Natural swimming hole

Lake Ashtabula designated swimming areas

River · North Dakota

About this swimming hole

Lake Ashtabula is a 27-mile-long U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reservoir on the Sheyenne River, about 12 miles northwest of Valley City in a scenic river valley. The Corps says there are three designated swimming areas around the lake, including a popular beach at the Baldhill Dam operations area with a visitor center, showers, and volleyball courts. The Corps operates seven recreation areas at the lake with picnic facilities, playgrounds, drinking water, restrooms, and seven boat ramps.

Good to know

Water typeRiver
Reservations requiredNo
Amenitiesdesignated swimming areas, visitor center, showers, volleyball, picnic facilities, playgrounds, drinking water, restrooms, boat ramps
CountyBarnes County
Nearest townValley City

Map

Official information

Official park / agency page ↗ — check current conditions, fees, and reservations here before you go.

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Frequently asked questions

Does Lake Ashtabula designated swimming areas require reservations?

No reservations are required at Lake Ashtabula designated swimming areas based on current information — but verify before you go.

Keep exploring

Verify before you go. Conditions, fees, reservations, and access can change — confirm details with the official link before visiting. Last verified: September 2026