Site Open

Bessey Recreation Complex and Campground

For Reservations call (877) 444-6777 or go to recreation.gov. Here is a flyer that describes what sites are reservable and here is a map of the Bessey Recreation Complex. Please note that these are subject to change.

The Bessey Recreation Complex and Campground is home to the world's largest hand-planted forest, which has been altered by a number of wildfires since the 1960s. It is located in central Nebraska's Sandhills, adjacent to the Middle Loup River. It is a popular camping stop for cross-country travelers as well as a local favorite, with many people returning every year to enjoy the scenery, relax, and recreate. Things to do here are:

Trail ride ATVs or side-by-sides
Drive or hike to the Scott Lookout Tower, which has changed since the 2022 Bovee Fire
Swim in the Middle Loup River
Fish at the Bessey Fish Pond
Play basketball
Ride bicycles
Tent or RV Camp
Watch birds and other wildlife
Have a cookout in the park

Current Conditions

Camping is available all year. During winter, the only potable water is at the recreation building. Fire rings are provided. Please burn only local wood to prevent the spread of the emerald ash borer.

Reservations

Reservations are available for roughly half of the Complex sites, from mid-May to mid-October, through recreation.gov. These sites may be reserved up to six months in advance. This may be subject to change depending on local conditions.

General Information

The village of Halsey, about 1 mile east of the Forest's entrance, has a general store with food, camping, and ATV/UTV supplies, a restaurant/bar, a hotel, and a post office. Restaurants, gas stations, lodging, and a grocery store are also available in Thedford, Nebraska, 17 miles to the west.

Year Round

Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Campsites must be occupied. Check-out time is 2 pm central time.

Off-road vehicles may be ridden from campsites to the trailhead, but cruising around the campground is prohibited. Parking ATVs and side-by-sides in your paid campsite is allowed. No showers are available during winter, approximately from mid-October to mid-May.

Overnight Use:
Single Site (Non-Electric): $15/night.
Single Site (Electric): $20/night.
Group Site (Electric): $125/night.
Day Use: $5/day
Interagency Senior/Access Recreation Passes provide a 50% discount to Single Campsites ONLY.
*The discount applies only to the fee for the campsite physically occupied by the pass holder, not to any additional fee or campsite(s) occupied by members of the pass holder's party.*
https://store.usgs.gov/recreational-passes
Day Use: $5/vehicle/day.
Group Site: $25/day.
Interagency Recreation Passes are Honored for Day Use.
store.usgs.gov/recreational-passes
Please be prepared to pay with CASH or CHECK.
*Sites may be reservable and reservation fees apply.*

Dogs must be under the owner's control at all times, and leashed in the campground.

Contact Phone: (308) 533-2257

Light yellow building with brown trim and a tall roofline.

Address: 40637 River Loop Halsey, NE 69142
Phone: 308-533-2257
Hours: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM, Monday - Friday (central time) (Closed on federal holidays)

Getting There

Latitude / Longitude

Latitude: 41.89944444

Longitude: -100.2972222

Elevation

2,719

Directions

GPS Info. (Latitude, Longitude):
41.90061, -100.29914
41°54'2"N, 100°17'57"W

From Interstate 80, in North Platte, travel north on U.S. Highway 83 for 65 miles to Thedford, Nebraska. Continue east for 17 miles on Nebraska Highway 2. At the national forest sign, turn south onto State Spur 86B.

Parking

Two vehicles are allowed per campsite, but an RV and a trailer cannot share a site. If you are arriving with both, park your RV in your campsite and park your trailer in our long primary parking lot.

Facility and Amenity Information

Accessibility

Two of the sites are ADA-compliant. Most of the recreation complex is paved and wheelchair accessible. There are several vault toilets and one flush toilet/shower, and these are accessible.

Restrooms

Restrooms are not available at this site.

The Bessey Recreation Complex has three vault toilets open year round, as well as a restroom with shower facilities that is open from mid-May to mid-October, weather permitting.