Established Camping
Cross Ranch State Park Campground
Cross Ranch State Park Campground, near Center, North Dakota, is a fantastic spot for anyone looking to enjoy the great outdoors. With options for tent camping, RVs, cabins, and even glamping, there's something for every type of camper.
This campground is known for its beautiful, well-groomed hiking trails that wind through shaded areas, making it a hit with families and nature lovers alike. Visitors rave about the clean facilities, including showers and restrooms, which add to the overall comfort of your stay. One camper mentioned, “The park ranger picked us up at Sanger boat launch and brought everything back to the park entrance,” highlighting the helpful staff that make your experience even better.
If you're into water activities, the Missouri River is right there for swimming, fishing, or just relaxing by the shore. Some campers enjoyed canoeing and kayaking, with one family saying they had a blast paddling down the river. The campground also features picnic tables and fire pits, perfect for evening gatherings under the stars.
While the sites can be close together, the trees and foliage provide a sense of privacy. Plus, the friendly atmosphere and abundance of activities, like playgrounds for the kids and ranger presentations, make it a great choice for families. Whether you're here for a weekend or a longer adventure, Cross Ranch State Park Campground offers a memorable outdoor experience.
Description
If you’ve ever wondered what North Dakota may have been like at the time of the famed Lewis and Clark Expedition, look no further than this 590-acre park, just an hour’s drive north of Bismark. Cross Ranch State Park is a natural area featuring rolling prairies, cottonwood glens, and marshy river bottoms, situated along some of the last free-flowing, undeveloped shoreline of the Missouri River. Visitors to Cross Ranch have plenty of opportunities to lounge under shady trees and picnic along the river, wander some of the many paths and nature trails, both in the park and the adjacent Cross Ranch Nature Preserve, or take to the river for swimming, fishing, and paddling.
Cross Ranch State Park offers 65 tent and RV sites in two camp areas. RV sites are either back-in or pull-through, provide electrical hookups, and can accommodate large vehicles/trailers; tent sites are either drive-in or walk-in. The park also offers several group sites, yurts and fully-equipped cabins, as well as a Cheyenne-style tipi. Campground facilities include flush and vault toilets, showers, picnic shelters, playgrounds, and an amphitheater. A dump station is located in the upper camp area, and a boat launch in the lower camp area. Wifi service is available. Dogs are welcome in the park, but must remain leashed. Campsite rates are $17–$25/night; tipi, yurts and cabins are $35–$125/night.
Visitors to Cross Ranch are invited to explore the area by land and water. More than 16 miles of hiking and biking trails, both in the park and the adjacent preserve, are available for exploring the area’s woods, prairies, and riverbanks, as well as observing the local birds and wildlife. You can pick up a trail map at the park’s visitor center and head out on self-guided nature walks ranging from 2 to 5.5 miles. Some trails are also open for winter snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. For a different perspective, go for a float on the Missouri River. Rent a canoe or kayak (or bring your own) and paddle around the park area, or take a shuttle (fee required) to the town of Washburn, then float 9 miles down the river, back to the park.
Location
Cross Ranch State Park Campground is located in North Dakota
Address
1403 River Rd
Center, ND 58530
Coordinates
47.21225249 N
101.00477628 W
Connectivity
T-MobileLTESome Coverage- VerizonLTESome Coverage
AT&T5GExcellent Coverage
Detours Nearby
Sweet Briar Lake Campsites
44 min away
Mitchell Lake
53 min away
Drive Time
- 46 min from Bismarck
- 1 hr 15 min from Minot
- 3 hrs 19 min from Fargo
- 3 hrs 49 min from Grand Forks
Connectivity
- T-MobileLTESome Coverage
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&T5GExcellent Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Cabins
- Tent Cabin
- Yurts
Features
For Campers
- Market
- ADA Access
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Showers
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
- 30 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
