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.

Cross Ranch State Park Campground

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

Historic on the River

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".

Cross Ranch Tipi

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!

Beautiful N.D campground

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.

Very private!

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

Beautiful site

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. 

SO MUCH HISTORY 

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