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. There are 2000 acres of native mixed-grass prairie, hardwood draws, and former pasture land available for public use. It is a non-motorized area with good opportunities for bird watching, hiking, nature study, camping, picnicking and wildlife viewing. Dispersed primitive tent camping is allowed on the property except along an established 1.5 mile nature trail. Each Campground site provides a fire ring, grill, picnic table, lantern holder, and garbage can.
Potable water is easily accessible near every site.
Three vaulted toilets are easily accessible from the camp sites. Activities Other activities include wildlife watching, nature photography, mountain biking, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, and environmental education. Schnell Recreation Area provides a variety of wildlife habitats, including woody draws, brush and native grasses, meadowlike open area, ponds, and riparian wetlands.