The 2,000-acre Schnell Recreation Area was once 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 fami
Maybe — confirm before you go.
This Bureau of Land Management site may charge a fee your pass covers — confirm before you go.
- Fee type Fee unknown — The fee structure here is unconfirmed.
- Source Find on Recreation.gov ↗
- Last verifiedJuly 6, 2026 · Check
- Official pagewww.recreation.gov ↗
- Contact 701-227-7700 · MT_North_Dakota_FO@blm.gov
Common questions
Quick Yes / No / Depends answers for Schnell Ranch Recreation Area — always confirm with the managing site before you go.
Depends Does the America the Beautiful pass work here?
Maybe — This Bureau of Land Management site may charge a fee your pass covers — confirm before you go. Check with the managing agency before you go.
Yes Can you camp at Schnell Ranch Recreation Area?
Yes — camping is available. Reserve ahead where required; you can check availability on Recreation.gov.
Depends Can you have a campfire?
Sometimes — campfires are subject to seasonal fire restrictions and bans. Always check current fire conditions first.
Yes Are there hiking trails?
Yes — trails here include 87th Avenue Southwest, 36th Street Southwest, 89th Avenue Southwest, and more. Check length and difficulty before you go.
Yes Can you bike here?
Yes — biking is available at Schnell Ranch Recreation Area. Confirm which roads or trails allow it.
Yes Can you watch wildlife or birds here?
Yes — Schnell Ranch Recreation Area is a spot for wildlife and bird watching. Keep your distance and never feed animals.
Depends Is hunting allowed?
Yes — hunting is permitted here in season, with the required state license and tags. Check seasons and unit rules.
Yes Can you bring a dog?
Generally yes — dogs are welcome when kept under control (usually leashed). Confirm any local rules.
Depends Are drones allowed?
Sometimes — often allowed away from wilderness and developed or crowded areas, with rules. Check locally before you fly.
Nearby sites
Dickinson Reservoir - Edward Arthur Patterson Lake
CheckReclamation honors the pass at only a handful of sites — confirm before you rely on it here.
Own work / CC BY-SA 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons Bureau of Reclamation Heart Butte Reservoir
CheckReclamation honors the pass at only a handful of sites — confirm before you rely on it here.
