Part of the Sheyenne River Valley in North Dakota, Ashtabula Lake is a narrow lake formed by the Baldhill Dam, which impounds the Sheyenne River. The main purposes of the dam and reservoir near Valley City are for water storage, flood protection, preservation of wildlife habitat, and to provide recreation. The dam was completed in 1950 by the US Army Corps of Engineers who continue to manage the lake and surrounding area.
The recreation opportunities at Ashtabula Lake are available year-round. The Army Corps manages 14 different wildlife areas and seven recreation areas in the almost 3,000 acres of land around the lake in Barnes County. The most popular activity here is fishing, but visitors also enjoy swimming, hiking, and wildlife viewing. Once the snow falls, ice fishing, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing keep everyone busy.
Campers have their choice of sites at Ashtabula Lake, as long as they make a reservation in advance. This COE lake gets very busy during the peak season due to its proximity to the large city of Fargo. The land around the lake varies between woodlands, prairie grasslands, and shrubbery provoking a wilderness feeling ideal for a rustic escape. Make sure you include a stop at Ashtabula Lake on your next RV road trip to North Dakota. It has everything you could ask for.
Access to Ashtabula Lake is straightforward from I-94. Take the Valley City exit and head northeast about 12 miles following the signs to county road 19.
Travel in North Dakota in the winter can be treacherous. Plan for bad weather like snow, freezing rain, ice and high winds. Watch out for black ice and debris on the roads to the lake. Check the conditions or call ahead to confirm facilities and roads are open during inclement weather.
All the recreation areas and campgrounds at Ashtabula Lake have sufficient parking for larger rigs.
Mel Rieman Campground is located adjacent to the day-use area that shares its name. The area totals around 70 acres and RVs and trailers up to a maximum of 80 feet can call this COE campground home. There are electric hookups at 20 of the 27 campsites, and the sites are nicely shaded.
Since the day-use area is so close, campers can indulge in all the amazing activities and facilities here as well as at the campground. There is a Visitor Center, concessions, picnic facilities, and playgrounds. There are also excellent spots for fishing and a boat ramp.
The campground is pet-friendly and has both showers and flush toilets. Sites are reservable and welcome campers from the beginning of May to the end of September.
The most popular COE campground at Ashtabula Lake is Eggerts Landing. With 37 RV-friendly and four walk-in campsites, Eggerts Landing is open from May to September. Rigs up to 80 feet can be accommodated here, and there are electric hookups. The sites are well shaded and secluded, which contributes to this campground's popularity. Reservations are recommended - especially during the summer.
Pets are welcome, and each campsite has its own picnic table and fire ring. There are flush toilets on site, and a dump station is located nearby. Hikers can access a hiking trail directly from the campground, and there are other trails as well within a short distance. Kids will have fun at the playground, and the whole family can enjoy swimming at the campground's swimming beach.
Open from the start of May to the end of September annually, the West Ashtabula Crossing Campground is a perfect place to park your rig. It spans 23 acres and can accommodate rigs up to 60 feet. Campers can have a water view at one of the waterfront sites and will also benefit from 30 amp electric hookups at more than half of the sites.
This pet-friendly COE campground has plenty of things to do for the whole family. Anglers will have easy access to the campground's boat ramp, fishing pier, and fish cleaning station. There is also a swimming beach less than one mile away. For hikers and nature lovers, West Ashtabula Crossing is very close to the Sheyenne River Valley National Scenic Byway which is a beautiful drive. There is also direct access for hikers to a section of the North Country National Scenic Trail.
In terms of amenities, guests at one of the 39 campsites can use the onsite dump station and flush toilets. There are picnic shelters, and each campsite has its own fire ring and picnic table. This site fills up quickly on the weekends, so make a reservation as early as you can.
Around the lake, you'll find three separate designated swimming areas. The lake, although narrow, is deep enough to stay cool and refreshing even in the height of summer. One of the most popular spots is the beach at Mel Rieman Recreation Area. There is a sandy beach, rocky section, and a good amount of grass for relaxing and picnicking.
The swimming at all the areas around Ashtabula Lake is unsupervised. Swim at your own risk. Although rare, leeches have been found here. The lake has also had a few issues with blue-green algae so make sure to obey all advisories and signs.
Hikers will find plenty to keep them busy at Ashtabula Lake. This Army Corps of Engineers park offers access to many different hiking trails. A total of 35 miles of the popular North Country National Scenic Trail pass through the park. The entire trail travels over 4,200 miles from Crown Point, NY to Sakakawea Lake. You can access this trail easily from West Ashtabula Crossing.
If you are prepared for varied terrain from beaches to rocks to grass, you can also walk along the shores of the lake. You can choose a shorter or longer trek depending on your ability level.
If you are looking for an easy way to tour the area, head to the Sheyenne River Valley National Scenic Byway. It's a 63-mile drive offering beautiful views, quaint towns, and farmland. The Baldhill Dam is one of the many points of interest where you can get out of the car or RV and explore on foot.
Picnicking is an almost obvious activity at Ashtabula Lake. There are seven recreation areas and many of them contain picnic facilities. There are shelters, picnic tables, and miles of shoreline. Any of these places are excellent options for an outdoor lunch.
The Mel Rieman Recreation Area has one large picnic shelter that can be reserved online for a fee. The area accommodates up to 80 people and has everything you need for a large gathering like electric and water hookups as well as barbecue facilities.
Located on 12 acres, the East Ashtabula Crossing Campground is popular with both tourists and locals. With the ability to accommodate RVs, trailers, and motorhomes up to 84 feet, this campground has room for everyone. There are 37 reservable campsites here and six of them are walk-in only. Electric hookups and a nearby dump station add to the convenience here.
Active families will understand why this campground gets so busy. It features a swimming beach and playground for hours of fun. A fishing pier, boat ramp, and fish cleaning station are available nearby at West Ashtabula Crossing.
Campsites all have their own picnic tables and fire pits and campers have access to drinking water and flush toilets. This COE campground is pet-friendly and open yearly from May to September.
Fishing is one of the most popular activities at this COE lake. In fact, the name Ashtabula is a Native American word for "Fish River". There are 74 miles of shoreline at this COE lake where you can cast your line in from the banks. You can also head out in a boat to find the perfect location.
The most common catches at Ashtabula Lake include yellow perch, walleye, northern pike, white bass, and black bullheads. The lake is stocked annually by North Dakota Fish and Game with fingerlings of northern pike and walleye along with adult yellow perch.
In the spring, head to the north end of the lake and the main river channel flats for the best results. In the summer, your best bet is the midsection of the lake and near the weedy shorelines. The river channel in the lower section of the reservoir has the most fish activity in the fall.
Ashtabula Lake is a desirable location year-round. In the winter, the recreation areas of Eggert's Landing and Mel Rieman are open for cross-country skiing. As long as the weather co-operates, the US Army Corps of Engineers grooms and maintains these ski trails for your enjoyment.
If cross-country skiing isn't your idea of a good time, try your luck at ice fishing. Ashtabula Lake permits ice fishing during the winter, once the lake is frozen. The best ice fishing spots are in the lake's midsection. White bass and perch can be hooked near the channel edges along the natural bends in the lake.
A great time to view wildlife at Ashtabula Lake is in the spring and fall. This is when the migratory birds are plentiful. You may also observe moose, bighorn sheep, and mountain lion if you're in the right place at the right time. More commonly, you can encounter deer, elk, rabbit, prairie dogs, and foxes.
If you are visiting the park during the summer, you have a unique opportunity to view the majestic white pelicans. They travel in numbers to the area during this time and make for wonderful subject matter for photos.
