Map of Schnell Ranch Recreation Area, North Dakota
blmdeveloped sitenorth dakota

Schnell Ranch Recreation Area

Bureau of Land Management · North Dakota

data verified May 2026 (1 day ago)

Overview

Schnell Ranch Recreation Area is a 2,000-acre BLM site in North Dakota built on former working cattle ranch land. The mixed-grass prairie and hardwood draws sit between Bowman and Marmarth in the northwestern corner of the state. You'll see mule deer, white-tailed deer, ring-necked pheasant, sharp-tailed grouse, and migratory songbirds like bluebirds and warblers year-round or seasonally.

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Six developed campsites sit on the property with fire rings, grills, and picnic tables at each one. Three vault toilets serve the camp area. The BLM has planted grass, trees, and shrubs to shade the sites and cut down dust. Potable water runs from mid-April through mid-October. You can hike the 1.5-mile nature trail, bike, ride horses, or just camp and watch wildlife. Dispersed primitive tent camping is allowed on the ranch except along the marked trail itself.

The BLM manages Schnell under standard public lands rules. You can stay here under the BLM 14-day rule per camp area within any 28-day period. There is no fee to camp. Fire restrictions may be in effect during dry season months. Dead and down wood only for fires. You must put fires completely out before you leave.

The main issue at Schnell is water season. Potable water shuts off mid-October and doesn't come back until mid-April. If you're camping October through April, you bring all water with you. The site also sits remote. Bowman, North Dakota is the nearest town, roughly 30 miles east. Cell service is spotty. Stock up on fuel and supplies before you arrive.

Call the BLM Malta Field Office at 406-654-1240 before you go.

Plan your visit

  • Shelter type
    Developed site
  • Stay limit
    14 days per 28
  • Fee
    Free
  • Best for
    Vanlife, dispersed, off-grid

Access

drive-in
regular vehicle access
walk-in
short walk from parking
hike-in
backcountry, multi-hour trek

Features

for campers
  • toiletsyes
  • potable wateryes
  • fire ringsunknown
  • picnic tablesunknown
  • trash serviceyes
for vehicles
  • dump stationunknown
  • hookupsunknown
  • pull-through sitesunknown
  • rv length infounknown
  • paved accessunknown
Bureau of Land Management camping rules
14-day rule, dispersed allowed, MVUM caveats, fire restrictions.

Conditions and access

coordinates
46.88413, -102.28538
AgencyBureau of Land Managementreported May 2026TypeDeveloped sitereported May 2026StateNorth Dakotareported May 2026

Nearby sites

drive time from nearby cities

drive times from ND cities populate once the mapbox directions ingest runs in phase d. expect 5 nearest cities within 250 miles.

Questions about Schnell Ranch Recreation Area

Is camping at Schnell Ranch Recreation Area free?
Yes, camping is free. The BLM does not charge fees at Schnell Ranch. The 14-day rule applies: you can stay up to fourteen days per calendar month under 43 CFR §8365.1-2.
How long can you camp at Schnell Ranch?
You can camp up to fourteen days per calendar month. This is the standard BLM 14-day rule (43 CFR §8365.1-2). After fourteen days, you must leave for at least one day before returning.
What facilities does Schnell Ranch have?
Schnell Ranch has six developed campsites, each with a fire ring, grill, picnic table, and lantern holder. Three vault toilets serve the camping area. Potable water is available at every site from mid-April to mid-October only. Bring your own water in winter.
When is water available at Schnell Ranch?
Potable water is available from mid-April through mid-October. The water system shuts off mid-October through mid-April. If you plan to camp in winter, bring enough water for your entire stay.
What can you do at Schnell Ranch?
You can hike, mountain bike, horseback ride, wildlife view, and photograph. Cross-country skiing is possible in winter. Dispersed primitive tent camping is allowed across the property except along the 1.5-mile nature trail. The site is non-motorized.
What wildlife might you see at Schnell Ranch?
You might see ring-necked pheasant, sharp-tailed grouse, Hungarian partridge, white-tailed and mule deer, turkey, and migratory birds like bluebirds and warblers. Porcupines, rabbits, and squirrels are also present. The mixed-grass prairie and hardwood draws provide diverse habitats.

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