🌤 Weather at Cross Ranch State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18–67 °F | 52–83 °F | 19–73 °F | 2–27 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Washburn, 5 mi away, elevation 1,755 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
Activities
Spend a few relaxing days and nights inside Cross Ranch State Park: camp, kayak along the scenic Missouri River, explore the trails that wind through the adjacent nature preserve, and observe the majestic bison from afar. You’ll discover plenty to keep you happy and occupied during your visit to this serene park. If you’re looking for a place to get together with family or colleagues, consider having your next large gathering at the River Peoples Visitor Center Meeting Room or reserve one of the park’s covered picnic shelters. Contact the park for more information. For winter visitors this North Dakota state park offers snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Rentals for both are available within the park. Here are some of the activities that you can do during your visit to Cross Ranch State Park:
Boating at Cross Ranch State Park
Witness the beauty surrounding Cross Ranch State Park by taking a paddling trip down the scenic Missouri River. A boat ramp allows for easy access onto the river as well as access to either a 2-mile or 9-mile water trail. Canoes and kayaks (singles and doubles) are available to rent inside the park. Life jackets and paddles are also included.
Hiking at Cross Ranch State Park
Explore some of the 17 miles of trails that flow through the surrounding woodlands, across the mixed grass prairie and near the bison habitat inside the adjacent 5,000 acre nature preserve. While all of the trails are open for hikers, some do share the pathway with mountain bikes during the warmer months and with guests with snowshoes and cross-country skis during the winter. Here are a couple of the trails at Cross Ranch State Park:
- TNC Self-Guided Prairie Trail – This 2 mile hiking trail winds through the scenic woodlands and across the Nature Conservancy bison pasture. Guidebooks with information about the local flora and fauna are available at the trailhead.
- Ma-ak-oti “Old Village” Trail – A moderate 4.2 mile hiking trail that leads out to a creek that flows through a wooded ravine. Scenic views of the Missouri River may be seen along this path which also has sections of steep stairs that may be difficult for some guests.
Biking at Cross Ranch State Park
Nestled along the west bank of the Missouri River, this 589-acre state park and the adjacent 6,000-acre nature preserve offer miles of trails winding through the woodlands and across the prairie lands. A portion of this trail system is open for guests with mountain bikes. Here are a couple of those popular trails inside Cross Ranch State Park:
- Cottonwood Trail/Gaines Trail – These 2 trails combined together offer 5.4 miles through the forest inside the adjacent nature preserve that’s ideal for mountain biking or hiking. These trails are also open for cross-country skiing during the winter.
- Matah “River” Trail – This 2.9 mile trail loops through the park and along the river highlighting the area’s flora, fauna, history, and geology.
Fishing at Cross Ranch State Park
Pack your angling gear and be sure to pick up a North Dakota fishing license before heading into Cross Ranch State Park. Then spend a relaxing morning or afternoon catching trout, catfish, bass, salmon, walleye, or pike from your canoe or along the banks of the Missouri River.
Birding at Cross Ranch State Park
Wild Turkeys, Bald Eagles, American Bitterns, Black Terns, Franklin’s Gulls, Horned Grebes, Long-billed Curlews, Piping Plovers, Tundra Swans, Upland Sandpipers, White Pelicans, Canada Geese, and Common Mergansers are just some of the many birds that may be seen throughout the park and surrounding woodlands.
Nature and Wildlife at Cross Ranch State Park
Cross Ranch State Park and the nearby Nature Conservancy Cross Ranch Preserve offer guests a chance to see a variety of wildlife as well as mixed grass prairie, woodlands, and the scenic Missouri River. A 2 mile hiking trail that winds through the preserve provides visitors with an up close view of bison, deer, squirrels, bobcats, and more.
Pets
Pets are allowed at Cross Ranch State Park but must be kept on a leash and supervised at all times.
Camping
For visitors interested in staying overnight in the park, Cross Ranch State Park features two separate campgrounds with both modern and primitive campsites plus yurts and cabins. The modern individual and group campsites have electricity connections available. The camping cabins and rustic yurts are tucked into the shaded woodlands near the main campground areas. Each features beds, lights, electricity, heat and air conditioning. All campsites have a picnic table and fire ring and access to restrooms. Showers are available inside the Visitor Center. Also located within the campground area are a playground, picnic shelters, and a dump station. York Cabin and Pretty Point Yurt offer guests all the comforts of home and spectacular views of the Missouri River. Both feature beds for 6 guests, a bathroom, full kitchen, electricity, heat, and air conditioning.
Park Location
Cross Ranch State Park 1403 River Rd Center, ND 58530 Phone: 701.794.3731 Park Website Reservations
Map
Video
Here is a short YouTube video showcasing several attractions at Cross Ranch State Park:
Explore More North Dakota State Parks
Cross Ranch State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in North Dakota. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in North Dakota guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
Make it a road trip: Pair a visit with Lake Sakakawea State Park (within about an hour’s drive) or Fort Stevenson State Park (within about an hour’s drive).
