In the early 1950s, while Lake Sakakawea was being created by the Garrison Dam on the Missouri River, a group of progressive-minded Lutherans began looking for a spot to place a new Bible Camp on the shores of this future lake. These people were truly visionary! When they decided on the site for Camp of the Cross, they only had elevation marks to tell them where the water would be when the dam was completed.

In 1955, after the completion of the Garrison Dam, a corporation was formed and nearly 100 acres were leased from the Corps of Engineers. The lease was a 25-year renewable at a whopping payment of $1. The Camp purchased the Corps building that had been used for housing and feeding workers who built the dam. The buildings were trucked the 70 miles around the east end of the lake to their present location.

In the 1990s, Camp of the Cross began to bloom with a renewed fire in outdoor ministry. Camp of the Cross had its first capital campaign to build new facilities. The mid 1990's saw Camp of the Cross grow into a year-round facility for children and adults. In 1998, the centrally located comfort station and six hill cabins along a ridge looking over Lake Sakakawea were built. The late 1990's and the early 2000's saw the demolition of the old Corp of Engineers' Dorm and the completion of two new triple cabins. Most recently Camp of the Cross added its beautiful 11 room Retreat Center.

Camp of the Cross continues to spread the word of the gospel through year round summer and retreat ministry.