Mel Rieman Rec

Star3.93
183 reviews
2630 114TH AVE SE
Scenic ViewsSummer Destination

Quick Facts

1,335 ft

Price

$20 - $40/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

27 campsites

Season

The campground is op...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens U.S. Army Corps of Engineers site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Mel Rieman Rec
$20.00 - $40.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees vary by site type. Standard Electric sites cost $26 per night, Tent Only Nonelectric and Walk-To sites are $20 per night, and Group Shelter...
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Standard Site Fee$26.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$20.00
Group Site Fee$40.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
701-845-2970
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What Campers Say

3.93

Mixed Reviews

Based on 183 reviews

93 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewspeacefulcleanrestrooms

Some mention

reservationcell service

"User reviews for the Mel Rieman Campground are mixed, with an average sentiment rating of 3.646. While some visitors praise the campground's cleanliness, spacious sites, and scenic views, others criticize maintenance issues, lack of privacy, and problematic trash management."

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Campground Map

2630 114TH AVE SE

Mel Rieman Rec

2630 114TH AVE SE

Driving directionsThe 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.
The campground is accessible through paved roads and a short detour may be required during certain periods. Roads within the campground are described as narrow and curvy by some users.
Nearby places
Valley City (10 miles, approximately 15-minute drive)
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel are available in Valley City. A store near the campground called 'Hungry Pelican' offers food, ice cream, drinks, and firewood.

Best Time to Camp at Mel Rieman Rec

Blessed with predominantly clear skies and refreshing prairie breezes, Mel Rieman offers ideal camping conditions throughout the peak season. The dry, comfortable humidity makes for perfect stargazing nights and pleasant daytime explorations. While occasional rain showers bring a fresh scent to the grasslands, off-season visitors should prepare for nature's full spectrum, including dramatic prairie storms and winter's quiet blanket of snow transforming the landscape into a serene wonderland.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Peak season (May–Sep); summer reviews highlight swimming, fishing and lake beauty.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.0 / 5

Open through Sept; fall access limited to early fall with fewer reviews but pleasant weather.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Opens May 1 so late spring offers good conditions, stargazing and early-season fishing.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground reservations run May 1–Sep 30; winter access and services are limited.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 1 to September 30.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: The campground is open from May 1 to September 30 for reservations.
  • Current Alerts: Occasional detours to the campground and reports of algae blooms in the lake.

About Mel Rieman Rec

Perched on the pristine shoreline of Lake Ashtabula, Mel Rieman Campground sprawls across 70 scenic acres in eastern North Dakota's hidden wilderness. This waterfront haven beckons outdoor enthusiasts with its legendary sunset vistas that paint the sky in brilliant oranges and purples each evening. Just moments from the historic Baldhill Dam, the campground serves as your gateway to endless adventures, from peaceful morning paddles to exhilarating wildlife encounters across the prairie landscape.
Mel Rieman Campground offers options including tent camping, RV camping with electric hookups, and walk-in sites.
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Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Official check-in time is 14:00.
Check-out
Check-out must be completed by 12:00.
Stay Limit
Maximum consecutive stay is 14 nights. Total stay within 30 days cannot exceed 14 nights.

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Electricity hookups
Flush toilets
Dump station
Picnic tables

Activities you can enjoy

Mel Rieman Campground offers various recreational activities such as swimming, fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing. The adjacent day-use area features a playground, picnic facilities, concessions, fishing spots, and a boat ramp.
HikingHiking opportunities include access to the Sheyenne River Valley National Scenic Byway and the North Country National Scenic Trail. These trails are praised for their scenic beauty and accessibility.
FishingFishing is popular due to the lake's abundant fish population, including walleye and northern pike. However, some users reported challenges with shore fishing (Jen S.).
SwimmingSwimming facilities are described as accessible and enjoyable, although some users noted issues such as algae in the lake (PapaNMama Bearz, Etienne Lagace Bussiere).
BoatingBoating is supported by seven boat ramps and automated fish cleaning stations, making it convenient for users who engage in water sports and fishing.
Wildlife viewingThe area is rich in wildlife, including migratory birds like the white pelican, deer, and turkeys. Users appreciate the opportunities for bird watching and wildlife photography.
Beach activitiesBeach activities are available but not universally praised due to concerns like algae in the water. Some users described the beach as large and enjoyable (Rod Grafing, Ryan Lee).
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsSome reviews note ticks, overflowing garbage, and potential encounters with coyotes and other wildlife. Poor road conditions also reported.
Active AlertsOccasional detours to the campground and reports of algae blooms in the lake.

Weather at Mel Rieman Rec

Reviews

3.9
183 reviews
Mixed Reviews
Mixed Reviews
Mel Rieman Rec has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for the Mel Rieman Campground are mixed, with an average sentiment rating of 3.646. While some visitors praise the campground's cleanliness, spacious sites, and scenic views, others criticize maintenance issues, lack of privacy, and problematic trash management.
Review Summaries
Based on 183 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include clean restrooms, spacious campsites, friendly hosts, and beautiful lake views. Several users enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere and convenient amenities like picnic tables and...
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Based on 183 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include ticks, algae in the lake, overflowing trash bins, inconsistent shower cleanliness, and tight roads within the campground.
Based on 183 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommend reserving spots ahead of time for weekends, choosing secluded sites like 02 for privacy, and preparing for limited cell service. Some users suggest bringing additional firewood due...
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Based on 183 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews highlight the beauty of the lake and the availability of swimming and fishing activities. Winter reviews focus on ice fishing and cross-country skiing but are less frequent.
Based on 183 reviews

Camper Quotes

Multiple direct quotes include: 'The camp spots are very generous. Neighbors are not on top of you.' (Joanne Bokinskie) and 'The lake needed to be raked, it was covered in algae.' (PapaNMama Bearz).
Based on 183 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Campsites 02, 19, and 20 are frequently mentioned as preferred spots due to their views and privacy. Campsites 24 and 21 received negative comments regarding layout and lack of privacy.
Based on 183 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility reviews are limited but indicate a need for better signage and maps to navigate the campground.
Based on 183 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Mixed reviews regarding pets. Some users noted ticks as a concern for pets (Zach DeWald), while others appreciated the freedom to walk pets near the lake (Marilyn Malousek).
Based on 183 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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