Lake Ashtabula in North Dakota supports multiple campgrounds managed primarily by the Army Corps of Engineers, providing varied options for overnight stays. The area features established sites at Eggerts Landing, East and West Ashtabula Crossing, and Mel Rieman Recreation Area, all offering electric hookups for RVs alongside tent camping areas. Most campgrounds circle the reservoir created by Baldhill Dam on the Sheyenne River, with sites situated either along wooded shorelines or on elevated areas overlooking the water. Moon Lake offers a more primitive camping experience with both established and dispersed camping options approximately 10 miles south of the main reservoir.
Camping season at Lake Ashtabula typically runs from early May through late September, with most services closed during winter months. The campgrounds feature a mix of amenities, with all offering vault or flush toilets and trash collection. Water access points are common, making the area popular for fishing and boating activities. Cell service varies significantly around the lake, with several reviewers noting limited connectivity at certain campgrounds. One camper at Eggerts Landing noted: "Very limited Verizon service, and no AT&T service. No firewood available in the park. It would have been nice to have a campground map somewhere."
The wooded sites at Eggerts Landing receive particularly high ratings from visitors who appreciate the privacy between campsites created by mature trees and underbrush. Several reviewers highlighted the family-friendly amenities, including swimming areas with shallow water for children and playground facilities. Campers frequently mention the peaceful atmosphere even when campgrounds are near capacity. "The campground is clean, quiet, and beautiful. We enjoyed the views of the lake and rolling hills, the immaculate star gazing, and peacefulness of this campground," shared one visitor to Mel Rieman Recreation Area. Free primitive camping is available at Faust Park along the Sheyenne River about 6 miles from Valley City, offering basic amenities including picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets for those seeking a more rustic experience.
$20 - $26 / night
"The website instructions say to take exit 292 off I 94 but our RV GPS and Google Maps showed exit 294, which is probably a new exit."
"Most of this sites are wooded and private, and the ones close to the lake had easy access to go see the lake. Shower/bathrooms are nice and clean."
$20 - $40 / night
"Stopped here on our way through North Dakota, perfect site with flushable bathrooms, good water and a beautiful sunrise."
"Most of the campsites have a beautiful view of the lake. The access roads are asphalt. Security comes around regularly. We had a wonderful experience."
"This park is maintained and managed by the Barnes County Wildlife Club and North Dakota Game and Fish Department. Camping is free and allowed for a maximum of 10 consecutive days."
"And even though it’s a few miles out into farmland, it’s right next to an active railroad so every 3 to 4 hours you have a loud train rolling through and tooting its horn."
$20 - $26 / night
"This is a remote site along the North Country Trail. It's well maintained, has personalized benches around a custom fire pit. There's a pit toilet hiding in the woods next to it."
"We were confused because across the lake we could see at least 10 tents set up. I also thought $26 was a little steep to stay the night. The camp ground had many trees though, which i love."
"I parked right next to the lake and watched the ducks. The overnight was very quiet and dark, perfect for sleeping. There are trees surrounding the little campground."
"This tiny campground is right next to a lake with a boat ramp and a covered picnic table. In the far left corner (if you're facing the lake) is a little nook surrounded by trees and shrubs."
$20 - $52 / night
"Very nice play area for the kids, next to a large covered picnic area for the adults. everyone was very friendly and the view over the river was beautiful."
"My kids and I enjoyed this site on our hike along the NCT on Lake Ashtabula. The primitive toilet even had a mailbox with toilet paper!"
LegendThe park is very pretty and the town is cute but I saw nothing that indicated you could camp here. Maybe they allow a tent on the grass but there is just nothing indicating that. Before doing it, I recommend calling the city to confirm.
LegendIt is a very crowded park with very small spaces between the campers and clearly for long term stay people.
LegendI don't actually see real R. V. Sites, there are several buildings, one of which looks to be bathrooms and a typical city park. I don't actually see anybody camping, so not sure it's very well used as a campground.
LegendThey have added new spots to it since the 2020. Review those with full hookups. I assume are mostly used by sugar beet harvesters in the fall. They have also added a bathroom here.
LegendThis is a normal city campground connected to the ball fields and the local park. The spots are nice level, mostly in the sun with electric hookups. There are some pit toilets and a dump station along the way in in a very cute park. With all the amenities, you can think of in a park.
LegendI don't think this is used for camping very often. Probably just people visiting folks in town. There are flush toilets, no showers, no dumpstation and I didn't see anything that allowed you to have fires. I did find thirty app service or just plain electric plugins and I think you kind of just park wherever.
LegendThis is attached to a cute park but the sites are completely without shade and exposed to the houses and roads around it. Plus, at 30 a night, expensive for what it is. On a positive note, the town has everything one needs, the North Country trail goes theough it and neat sites to see.
LegendImpressed with the park fir the size of the community. The bathrooms are older and I am not sure the shower is working or available but other then that, very cute. You can also get a shady spot which is nice.
TravelerGPS took me right there. It’s kind of like a little park, so there’s a little gazebo thing and picnic table. I believe there’s a restroom too. But I haven’t checked it out yet. Plenty of room to pull the trailer in for a night. There’s not really any designated spots, just open space. There were other people here just enjoying the park, but no campers.
