Mel Rieman Rec
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.
More like this: electric hookups in North Dakota · reservable in North Dakota · big rigs in North Dakota · pets allowed in North Dakota · group sites in North Dakota
Check availability on Recreation.gov ↗
Site mix
| Standard with electric | 20 |
| Walk-in | 6 |
| group shelter electric | 1 |
| Tent-only | 1 |
Site guide
Will my RV fit
The longest site here provides 80 feet of vehicle capacity. Most sites are shorter.
28 sites. Tap a filter to narrow the list; the map follows.
| Site | Type | Entry | Fits, ft | Surface | Shade | Power | Waterfront | People / vehicles | Fires | Accessible |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Electric | Back-in | 41 | Partial | 30 amp | 8 / 3 | Yes | |||
| 02 | Electric | Back-in | 45 | Partial | 30 amp | 8 / 3 | Yes | |||
| 03 | Electric | Back-in | 54 | Partial | 30 amp | 8 / 3 | Yes | |||
| 04 | Electric | 45 | Partial | 30 amp | 8 / 3 | Yes | ||||
| 05 | Electric | 45 | Gravel | Partial | 30 amp | 8 / 3 | Yes | |||
| 06 | Electric | 50 | Gravel | Partial | 30 amp | 8 / 3 | Yes | |||
| 07 | Electric | Pull-through | 77 | Partial | 30 amp | 8 / 3 | Yes | Yes | ||
| 08 | Electric | Back-in | 50 | Partial | 30 amp | 8 / 3 | Yes | |||
| 09 | Electric | Back-in | 52 | Partial | 30 amp | 8 / 3 | Yes | |||
| 10 | Electric | 25 | Partial | 30 amp | 8 / 3 | Yes |
Per-site records as published by the managing agency on Recreation.gov. Blank cells mean the agency listed nothing for that site. Check-in 1:00 PM, checkout 1:00 PM.
Amenities & rules
| Hookups | Electric, water |
| Max vehicle length | 75 ft |
| Equipment | RVs & trailers, Tents |
| Pets | Allowed |
| Campfires | Allowed, subject to restrictions |
| Tent pads | Yes |
| Accessibility | Sites 07, 28 are listed accessible |
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.
Individual sites vary. Confirm on Recreation.gov or with the managing office.
Weather by month
Getting there
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.
| Nearest town | Valley City, North Dakota |
| Coordinates | 47.0337° N, 98.0711° W · Directions ↗ |
Explore
Video
Video of Mel Rieman Rec, ND from Susan R.
Public land it sits in
Tomahawk National Wildlife Refuge begins about 5.5 miles away, and it is the closest of these.
- 5.5 miTomahawk National Wildlife Refuge ↗National Wildlife Refuge · Fish and Wildlife Service · 438 acres
- 8 miHobart Lake National Wildlife Refuge ↗National Wildlife Refuge · Fish and Wildlife Service · 2,006 acres
Each unit is published as a centre point and an acreage rather than a boundary, so this section stands it in for a circle of the same area. Whether a campground is inside, and how far it is from one it is outside, are both approximate.
Other campgrounds nearby
On the National Register nearby
- Alderman School District No. 78Building · Valley City · 5 mi
- Amphitheater and Fieldstone WPA Features at Valley City Pioneer ParkObject · Valley City · 7.9 mi
- All Saints' Episcopal ChurchBuilding · Valley City · 8 mi
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.
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.
Reference
Questions people ask
Do I need a reservation at Mel Rieman Rec?
Sites at Mel Rieman Rec are reservable on Recreation.gov. Any walk-up sites are listed on the booking page.
Source: Recreation.gov
What time is check-in at Mel Rieman Rec?
Check-in 1:00 PM, checkout 1:00 PM.
Source: Recreation.gov
How many sites does Mel Rieman Rec have?
28 sites, including 20 standard sites with power, 6 walk-in sites, 1 group shelter electric, and 1 tent-only site.
Source: Recreation.gov
Will my RV fit at Mel Rieman Rec?
The longest site here provides 75 feet of vehicle capacity. Most sites are shorter. The sidebar tool checks a trailer or motorhome length against every site.
Source: Will my RV fit
Does Mel Rieman Rec have hookups?
Yes, electric and water hookups at some sites.
Source: Recreation.gov
Are there showers or a dump station at Mel Rieman Rec?
The facility also provides drinking water, showers and flush toilets.
Source: Recreation.gov
Are pets allowed at Mel Rieman Rec?
Yes, pets are allowed at Mel Rieman Rec. Leash rules apply.
Source: Recreation.gov
Can I have a campfire at Mel Rieman Rec?
Fires are allowed in the provided rings under normal conditions.
Source: Recreation.gov
Are there accessible sites at Mel Rieman Rec?
Sites 07 and 28 are listed accessible on Recreation.gov. What that covers (a paved pad, an accessible table, a nearby accessible restroom) is on each site's booking page.
Source: Recreation.gov
Is there cell service at Mel Rieman Rec?
FCC coverage maps show Verizon 4G LTE at the campground point. Terrain changes that from one site to the next.
Source: FCC Broadband Map
What is there to do at Mel Rieman Rec?
There is no shortage of recreation opportunities and outdoor fun in and around the lake. The Recreation section on this page has the rest.
Source: Recreation
What is the nearest town to Mel Rieman Rec?
Valley City, North Dakota.
Source: Getting there