standard electric sites are $26/night during peak season, and tent-only non-electric sites are $20/night during peak season.
About this campground
Nestled on 23 acres of wooded hillside along the shores of Lake Ashtabula, West Ashtabula Crossing Campground offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and modern convenience. Towering trees provide welcome shade across most campsites, creating a cool retreat where outdoor enthusiasts gather to cast their lines from dedicated fishing piers, launch boats into the sparkling waters, or explore winding trails alive with birdsong. With electric hookups, inviting picnic shelters, and a convenient fish cleaning station, this North Dakota gem seamlessly combines creature comforts with wilderness adventure.
West Ashtabula Crossing accommodates both tent camping and RVs. 26 of the 38 sites offer electric hookups. The campground does not provide cabins or group-specific sites.
Historical SignificanceThe story of Lake Ashtabula began in 1944 when the completion of Baldhill Dam transformed the Sheyenne River valley into a recreational paradise. The lake's name echoes with the voices of the Native American peoples who first recognized this area's abundant fishing grounds—'Ashtabula' itself speaks to the deep cultural connection between these waters and the generations who have cast their lines here, a tradition that continues to this day as anglers from across the region gather to try their luck.
Weather and SeasonsSummer brings warm, sun-dappled days punctuated by refreshing rain showers that keep the hillside lush and green. As autumn paints the landscape in brilliant golds and crimsons, the campground transforms into a photographer's paradise. When winter's blanket of snow arrives, a whole new world of recreation opens up—ice fishing enthusiasts drill through the frozen lake surface while cross-country skiers glide along peaceful trails, their tracks the only marks in the pristine powder.
ElevationThe campground's hillside setting creates a naturally tiered landscape that offers varied perspectives of the lake and surrounding prairie, with some sites perched higher for panoramic views while others nestle closer to the water's edge.
Natural Features and SceneryPicture yourself awakening to the haunting call of white pelicans gliding across the morning mist, their massive wingspans catching the first rays of sunlight. The campground sits at the heart of North Dakota's stunning Sheyenne River valley, where rolling prairies meet shimmering water. Throughout the day, deer emerge from the woodland edges to graze, wild turkeys strut through the underbrush, and an ever-changing parade of waterbirds creates a living theater of nature. During migration seasons, the sky comes alive with thousands of birds following ancient pathways, turning the campground into a front-row seat for one of nature's greatest spectacles.
Geological RegionWest Ashtabula Crossing rests within the fascinating 'prairie potholes' region of eastern North Dakota, where ancient glaciers carved countless depressions into the landscape thousands of years ago. These glacial fingerprints filled with water to create Lake Ashtabula and the surrounding wetlands—a unique ecosystem that serves as the 'duck factory' of North America, nurturing millions of waterfowl and creating the rich, diverse habitat that makes this campground such a remarkable destination for nature lovers.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessible boat ramps and fishing piers are available. Accessibility reviews noted that the campground host and park rangers are helpful, but no specific features for disabled campers were highlighted.
Sites SizeSites vary in size; some reviewers noted difficulty parking larger rigs due to unlevel ground and inadequate space.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy is limited as noted by users, with sites often too close to each other. "Most of the sites do not have a ton of privacy/trees/bushes between them," one camper stated.
Total Campsites38 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites along the water provide better views and are spaced adequately. However, uneven terrain or muddy conditions might affect camper leveling.
Best CampsitesCampsites 18, 36, and 38 are praised for cleanliness, proximity to the water, and scenic views.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Official check-in time is not specified.
Check-out
Official check-out time is not specified.
Stay Limit
- Maximum consecutive stay of 14 nights during any visit
- 14 nights total in a 30-day rolling period.
Guests Allowed Per Site
No explicit information is provided.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground is structured on a wooded hillside with limited privacy between sites. Some loops offer views of the lake.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen and reservable from May 1 to September 30 annually. Non-reservable from October to April.
Reservation PlatformsReservations are managed through Recreation.gov and its associated contact center.
Walk-in AvailabilityNo explicit information provided on walk-up availability; the campground is generally popular and fills up on most weekends.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be changed or canceled in advance via Recreation.gov. Changes such as adding nights or switching sites within the original reservation dates are free, but completely new dates incur a $10 change fee. Cancellations before the arrival date incur a $10 fee, and late cancellations forfeit a night's fee.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Electricity hookups
Activities you can enjoy
West Ashtabula Crossing offers a variety of recreational activities such as fishing, boating, hiking, swimming, and wildlife viewing. The Sheyenne River Valley National Scenic Byway and the North Country National Scenic Trail are accessible from the campground. Reviewers have praised the fishing opportunities and scenic views, though some highlighted the need for improved facilities for certain activities.
