Mel Rieman Rec
Ashtabula Lake — lakeside, fishing, hiking
Location: VALLEY CITY, ND, ND
Price: From $20 per night
Price range: $20–$40 per night
Rating: 3.9 out of 5 (75 reviews)
Season: Year-round
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.
Cell coverage (FCC estimate): weak signal. Actual signal may vary in remote areas. Best carrier: Verizon. Verizon 4G: 100%. AT&T 4G: 0%. T-Mobile 4G: 0%.
Amenities: Fire Rings, Picnic Tables, Flush Toilets, Drinking Water, Showers, Electric Hookups, Fishing, Boat Launch
Availability alerts: Set a free cancellation alert at camperwatch.org/campground/mel-rieman-rec to be notified when sites open up.
Located on Lake Ashtabula's shoreline with spectacular sunset views and 70 acres of recreation area. Google reviewers praise decent amenities, water access, fire pits, power access, and boat ramp fishing access.
Wildlife alert: Coyotes present in area; also common raccoons, least sandpipers, mourning doves, American avocets, horned larks, and plains garter snakes within 8km
Insider tips for Mel Rieman Rec: Book early as this is a federal campground with high demand Only electric hookups available on select sites; plan accordingly for water/sewer needs Beach is a long distance from campsites based on camper reviews Accessible camp host on-site for assistance
Skip Mel Rieman Rec if: You need full hookups (water/sewer) - only electric available on select sites. You require spacious sites - reviewers note sites are tight with room for only one vehicle and camper/tent. You want close beach access - verified reviews indicate beach is far from camping areas.
Best time to visit Mel Rieman Rec: Year-round — Campground operates year-round according to verified data.
Nearby campgrounds: Eggerts Landing (VALLEY CITY, ND), West Ashtabula Crossing (Valley City, ND), East Ashtabula Crossing (VALLEY CITY, ND), Jorgen’S Hollow Campground (Leonard, ND).
Cell Phone Coverage at Mel Rieman Rec
Cell signal at Mel Rieman Rec (VALLEY CITY, ND): weak overall signal based on FCC broadband data. Best carrier: Verizon.
- Verizon 4G LTE: 100% coverage · Verizon 5G: 100%
Coverage data source: FCC Broadband Data Collection (BDC). Actual signal may vary due to terrain, tree cover, and distance from towers. Camper reports are more reliable than coverage maps in remote areas.
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.
Verified facts
RIDB / Recreation.gov official databaseAmenities
RIDB /facilities /campsites · owner-verifiedStraight talk
CamperWatch intel · curated from camper reportsKnown issues, each with the workaround. Read before you book.
Insider tips & when to go
CamperWatch intel · hand-curated entryBook early as this is a federal campground with high demand
Only electric hookups available on select sites; plan accordingly for water/sewer needs
Beach is a long distance from campsites based on camper reviews
Accessible camp host on-site for assistance
Campground operates year-round according to verified data
Things to do nearby
RIDB /activities /recareas + intelConditions today
LiveCell signal
FCC BDC · quarterly datasetFCC maps are theoretical — camper reports confirm signal. Best carrier: Verizon.
Wildlife nearby
iNaturalist · research-grade · 8 kmLocation
Leaflet · OpenStreetMap tiles
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.
Campground entrance
Google Maps APICommunity
#community · posts, photos & Q&A · AI-moderated (Claude Vision)Pro tips
- Book on recreation.gov exactly 6 months ahead at 10am ET — Ashtabula Lake fills fast in peak season.
- Check current road conditions at Ashtabula Lake before arrival — seasonal closures common.
Frequently asked questions
RIDB facts + intel · FAQPage schema, speakableHow much does Mel Rieman Rec cost per night?+
What season is Mel Rieman Rec open?+
Does Mel Rieman Rec have hookups?+
What is the maximum RV length at Mel Rieman Rec?+
How do I make reservations at Mel Rieman Rec?+
What is the cell service like at Mel Rieman Rec?+
What season is Mel Rieman Rec open, and what are check-in times?+
●Data sources on this page
CamperWatch never fabricates data. Where data is unavailable, it is not shown.
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