The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is a federal agency established by Congress in 1946 with the goal of facilitating settlement on land the United States had obtained in the western portion of the country. Naturally, as the agency achieved its goal, it began to focus on managing the 247.3 million acres of undeveloped US public land, which includes national and state parks. The BLM manages this land in several ways, but overall, it safeguards both the natural and historic value found within. Though the agency gathers funds in several ways, it also collects fees from those who visit Bureau of Land Management campgrounds, which are then used to maintain the amenities offered at these sites. For additional information regarding the activities and amenities offered at a specific BLM site, you can visit the BLM official website.
The Shepherd Ah Nei Recreation Area is about 5,060 acres just north of Billings, Montana. Of the 5,060 acres, 4,000 are reserved for activities such as hiking, picnicking, biking, horseback riding, and wildlife watching. The remaining 1,060 acres house around 50 miles of trails that are used solely for off-highway vehicle riding. The only amenities found at this site are the restrooms near the parking lot, though it also includes an information kiosk.
The Four Dances Trail is an out-and-back trail that has an elevation gain of 656 ft and takes around one hour and 40 minutes to complete. The 600 feet of elevation are rather steep, but there are benches along the way in case you get tired.
Length: 3 miles
Intensity: Moderate
The Lake Elmo Loop trail sees a small elevation gain of only 19 feet and takes around 35 minutes to finish. As the name implies, this quick and easy trail is a loop around Lake Elmo, so following the shore is all you need for directions.
Length: 1.4 miles
Intensity: Easy
John H. Dover Memorial Park Loop is yet another nearby looping trail with an elevation gain of 177 feet and an average completion time of 55 minutes. You can expect to see local wildlife like deer along the well-maintained trail, as well as a suspension bridge.
Length: 2 miles
Intensity: Easy
The Jim Dutcher Kiwanis Trail is a long out-and-back trail with an elevation gain of 269 feet and a finishing time of five hours and 30 minutes. Despite its length, this trail is not a challenge for hikers since it is paved, within city limits, and not at all steep.
Length: 13.1 miles
Intensity: Easy
The Will James Trail is a short out-and-back trail with an elevation gain of 98 feet and a finishing time of around 30 minutes. This hike leads to the cabin of Will James, a famous artist, and has a nice view of the Yellowstone River.
Length: 1.1 miles
Intensity: Easy
The vast grassland found in the Shepherd, Ah-Nei OHV Area is perfect for various species that are often spotted by visitors. Animals found in the 5,000-acre area include mountain lions, lynxes, bobcats, wild dogs, bald and golden eagles, and the occasional porcupine. Aside from the 1,000 acres reserved for OHV riding, you can expect to see most of these species as you walk around the picnic areas and hiking trails.
As previously mentioned, you can find several areas for picnicking at this BLM site. Away from the OHV trails, there are some gazebos with picnicking tables that are free to use on a first-come, first-served basis. While planning your picnic, you should take note that while there are some restrooms near the parking lot, there is no running water anywhere on the site.
BLM RV camping is not readily available within this BLM site, but nearby Billings has plenty of RV parks to serve as your accommodation. A prime example is Billings Village RV Park, which offers 75 lots for RVs of any size along with amenities such as Wi-Fi, showers, cable TV, a payphone, and laundry facilities. You can make reservations online on their website with rates starting at $62.50 per day.
If you are looking for Bureau of Land Management free camping near this BLM site, then you'll have to go to the nearby Acton Recreation Area. Here, there are five campsites that can hold an RV of up to 45 feet in length. Though there are no amenities at the site, you are free to stay here for up to 14 days.
While there are no fees associated with the use of the non-motorized section of the Shepherd, Ah Nei Recreation Area. You'll have to be prepared to pay a fee if you wish to use an OHV on the riding trails. The permit you are required to buy for this can be bought at the BLM Billings Field Office. You will also need to have proof of vehicle registration to purchase your permit, so have that prepared beforehand.
Another thing to look out for is the open hours of the OHV area. While the section is open throughout the year, you can only use your OHV on the site during the hours of 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., though the parking lot is open for one hour extra. Additionally, you should be sure that the weather is clear so there are no unexpected closures. Heavy rain can create a muddy environment, which will cause the OHV section to close prematurely.
Planning an RV trip is no easy feat, especially if it's your first trip. Simple questions such as, "How can I find BLM camping near me?" can bog down your excitement and leave you feeling anxious, but we are here to help. If you still have questions about how to go about planning an RV trip, then be sure to check out our blog if you have any concerns about BLM camping.
The Shepherd, Ah-Nei OHV Area is a BLM site, which means that you should make sure to leave no trace behind when you leave. Cleaning up your campsite is basic camping etiquette, and that means you need to properly dispose of any trash you create, as well as leave things as you found them. Be sure not to interact with the local wildlife except to respectfully watch them from a distance.
To get to the Shepherd, Ah-Nei OHV Area, you need to take SR 312 east for 7.7 miles until you reach Shepherd Road. Follow this road north for 4.8 miles until you reach and take Scandia Road. Here you'll want to drive for 2.6 miles until you reach CA Road. After turning on your left, you'll want to travel roughly, 4.5 miles left until you reach the OHV parking lot.
Ready to visit the Shepherd, Ah-Nei OHV Area? An RV rental is a great way to experience your destination. Not only will you be close to all the action, but at the end of a long day exploring, you'll have your RV to return to for the night, where you'll enjoy a full kitchen, bathroom, and a nice soft bed. Not sure about renting an RV? Here's a step-by-step guide to renting an RV with RVshare.
