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BLM Schnell Recreation Area

SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

Managed by the Bureau of Land Management as part of the campgrounds around BLM Land — North Dakota Field Office, Schnell Recreation Area sits outside Richardton, North Dakota, offering a low-cost overnight stop on open grassland terrain. At $5 per night, it draws a mix of road travelers and day hikers, with drive-in access that accommodates big rigs.

The campground has a small number of well-separated sites, each with a picnic table, fire ring, and grill. Vault toilets and drinking water are on-site, though reviews suggest the facilities vary in upkeep depending on the season. Maintenance has been inconsistent over the years, with some visitors noting overgrown trails and weedy conditions, while others find the area clean and the trash receptacles in good shape. Ticks are a real concern during spring and early summer hikes through the tall grass, and campers should check thoroughly after any time on the trails.

Jennifer F. notes "beautiful sunset with lots of birds and cow bellering in the distance," which captures the open, rural character of the site well. Cell service is available. The nearest full-service town for resupply is Dickinson, and travelers moving through that corridor can also find campgrounds near Dickinson if Schnell is full or closed for maintenance. Closer alternatives include Glen Ullin Memorial Park to the east. Pack tick repellent and carry a lighter layer, as North Dakota evenings cool quickly even in summer.

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RV Road Trip Guides

Map & DirectionsBLM Schnell Recreation Area is located in North Dakota near Dickinson

Detail location of campground
Public Campground

Directions

The Schnell Recreation Area is located in eastern Stark County approximately three miles northeast of Richardton, North Dakota. From I-94 Richardton Exit #84, drive 0.75 mile north to Highway 10. Turn right and go 1.5 miles east. Turn left and go one mile north, following the curve to the right. Go one one mile east to the headquarters.

Coordinates

46.88615503 N
102.2589744 W

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Connectivity

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  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Good Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 2 users
    Last on 7/30/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 4 users
    Last on 7/10/26

Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Good Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 2 users
    Last on 7/30/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 4 users
    Last on 7/10/26

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Equestrian

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Phone Service
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Pull-Through Sites
  • Big Rig Friendly

Drive Time


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Reviews6 Camper Reviews - BLM Schnell Recreation Area

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5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

33%
33%
17%
0%
17%

3.5

out of 5

6 Reviews

Many visitors reported significant maintenance decline with overgrown weeds and deteriorating facilities. The area offers privacy and natural beauty but faces upkeep challenges that impact the camping experience.

SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile
Reviewed Jul. 5, 2026

Nicely kept , quiet

Nicely kept, fire ring and grill, picnic table under a shade tree, trash can at campsite and in vault toilets, easy pull through. If it had water and even a central dump, I’d give it a 5

Site2
Month of VisitJuly
Reviewed Jun. 24, 2026

Peaceful, quiet

Nice picnic table, fire ring, and grill. Pit toilets that look nice from afar. I didn't use them. Beautiful sunset with lots of birds and cow bellering in the distance.

Site2
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of BLM Schnell Recreation Area by Jennifer F., June 24, 2026
  • Review photo of BLM Schnell Recreation Area by Jennifer F., June 24, 2026
Reviewed Aug. 8, 2023

Night of Hail

Lovely place to stay, clean with trash cans and vault toilets. Unfortunately we had 5 hail storms that night.

Site5
Month of VisitAugust
Reviewed Jul. 25, 2023

Pathetic, unmaintained property, which was once a pleasure to visit.

Ten years ago the campground was clean, weed free, well maintained and now it is an embarrassment of what it once was. Once having the American flag flying, no more. Once practically weed free, no more. Ten years ago it offered information of the region now that is gone. Stand by the Register and enjoy the Canada Thistle growing at your feet. Walk to Slater pond and work your way through the unkept, weed infested  trail of Canada Thistle and Leafy Spurge. What a disappointment in such a short period of time. I can see my money is not well spent.

Reviewed Jun. 30, 2023

Very nice and quiet

Only a handful of spots but they are nicely separated with some privacy. Small maintained trails and really pretty. It is a wet year and everything is very green and yes you need to be prepared for ticks to hike in the tall grass. The trails are well marked and easy to follow. Not sure what more to expect from it.

Site3
Month of VisitJune
Reviewed Jun. 2, 2018

Wild, Unmaintained, Beautiful, TICKS

I just hiked. The trail is lovely, though not as well maintained as it could have been. There were a lot of TICKS! But I found the few that were on me before they latched. My friend had at least twenty on her; luckily, they didn't latch to her either. Because it was early spring, it looked pretty "dead." I could see how pretty it would be later in the year. The picnic area was mowed, but the picnic table was absolutely falling apart and rotting. This would be a wonderful little area if it had more maintenance! The restrooms were not open yet.

Month of VisitMarch
  • Review photo of BLM Schnell Recreation Area by Moonyen S., June 2, 2018
  • Review photo of BLM Schnell Recreation Area by Moonyen S., June 2, 2018
  • Review photo of BLM Schnell Recreation Area by Moonyen S., June 2, 2018
  • (5) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

Are fires allowed at BLM Schnell Recreation Area?

Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at BLM Schnell Recreation Area, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

Does BLM Schnell Recreation Area have wifi?

No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, BLM Schnell Recreation Area does not have wifi.

Is there cell phone reception at BLM Schnell Recreation Area?

According to campers on TheDyrt.com, there is excellent coverage for AT&T, good coverage for T-Mobile, and some coverage for Verizon.