Open terrain and lake access define the experience at Mel Rieman Rec, a US Army Corps of Engineers campground on Ashtabula Lake near Valley City, North Dakota. The sites sit in an exposed setting without heavy tree cover, though at least one spot, site 3, provides notable shade and a degree of privacy. A paved internal road makes navigation easy, and reviewers consistently note that arriving from the west via Highway 19 is the better choice. Highway 17 from the east is unpaved and worth avoiding.
Water access is central to the campground's layout. While sites don't sit directly on the lake, a path leads to the beach, and the area supports fishing and swimming. Boat-in access is available alongside standard drive-in sites. Nearby, a general store carries ice cream, firewood, and supplies, and a resort with rental paddling equipment operates seasonally, though the restaurant and bar close during the off-season. Cell and wifi signal are weak on-site, with better connectivity available at the store. Campers interested in dog-friendly camping near Ashtabula Lake will find that pets are welcome here.
Weekday stays run quiet, though the campground draws overnight visitors who tend to leave early. Weekends are likely busier. Leos P. notes the sites are "small and close together," which is worth factoring in if space matters. Electric and water hookups accommodate RVs up to 75 feet, and a dump station is on-site. The nearby COE Baldhill Dam Ashtabula Crossing provides an alternative for overflow. Mel Rieman Rec works well for anglers, families, and RV travelers looking for a straightforward lakeside stop with full hookups.
Description
Overview
The Mel Rieman Campground and Recreation Area is a 70-acre facility on the shoreline of Lake Ashtabula in eastern North Dakota. The campground is known for its spectacular sunset views. It is close to the Baldhill Dam and within walking distance of the Mel Rieman day-use area, where visitors can swim, fish and picnic. Lake Ashtabula was created by the construction of the Baldhill Dam on the Sheyenne River in 1944, and is situated in one of the most scenic river valleys in the region. Visitors can choose from a wide range of recreation opportunities year-round, including ice fishing and cross-country skiing during winter months.
Recreation
There is no shortage of recreation opportunities and outdoor fun in and around the lake. The day-use area is adjacent to the campground and has a visitor center, playgrounds, picnic facilities, concessions, fishing spots and a boat ramp. The name "Ashtabula" is a Native American word meaning "Fish River," which suits the lake's fish population; popular species include walleye, northern pike, white bass, yellow perch and black bullhead. With seven boat ramps, two accessible fishing piers and four automated fish cleaning stations, the lake is very convenient for anglers. Nearly 3,000 acres of land around the lake is managed as wildlife habitat by the Corps of Engineers and open to the public for wildlife viewing, birding, hiking and hunting. Hunters and anglers should contact the North Dakota Game and Fish Department for seasons, restrictions and licenses; fishing licenses and bait may be purchased from concessionaires around the lake. Campers can also reach the 63-mile Sheyenne River Valley National Scenic Byway and access nearly 35 miles of the North Country National Scenic Trail within a short drive.
Facilities
Mel Rieman Campground has 27 campsites, 15 of which offer electric hookups. The facility also provides drinking water, showers and flush toilets. The nearest town is Valley City, 10 miles away.
Natural Features
The lake area lies amidst the 'prairie potholes' region of glacially-carved lakes in North Dakota. Bountiful migratory water birds flock to Lake Ashtabula, including the unique white pelican, which can be seen in large quantities during summer. The region also provides habitat for white-tailed deer, sharptail grouse, wild turkey and gray partridge.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsMel Rieman Rec is located in North Dakota near Valley City
Directions
The main route to the park is via Interstate 94 to Valley City exit 292. Follow the signs through Valley City and turn left onto County Road 19. Travel for 10 miles.
Address
2630 114TH AVE SE
Valley city, ND 58072
Coordinates
47.0336742 N
98.0710616 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 3 usersLast on 7/27/26
Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 9 usersLast on 7/27/26
AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 6/13/26
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 3 usersLast on 7/27/26
- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 9 usersLast on 7/27/26
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 6/13/26
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
- Tent Cabin
Features
For Campers
- Market
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
- 30 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 1 hr 5 min from Fargo, ND
- 1 hr 41 min from Grand Forks, ND
- 2 hrs 6 min from Bismarck, ND
- 3 hrs 22 min from Minot, ND
