Schnell Recreation Area

Richardton, North Dakota

About

The 2,000-acre Schnell Recreation Area was once a working cattle ranch that the Schnell family owned and operated for 80 of its 120 years. In 1993, the land became public property through the combined efforts of the Bureau of Land Management, the Conservation Fund, the Richard King Mellon Foundation, and the Schnell family. The native mixed-grass prairie, hardwood draws, and former pasture land provide a variety of wildlife habitats. Visitors can see duck, ring-necked pheasant, sharp-tailed grouse, Hungarian or grey partridge, white-tailed and mule deer, turkey, rabbit, squirrel, porcupine, and neotropical migratory birds such as bluebirds, warblers, and flickers. The area is a non-motorized zone with opportunities for wildlife viewing, nature photography, hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, camping, and environmental education. Dispersed primitive tent camping is allowed on the property except along an established 1.5 mile nature trail. Each of the six campsites has a fire ring, grill, picnic table, lantern holder, and garbage can. Potable water is easily accessible from every site but is only available from mid-April to mid-October. Three vault toilets are easily accessible from the camp sites. The area is managed by the Bureau of Land Management and is located near Richardton, North Dakota.

Amenities

Available Site Types

• Primitive Tent Sites
• Campsites

Local Attractions

• Biking
• Camping
• Horseback Riding
• Hunting
• Picnicking
• Water Sports
• Wildlife Viewing