Lake Ashtabula

West Ashtabula Crossing is a two-lane boat launch located on the west side of Lake Ashtabula, situated at the west end of the 118th Avenue SE Bridge. This is one of seven maintained boat ramps around the entire lake, providing convenient access to the 23-acre developed recreation area. The facility includes a fishing pier, fish cleaning station, and nearby amenities such as drinking water and restroom facilities.

The launch serves as part of a larger recreation destination with campground facilities (with RV hookups available), picnic areas, and playground access. Lake Ashtabula, created by the Baldhill Dam on the Sheyenne River in 1944, is situated in a scenic river valley in eastern North Dakota and offers a range of water-based activities including boating, fishing, and swimming. Note that some gravel travel may be required to reach this particular ramp. For reservations and additional information, contact the facility at 701-845-2970.

**Getting There:** From Valley City, take County Road 21 north for approximately 15 miles. The site is accessible via Interstate 94 (Valley City exit 292).

Overview
West Ashtabula Crossing Campground is located on 23 developed acres adjacent to Lake Ashtabula in eastern North Dakota. It is very popular and fills up on most weekends.

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...

Overview
West Ashtabula Crossing Campground is located on 23 developed acres adjacent to Lake Ashtabula in eastern North Dakota. It is very popular and fills up on most weekends.

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 reach the 63-mile Sheyenne River Valley National Scenic Byway nearby and access the North Country National Scenic Trail from the campground.Facilities
West Ashtabula Crossing has 38 campsites, 26 of which offer electric hookups. The facility also features a boat launch, dump station, fishing pier, fish cleaning station and picnic shelter.
Campers will find a swimming beach, playground and restaurant less than one mile away. The nearest town is Valley City, 15 miles south.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.

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