Hiking
Hiking opportunities are available within the 3,000 acres of managed land. Trails such as the Sheyenne River Valley National Scenic Byway and North Country National Scenic Trail are accessible.Fishing
Fishing is a highlight, with species including walleye, northern pike, white bass, yellow perch, and black bullhead. The campground features accessible fishing piers and automated fish cleaning stations.Swimming
A swimming beach is located less than a mile away at the East Ashtabula Crossing, as swimming facilities are not available directly within West Ashtabula Crossing.Boating
Boating is supported with accessible boat ramps and docks. Small watercraft are particularly suitable for the lake, noted one reviewer.Wildlife viewing
Nearly 3,000 acres of land around Lake Ashtabula are managed as wildlife habitat. Migratory water birds, white pelicans, white-tailed deer, and sharptail grouse are among the species viewable.Winter Activities
Ice fishing and cross-country skiing are popular winter activities, as highlighted in the official description.Water Sports
Water sports such as boating, fishing, and swimming are available, with boating and fishing being particularly well-supported.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are permitted, but only locally-purchased firewood can be used as part of invasive pest prevention policies.
- Quiet hours are not specified.
Hazards
General hazardsHazards include muddy campsites during rain, uneven terrain affecting site leveling, and occasional issues with power poles.
Active alertsNo ongoing alerts are explicitly mentioned.
Weather forecast
60
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 60%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 5.1 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
Nearest hospital and emergency services are available in Valley City, 15 miles to the south.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 1 - September 30 yearly.
Trash and recyclingTrash collection facilities are minimal, and the dump station faces significant issues with capacity and design.
Proximity to water featuresAdjacent to Lake Ashtabula, featuring boat ramps, fishing piers, and swimming areas nearby.
Common complaintsComplaints include muddy and uneven campsites, lack of modern electrical infrastructure, poor maintenance of toilets and dump stations, and limited privacy between sites.
HostThe campground hosts are generally helpful and responsive. Specific instances include assisting campers with muddy sites and addressing power issues.
Campground Map
2630 114th Ave SE, Valley City, ND 58072, USA
Driving directionsThe main route to the park is via Interstate 94 to Valley City exit 292. Follow the signs through Valley City to County Road 21. Travel North for 15 miles.
The driving route is straightforward and accessible via paved roads; however, there are no specific indications of seasonal closures or challenging terrain.Nearby places
Valley City: 15 miles south (approx. 20 minutes driving).
Nearby supplies
A restaurant and convenience store are located less than one mile away, across the highway. Firewood and other supplies are available at the Crossing bar & grill.
Camper Reviews
4.0
28 reviews
West Ashtabula Crossing is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews for West Ashtabula Crossing are mixed, with sentiments ranging from criticism of outdated facilities to praise for natural beauty and recreational opportunities.
Review Summaries
Based on 28 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive aspects include the scenic beauty of Lake Ashtabula, friendly campground hosts, and accessibility of recreational activities such as fishing and hiking. "The campground host stopped by to...
Based on 28 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Frequent complaints address issues like muddy and uneven campsites, poorly maintained vault toilets, inadequate electrical capacity for modern RVs, and lack of privacy. "This whole campsite is in...
Based on 28 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend planning visits during summer for fishing and boating. "Lake Ashtabula is lovely during the summer," noted one reviewer. Bringing additional leveling equipment and checking site...
Based on 28 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Summer is the most popular season due to fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing. Winter activities such as ice fishing and cross-country skiing are also highlighted. Reviewers noted challenges during...
Based on 28 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"We camp here every year. It’s usually quiet and everyone is respectful," said one camper. Another noted, "The vaults do not get cleaned as often as they should." One reviewer appreciated the scenic...
Based on 28 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Sites 22, 23, and 29 were noted for being muddy and uneven. Site 33 was criticized for electrical issues, while site 32 received positive feedback for quick repairs by park staff. "Site 38 was...
Based on 28 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
No detailed reviews addressing accessibility were provided, though accessible piers and ramps are mentioned.
Based on 28 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, and reviewers did not report any issues or specific praises regarding pet-related accommodations.
Based on 28 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025