Lake Ashtabula campgrounds in North Dakota feature distinct shoreline terrains that offer camping experiences at 850 feet elevation in the Sheyenne River Valley. The reservoir extends 27 miles from Baldhill Dam with multiple Army Corps of Engineers campgrounds. Primitive camping options extend beyond the main reservoir area, with Moon Lake providing an alternative setting approximately 10 miles south.
Fishing from shore or pier: Eggerts Landing provides a designated fishing pier near the campground entrance for anglers without boats. "Great campsites through out the park. Cell service is very limited, makes it a very quiet weekend. Nice trail and a cool bench," notes Jesse B., highlighting the peaceful fishing atmosphere.
Kayaking and canoeing: Moon Lake offers a small, quiet setting for paddlers with boat access and minimal crowds. "This tiny campground is right next to a lake with a boat ramp and a covered picnic table," reports Lady Phyre. The calm waters are ideal for beginning paddlers.
Hiking trails: The North Country Trail runs alongside sections of Lake Ashtabula with access points near several campgrounds. "My kids and I enjoyed this site on our hike along the NCT on Lake Ashtabula. The primitive toilet even had a mailbox with toilet paper!" shares Brittany about the Backcountry Campsite.
Privacy between sites: Campers consistently praise the wooded sites at Mel Rieman Rec for their sense of seclusion. "Highly recommend if you're looking for a place a little off the beaten track, with serene landscapes and feelings of privacy, with comforts of a few fellow campers," comments Laura G.
Stargazing opportunities: The rural setting offers exceptional night sky viewing with minimal light pollution. "We enjoyed the views of the lake and the rolling hill, the immaculate star gazing, and peacefulness of this camp ground," notes Haylie M. about her experience at Mel Rieman Rec.
Swimming areas: West Ashtabula Crossing features a designated swimming beach popular with families. "This is a great campground for the family; nice park, friendly campers, nice swimming area and an excellent place to watch fireworks on the 4th of July," shares Britney B.
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies significantly around the lake, with most campgrounds reporting limited reception. "Do note that cel and wifi access is bad at best. There is a store close by that has access," explains Leos P. about Mel Rieman Rec.
Road conditions: Access to some areas requires travel on unpaved roads. At Faust Park, "Faust Park is located along a maintained gravel road, less than a ½ mile off of the River Road and about 6 miles outside of Valley City," notes Jo Outdoors.
Train noise: Campers at Faust Park report occasional train disturbances. "Trains / rail crossing was 100yards away... 9 trains from mid afternoon to early morning next day, 4 of which at night. Apart from the 3‐4 long horn blasts each time one came by, the actual train passing was not disturbing," explains Gregory.
Playground facilities: East Ashtabula Crossing offers dedicated play areas adjacent to picnic shelters. "Very nice play area for the kids, next to a large covered picnic area for the adults," reports Ross B., making it ideal for family gatherings.
Shallow swimming areas: Several Lake Ashtabula campgrounds feature swimming beaches with gradual entries suitable for young children. David P. notes about Eggerts Landing: "Well maintained COE campground with a great little swimming beach for kids and a modern playground."
Wildlife viewing: The area offers opportunities to observe local birds and animals. At Moon Lake, one visitor reported, "Gorgeous area! Stopped and immediately found Killdeer, Sandpipers, a muskrat and heard cows in the distance."
Leveling considerations: Most campgrounds feature relatively level sites, but some areas require additional equipment. At Moon Lake, Rick M. advises: "The lot is definitely NOT level. Lots of insects, so wear your vetiver."
Dump station locations: Several Army Corps campgrounds provide sanitary dump facilities at their entrance areas. "We got potable water at the dump station conveniently located as we entered the CG area," MickandKarla W. explain about Eggerts Landing.
Site selection for big rigs: Campers with larger RVs should research specific sites before booking. "The RV sites here are all 30 AMP electric and we proceeded to back-in spot 20, which was easy to back into off the turn. Site 20 is plenty long," notes MickandKarla W. about their experience at Eggerts Landing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the designated campgrounds at Lake Ashtabula?
Lake Ashtabula offers several designated campgrounds around its shores. East Ashtabula Crossing provides drive-in access with reservable sites and is a popular option for visitors. Eggerts Landing is accessible via I-94 exits 292 or 294 and offers waterfront camping opportunities. Other camping areas include Mel Rieman Recreation Area, Pelican Point Landing, and COE Baldhill Dam Ashtabula Crossing. The campgrounds are situated to provide good access to the lake for fishing, boating, and other water activities.
What amenities are available at Lake Ashtabula camping areas?
Lake Ashtabula campgrounds offer various amenities to enhance your camping experience. Mel Rieman Rec provides flushable bathrooms and good water access. Faust Park, managed by the Barnes County Wildlife Club and North Dakota Game and Fish Department, offers free camping with plenty of open lawn space for multiple tents. Most Lake Ashtabula campgrounds feature basic amenities like toilets, drinking water, and boat ramps. Some locations also have playgrounds, picnic areas, and hiking trails. Hookup availability varies by campground, with some offering electric and water connections for RVs.
When is the camping season for Lake Ashtabula?
The camping season at Lake Ashtabula typically runs from late spring through early fall, with peak season during the summer months (June through August). Most campgrounds are open from May to September, weather permitting. Jamestown Dam/Lakeside Marina Campground in the same region tends to be busiest on weekends but quieter midweek during the season. Brewer Lake Rec Area, another nearby option, is well-maintained throughout the camping season. Off-season availability is limited, with most facilities closing during winter months due to North Dakota's harsh winter conditions.
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