Camping near Crosby, North Dakota centers around several small dam and lake areas within a 50-mile radius. The region features prairie terrain with limited tree cover, making for exposed campsites during summer months when temperatures typically range from 75-85°F. Winter camping is minimal due to harsh conditions with temperatures regularly dropping below freezing from November through March.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Northgate Dam offers excellent fishing for multiple species. "Bring a kayak, canoe, or boat and enjoy excellent fishing for trout, walleye and blue gill!" notes Kacie O., who recommends visiting the fish cleaning station available on-site.
Swimming areas: Brush Lake State Park Campground provides a warm lake ideal for multiple water activities. A reviewer mentions, "Went here deliberately because it is not extremely busy and has a warm lake for swimming, boating, tubing. Canoing that is very near the campground."
Basketball and playgrounds: Several campgrounds maintain recreational facilities beyond water activities. At Northgate Dam, visitors appreciate the "playground with basketball court" mentioned by Jim, making it suitable for active families needing land-based activities.
What campers like
Budget-friendly rates: Northgate Dam Rec Center offers exceptional value for campers watching expenses. Jim notes, "Best part... $5 per night, $10 if you want electric." This makes it among the most affordable options in the region.
Waterfront sites: Many campers appreciate the proximity to water. At Blacktail Dam, "All camp spots are right on the water," according to Leah N., though she cautions that "most of them have cat tails and thick vegetation making it difficult to get to the water."
Off-season tranquility: The shoulder seasons provide quieter camping experiences. Teresa T. visited Blacktail Dam in April and noted, "I would have been the only camper had I stayed. But the bathrooms aren't open and the water is not on yet."
What you should know
Limited site leveling: Some campgrounds feature challenging terrain for RV setup. At Kota Ray Dam, Kerry K. found site challenges: "Picked a site online from the website. Looked like a nice long back in by the lake. Turns out it had a big hump in the middle of it and the power was on the wrong side and too far away to reach."
Seasonal facility limitations: Most campgrounds close amenities during off-season months. At Blacktail Dam in April, a camper found "the bathrooms aren't open and the water is not on yet" requiring alternative arrangements for these necessities.
Site reservation challenges: During peak seasons, securing a spot requires planning. Kori P. advises about Kota Ray Dam: "Cute and quiet but can fill up fast with campers. Get there early to get a good spot."
Tips for camping with families
Dam recreation options: Fox Run RV Park serves as a convenient base for accessing multiple nearby dam recreation areas with family-friendly amenities. Jesse S. called it "Beautiful" while staying during a work assignment, noting its suitability for extended stays.
Playground access: For families with children, selecting campgrounds with play facilities enhances the experience. Kacie O. highlights that Northgate Dam has "2 play grounds, 4 little docks (1 fishing, for swimming area)" making it particularly suitable for families with varied age ranges.
Dog friendly campgrounds near Crosby: Most campgrounds accommodate pets with standard leash requirements. Leah N. mentions Kota Ray Dam is "Good For Families" and offers activities compatible with dogs: "The fishing is good and it's a great little pond for kayaks and paddleboards."
Tips from RVers
Power accessibility: At pet-friendly campgrounds near Crosby, electrical hookup placement varies significantly. Kerry K. warns about Kota Ray Dam: "The power was on the wrong side and too far away to reach" requiring careful site selection or extension cord preparation.
Road conditions: Access roads to several campgrounds require reduced speeds. One RVer notes about Kota Ray: "The road in if you can call it that was pretty worn out. First part was bumpy and patched tar. The rest was gravel so had to go slow."
Site privacy variations: Brush Lake State Park Campground offers spacious sites but limited privacy. Jodi P. reports, "Campsites are spacious, but no trees for privacy or shade" - important for RVers considering length of stay during hot summer months.
