Old Crossing Treaty Park

Stayed here one night while on a work trip, trying to maximize summer fun. For a free campground, it was fantastic. Sites had picnic tables and a place for a fire, although it wasn’t an actual fire ring. Trees by the sites are not well spaced for hammocks unless you have extra long straps. There is a boat launch to put into the Red Lake River, and the water was calm enough you could have had a leisurely paddle in a kayak either direction. Perhaps it is not normally that low/slow since I visited during a particularly dry spell. There was a drinking water pump, but I did not use it. Two vault toilets with a good stock of toilet paper, bring your own hand sanitizer. No electricity and cell service (AT&T) was available but very slow. The sunset was beautiful coming through the large trees in the park, and it was very quiet overnight.

I would agree with the previous poster, as a campsite this is no great shake. We we where there during the mudweek in July there was only one orher person there so it was quiet, but there was evidence of weekend campers who didn’t practice “Leave no Trace” camping. We bisited this park for historic reasons, due to the important regional treaty signed here and as it was a crossing point on the historic trade route to old Fort Pembina. There is a nice memorial to the treaty event, and it is a nice stopping point if you are following the route of the Pembina Trail. I wouldnt suggest it as a camping destination it snd of itself, but it is ok for camping as as stopover, or it would be good if you planned a couple day trips paddling on the river. It wiuld also be good as a spot for a group canping event, like a family reunion of scouting event, however I dont think you can reserve ahead of time and summertime likely has a lot of day use picnicers on weekends.

Camping is free, no reservations required. The unfortunate side effect, sometimes, is camping around irresponsible campers. Avoid major holidays. Besides that one issue the campsite allows tents and RV's, has latrines, and a boat/canoe launch on the Red Lake River. Each site has a picnic table, fire pit and trash barrel nearby. There are some sites with trees for hammockers.