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Camping

Established Camping

Cross Ranch State Park Campground

About

State Park

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.

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Location

Cross Ranch State Park Campground is located in North Dakota

Detail location of campground

Address

1403 River Rd
Center, ND 58530

Coordinates

47.21225249 N
101.00477628 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Good
  • Verizon
    Unknown
  • AT&T
    Good
  • T-Mobile
    Available

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

Reviews

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5.0

out of 5

11 Reviews

Reviewed Jun. 11, 2023

Hidden gem

Great little State park, any kind of camping you could want

Site28
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Cross Ranch State Park Campground by Scott V., June 11, 2023
Reviewed Oct. 17, 2021

We love this state park!

This park is our favorite go-to campground. All sites have electrical and the two dump stations are easy to pull into and use. There are many hiking trails here and they are kept mowed and in great condition.

SiteMost all sites are super. I don’t want to give out my favorite
Month of VisitNovember
Reviewed Aug. 7, 2021

Outstanding and amazing

This place has it all! Beautiful, well-groomed, shaded hiking paths everywhere. Playgrounds. Big fields. Clean water access to the river for swimming, dogs, fishing. Good sized sights, well sheltered by trees. Outhouses near all sights. Well kept showers. Helpful park services. Our fave place so far!

Site5
Month of VisitAugust
Reviewed Jul. 15, 2021

Relaxing and beautiful!

We are a family of 4, 2 kids ages 11 and 13. We had a blast! We rented a canoe and 2 kayaks and were transported to Washburn and floated/paddled our way to Sanger boat launch. (Approx 9 miles) It took us about 3 hours and it was so beautiful! The park ranger picked us up at Sanger boat launch and brought everything back to the park entrance. Bathrooms we're clean and showers were located in the main office. Will definitely come back!!

Sitegovernor's loop 3 with electric
Month of VisitAugust
Reviewed Nov. 29, 2020

SO MUCH HISTORY

Cross Ranch State Park, ND

This campground was CROWDED. Every spot was full. That being said it was not loud, just a low mumble :) of fellow campers. The spots, well they were close but situated in a way that you weren’t sitting staring at your neighbor. There were trees and foliage between the rows so it was comfortable. The showers were in the front office so like a half mile walk from my site. They were clean and well maintained. The trails were close by though. A scenic walk along the River where Lewis and Clark traveled. Cool stuff. Up the road was a extremely interesting, National Historic Site we visited. I didn’t but I imagine fishing was good and of course water travel. The staff was friendly and Informative. Good campground to visit.

  • Review photo of Cross Ranch State Park Campground by Shelly S., November 29, 2020
  • Review photo of Cross Ranch State Park Campground by Shelly S., November 29, 2020
  • Review photo of Cross Ranch State Park Campground by Shelly S., November 29, 2020
  • (20) View All
Reviewed Jul. 21, 2019

Beautiful site

Amazing site. Clean, friendly staff, private, walking paths are amazing and beautiful

  • Review photo of Cross Ranch State Park Campground by Caroline W., July 21, 2019
  • Review photo of Cross Ranch State Park Campground by Caroline W., July 21, 2019
Reviewed Jul. 20, 2019

Very private!

When I go camping I love having trees and the water near and this spot has both! Has a walking path mowed down for walk and also has play grounds for the kids and restrooms and water spikets through out. The only down fall is that it's a national park so on top of the camping you have to pay for your vehicle just to enter... other then that very beautiful! Some spots are harder to back into as well.

  • Review photo of Cross Ranch State Park Campground by Allison H., July 20, 2019
Reviewed Jun. 15, 2019

Beautiful N.D campground

First visit here, nice campground and layout. Park staff was very nice and friendly. Beautiful views of Missouri River. We stayed in the TeePee this visit but plan on coming back for tent camping. Only complaints were the long haul from the parking area, the vaulted toilets smelt very bad but could of been from the heat! (Vaulted toilet, no sink) And the bugs!!! Tons of flying ants and ticks everywhere, but we managed!

  • Review photo of Cross Ranch State Park Campground by Brandi M., June 15, 2019
  • Review photo of Cross Ranch State Park Campground by Brandi M., June 15, 2019
  • Review photo of Cross Ranch State Park Campground by Brandi M., June 15, 2019
  • (8) View All
Reviewed Oct. 13, 2018

Wonderful Park

Great camping facilites. Tent and camper sites. Yurts available and cabins available. Great hiking area, playground, ranger presentations.

Reviewed Sep. 28, 2018

Cross Ranch Tipi

Great experience camping in an authentic Tipi. The Tipi has a wood floor and cots, with plenty of room. It kept us and our things dry during a rainstorm. Only downside is the size and shape of it don't allow any warmth to be retained, so be sure to have clothing/sleeping bags appropriate for the nighttime temperatures. There is a short, flat walk from the parking area to the Tipi site. Great views of the Missouri River, straight out from the Tipi "door".

SiteTipi site
Month of VisitJune
  • Play button icon
  • Review photo of Cross Ranch State Park Campground by Zachary N., September 28, 2018
  • Play button icon
Reviewed May. 31, 2018

Historic on the River

Lots of hiking paths available and major views of the Missouri River. Option to camp in the on site tepee.

Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Cross Ranch State Park Campground by Erica V., May 31, 2018

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Cross Ranch State Park Campground have RV hookups?

According to TheDyrt.com, Cross Ranch State Park Campground has 30 amp electric hookups, water hookups and sewer hookups.

What is the max vehicle length at Cross Ranch State Park Campground?

Cross Ranch State Park Campground allows vehicles up to 97 feet.

Are fires allowed at Cross Ranch State Park Campground?

Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Cross Ranch State Park Campground, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

Does Cross Ranch State Park Campground have wifi?

No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Cross Ranch State Park Campground does not have wifi.

Is there cell phone reception at Cross Ranch State Park Campground?

According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is unknown, AT&T is good, and T-Mobile is available.