Lake Ashtabula

Lake Ashtabula offers excellent paddling and boating opportunities in eastern North Dakota's scenic Sheyenne River valley. Created by the Baldhill Dam in 1944, this multipurpose lake provides seven maintained boat launching ramps distributed around the shoreline, ensuring convenient access for kayakers, canoeists, and motorboaters. The East Ashtabula Crossing facility is a popular 12-acre campground adjacent to the lake with a two-lane boat ramp located mid-lake on the west side at the west end of 118th Avenue SE Bridge.

The area is well-developed for water recreation with amenities including picnic facilities, playgrounds, drinking water, and restroom access at most launch sites. Three designated swimming areas are also available around the lake. The site offers boat rentals, a bait and tackle shop, and a marina, making it convenient for a full day of recreation. Some sites require gravel road travel to access, so check conditions before launching.

To reach the facility from Valley City, take Interstate 94 to Exit 292, then follow County Road 21 north for 15 miles. For specific details about current conditions, amenities, or to arrange camping, contact the facility at 701-845-2970.

Overview
The East Ashtabula Crossing Campground is located on 12 developed acres adjacent to Lake Ashtabula in eastern North Dakota. It is one of the most popular campgrounds in the area.

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, offering visitors a wide range of...

Overview
The East Ashtabula Crossing Campground is located on 12 developed acres adjacent to Lake Ashtabula in eastern North Dakota. It is one of the most popular campgrounds in the area.

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, offering visitors a wide range of recreation opportunities year-round.
Summer activities include fishing, boating, swimming and picnicking, while Ice fishing and cross-country skiing are popular during winter months.Recreation
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, three 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 drive the 63-mile Sheyenne River Valley National Scenic Byway and access nearly 35 miles of the North Country National Scenic Trail nearby. Facilities
East Ashtabula Crossing has 38 campsites, 32 of which offer electric hookups. The facility also features a swimming beach, drinking water, flush toilets, a playground and a picnic shelter.
Within walking distance campers will find a dump station, fishing pier, boat ramp, restaurant and hiking trails. The nearest town is Valley City, less than 15 miles away.Natural Features
The campground is on a wooded hillside offering shade for most sites. It lies amidst the 'prairie potholes' region of glacially-carved lakes in North Dakota.
Spring and fall bring bountiful views of migratory water birds to Lake Ashtabula, including the unique white pelican, which can be seen in large flocks during summer.
The lake region also provides habitat for white-tailed deer, sharptail grouse, wild turkey and gray partridge.

Read More Read Less