Eggerts Landing

The Eggerts Landing Campground is located on Lake Ashtabula in eastern North Dakota. With thick forests, secluded sites and lake access, it is the most popular campground 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. Summer activities include fishing, boating, swimming and picnicking, while ice fishing and cross-country skiing are popular during winter months. Visitors can swim, picnic and hike within the campground, and a fishing pier is a short walk away. 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 and access nearly 35 miles of the North Country National Scenic Trail within a short drive. There are 41 campsites, with 37 of them offering electrical service. Other features of the campground include a swimming beach, flush toilets, playground and hiking trail. A dump station, fishing pier, boat ramp, restaurant and additional hiking trails are within walking distance. The nearest town is Valley City, 10 miles away. The campground is heavily wooded, offering shade and privacy for most sites. The lake area 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 region also provides habitat for white-tailed deer, sharptail grouse, wild turkey and gray partridge.