⛺ Camping at Cross Ranch State Park: Campgrounds & Cabins
| Campsites | 65 sites — 35 Standard Campsites with electricity, $25-30/night; 6 Group Standard Campsites with electricity, $25-30/night per unit; 22 Primitive Campsites, $15/night; 2 Group Primitive Campsites, $15/night per unit. Showers & flush toilets and a sewer dump station on site. |
|---|---|
| Cabins & Lodging | York Cabin (sleeps 6, air conditioning, heat, gas fireplace, full kitchen and bathroom, $135-150/night). Art Link Cabin (sleeps 6, electricity, air conditioning, mini fridge, propane fireplace, wood-burning cook stove; no water/shower in the cabin — showers available year-round at the Visitor Center, $100-115/night). John Colter Cabin (sleeps 5, electric heat, overhead lights, wood-burning parlor stove; no water/shower in the cabin — available at the Visitor Center, $100-115/night). Also 3 yurts: Pretty Point Yurt (sleeps 6, air conditioning, heat, gas fireplace, full kitchen and bathroom, $135-150/night); Bagnell & Ice Glider Yurts (each sleeps 5, gas fireplace, kitchen table, small refrigerator; shower facilities at the Visitor Center year-round, $70-85/night); Levis Yurt (sleeps 3, kitchen table, small refrigerator, gas fireplace; shower facilities at the Visitor Center, $70-85/night). Two-night minimum on all units; bedding/towels not provided; pets not allowed. |
| Pets | Pets are welcome in the campground but must stay on a leash. |
| Reservations | Book online at reservendparks.com or call 800-807-4723, up to 95 days in advance for campsites (cabins/yurts up to 365 days). Check-in 4:00 pm, check-out 3:00 pm. Cancellation for campsites: more than 7 days before arrival $10 fee, 7 days or less forfeits one night's fee. Vehicle entrance permit required: $7 daily, $35 annual, $61.25 annual family, $28 annual senior. |
| Special sites | Boat ramp on site. Equipment rentals: fat tire bikes $8/hour or $50/day, canoes/kayaks $32 half-day or $50 full-day, cross-country skis and snowshoes $15/day. Nine-mile Missouri River kayak/canoe shuttle, $30. Event shelter $75/day, picnic shelters $25-75/day, visitor center meeting room up to 50 people $100/day. |
| Season notes | Main campground water stays on through winter. Water at the dump station is shut off October 1; water in the Sanger campground is shut off November 1, and its vault toilet is shut down December 1. Camping cabins close November 1 unless otherwise noted; full-service cabins and yurts remain available year-round. |
Camping questions about Cross Ranch State Park
Can you camp at Cross Ranch State Park?
Yes. Cross Ranch State Park has 65 campsites. 35 Standard Campsites with electricity, $25-30/night; 6 Group Standard Campsites with electricity, $25-30/night per unit; 22 Primitive Campsites, $15/night; 2 Group Primitive Campsites, $15/night per unit. Showers & flush toilets and a sewer dump station on site.
How do you reserve a campsite at Cross Ranch State Park?
Book online at reservendparks.com or call 800-807-4723, up to 95 days in advance for campsites (cabins/yurts up to 365 days). Check-in 4:00 pm, check-out 3:00 pm. Cancellation for campsites: more than 7 days before arrival $10 fee, 7 days or less forfeits one night's fee. Vehicle entrance permit required: $7 daily, $35 annual, $61.25 annual family, $28 annual senior.
Are there cabins at Cross Ranch State Park?
York Cabin (sleeps 6, air conditioning, heat, gas fireplace, full kitchen and bathroom, $135-150/night). Art Link Cabin (sleeps 6, electricity, air conditioning, mini fridge, propane fireplace, wood-burning cook stove; no water/shower in the cabin — showers available year-round at the Visitor Center, $100-115/night). John Colter Cabin (sleeps 5, electric heat, overhead lights, wood-burning parlor stove; no water/shower in the cabin — available at the Visitor Center, $100-115/night). Also 3 yurts: Pretty Point Yurt (sleeps 6, air conditioning, heat, gas fireplace, full kitchen and bathroom, $135-150/night); Bagnell & Ice Glider Yurts (each sleeps 5, gas fireplace, kitchen table, small refrigerator; shower facilities at the Visitor Center year-round, $70-85/night); Levis Yurt (sleeps 3, kitchen table, small refrigerator, gas fireplace; shower facilities at the Visitor Center, $70-85/night). Two-night minimum on all units; bedding/towels not provided; pets not allowed.
Are pets allowed at the Cross Ranch State Park campground?
Pets are welcome in the campground but must stay on a leash.
Source: parkrec.nd.gov (verified July 2026). Details change seasonally — confirm when booking.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Cross Ranch State Park
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Pets are welcome in North Dakota state parks but must stay on a leash.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Leash required; no maximum length specified on the official site
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Pets are not allowed in cabins or yurts where parks state a policy (e.g. Fort Ransom State Park); no statewide pet-friendly cabin program advertised
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Most parks have designated off-leash areas or dog parks (e.g. Fort Ransom's off-leash area with river access, Grahams Island's fenced dog park)
- Dogs & wildlife
- Pets are welcome in the campground on a leash, but they are not allowed in the cabins or yurts.
Are dogs allowed at Cross Ranch State Park?
Pets are welcome in North Dakota state parks but must stay on a leash. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via parkrec.nd.gov. More: North Dakota state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
🐻 Wildlife at Cross Ranch State Park: What to Watch For — and Watch Out For
Worth watching for: The park sits beside The Nature Conservancy's 6,000-acre Cross Ranch Nature Preserve, where bison roam mixed-grass prairie and wooded draws — the self-guided Prairie Trail passes through the bison pasture. Along the park's undammed stretch of Missouri River, anglers find walleye, trout, catfish, pike and bass.
Watch out for: The park's official guidance for the preserve's bison is to keep a safe distance and respect that they are wild animals, especially where the Prairie Trail crosses the bison pasture. On the Ma-ak-oti 'Old Village' Trail, expect steep stairs without handrails; sections may be muddy or impassable when river levels fluctuate.
Wildlife information verified July 2026 via parkrec.nd.gov.
Park Location
Plan your gear for Cross Ranch State Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
