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.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsBLM Schnell Recreation Area is located in North Dakota near Dickinson
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
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GGood Coverage
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 7/30/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 7/10/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GGood Coverage
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 7/30/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 7/10/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark 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
- 59 min from Bismarck, ND
- 2 hrs 18 min from Minot, ND
- 3 hrs 50 min from Rapid City, SD
- 4 hrs 24 min from Grand Forks, ND









