State Park · North Dakota
One of the last free-flowing, undeveloped stretches of the Missouri River: 16-plus miles of trails through bison country, riverside cabins and yurts, and a canoe route through Lewis and Clark bottomland.
Field briefing
Cross Ranch State Park starts with access, not mileage.
Before you go
The bison herd on the adjacent nature preserve adds a living Plains experience. Cabins, yurts, and two campgrounds make it a full-stay destination, and the Missouri River canoe run is a one-of-a-kind float through undeveloped river country.
Weather, crowds, and what the season changes about the trip.
Cool with the Missouri River running high; cottonwood greening and migratory birds arrive.
Pack Rain shell, layers, and waterproof boots for muddy bottomland trails.
Warm to hot on open prairie; river breezes on the bluff trails moderate the heat.
Pack Sun protection, water, and bug spray for cottonwood forest and prairie segments.
Crisp with golden cottonwood color along the river, quieter after Labor Day.
Pack Warm layer and a wind shell for exposed bluff hiking and river views.
Cold and quiet; groomed cross-country ski and fat-tire bike trails, cabins open year-round.
Pack Insulation, traction, and ski or snowshoe gear; several cabins provide warm shelter.
Matah River Trail
A 3.1-mile loop starting at the visitor center with interpretive signs on history, wildlife, and geology along the Missouri River bottomland and mature cottonwood forest.
Bison herd and TNC Prairie Trail
The adjacent 5,000-acre Cross Ranch Nature Preserve hosts a roaming bison herd. The 2.2-mile self-guided prairie trail crosses the preserve; visitors must keep a safe distance from bison.
Missouri River canoe run
A 9-mile downstream canoe or kayak trip from Washburn to the Sanger boat landing, with transport available from the park. One of the few float trips on this undeveloped stretch of the Missouri.
Lock the boat, ferry, tide, or water access first, then fit the route list around that schedule. For one day in Cross Ranch State Park, make Matah River Trail the non-negotiable, add Bison herd and TNC Prairie Trail only if the first stop runs clean, and keep Missouri River canoe run as the flexible finish.
Turn Cross Ranch's conditions into water, pack, and sleep-system decisions.
Build around access
Plan the transfer before the trail list.
Plan your trip
4 quick tools, already seeded for Cross Ranch State Park. Tune the route, pack weight, weather margin, and overnight setup after the access plan is real.
Start with the gear decisions this park changes: footing, weather, camping, and water.
Kit Authority
Cross Ranch State Park packing list
0 of 26 packed. Check items as you pack, then take this list to the store, trailhead, or campsite.
Pack planning
Use this as a constraint check while you are still shaping the trip. The active checklist becomes useful once your route, dates, and sleep plan are set.
Checklist mode
26 items, grouped for the trip you are actually taking.
The buying guides that match what Cross Ranch asks of your kit, with our current top picks across budget and use case.
The park has five named lodging units: two premium river-view cabins and yurts (York Cabin and Pretty Point Yurt), two standard cabins (Art Link, John Colter), and two simpler yurts (Levis, Bagnell and Ice Glider). Camping includes 35 standard sites with electricity, 22 primitive sites, and 6 group standard sites. Reserve through Reserve North Dakota Parks.
Camping reservations
The river-view York Cabin and Pretty Point Yurt are the standout lodging, and the two campgrounds cover both electric hookups and primitive options. Lock summer and fall dates early.
Reviewed June 11, 2026
Booking window
Campsites can be booked 95 days in advance. Cabins, yurts, and other lodging can be reserved up to 365 days ahead.
Where to book or verify
Official reservation portal for Cross Ranch campsites, cabins, and yurts.
Official park page for trails, lodging, river canoe logistics, and the nature preserve.
Check for federal campground, backcountry, tour, and permit inventory tied to this park.
Campgrounds to know
Make the transfer plan before the trail plan.
Weather windows, boat schedules, flight buffers, and backup days shape what is realistic.
Getting there
Car strategy
Cross Ranch State Park is at 1403 River Road near Center, North Dakota, about 30 miles north of Mandan on a mix of state highways and county roads.
Car strategy
A car is essential, and the final approach winds through prairie on roads that follow the Missouri River bluffs.
Car strategy
From Bismarck, the drive takes roughly 45 minutes to an hour.
Pair this with lodging: the best base is the one that protects the departure window, pickup point, or weather buffer.
Yes. The adjacent Cross Ranch Nature Preserve, managed by The Nature Conservancy, hosts a bison herd that roams the prairie. The park's 2.2-mile prairie trail crosses preserve land; visitors must stay a safe distance from bison, which are wild animals.
Yes. The park offers a 9-mile downstream canoe or kayak run from Washburn to the Sanger boat landing, with a transportation service available for an additional fee. Only park rental equipment can be transported; call (701) 794-3731 to arrange.
There are five lodging units: the York Cabin and Pretty Point Yurt offer full kitchens, gas fireplaces, and Missouri River views; the Art Link and John Colter Cabins are more rustic with wood-burning stoves; and the Levis, Bagnell, and Ice Glider Yurts are simple primitive units. All require a two-night minimum stay.
The park is near Center, about 30 miles north of Mandan. Take ND-25 north from Mandan or Bismarck and follow signs to the park on River Road. The route involves county roads that follow the Missouri River bluffs.