The Missouri River curves past this state park campground, where electrical hookups serve RV campers and tent sites sit among cottonwood trees. Cross Ranch State Park Campground accommodates both RVs and tents, with all sites offering electrical connections and access to two dump stations that reviewers find easy to navigate.
Campers consistently mention the river access, with clean entry points for swimming, fishing, and launching kayaks. The park provides canoe and kayak rentals, including a popular 9-mile float trip from Washburn that ends at Sanger boat launch. Shandi C. notes "clean water access to the river for swimming, dogs, fishing" along with well-maintained facilities throughout the campground.
Multiple hiking trails wind through the property, with mowed paths that reviewers describe as well-groomed and clearly marked. A playground serves families with children, and vault toilets are positioned near camping areas. Showers operate from the main office building, requiring a walk of up to half a mile from some sites. The campground includes an authentic tipi rental with wood flooring and cots, though campers should prepare for temperature fluctuations since the structure doesn't retain heat well.
Sites fill quickly during peak season, with trees and natural screening providing separation between neighbors despite the compact layout. Shelly S. observed "a scenic walk along the River where Lewis and Clark traveled" from the campground's trail system. Bugs can be numerous during summer months, particularly flying ants and ticks.
For campers seeking additional options in the area, Governors Centennial Loop Campground provides an alternative within the same state park system.
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.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundCross 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
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
Drive Time
- 46 min from Bismarck, ND
- 1 hr 15 min from Minot, ND
- 3 hrs 19 min from Fargo, ND
- 3 hrs 49 min from Grand Forks, ND
