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Camping & Cabins

The Forests & Grasslands have developed campgrounds at each recreation region, all operated and maintained by Forest Service staff. Most campgrounds have vault toilets, potable water, picnic tables, and fire rings. None have water or sewer hookups; all except the Bessey Recreation Complex - which has electric hookups at about half its sites - are first-come, first-served.

Developed Campgrounds

A couple stands in the shade next to their RV while kids sit on ATVs at their campsite.

The Nebraska National Forests and Grasslands offers nine developed camping areas, all maintained by Forest Service staff. 

As of May 2025, only the Bessey Recreation Complex accepts reservations for camping and the picnic shelter. Reservations may be made through recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777. Due to high demand at Bessey, reservations are recommended.

All other campgrounds - scroll down to see them - are first-come, first-served.

Make a reservation

Dispersed Camping

A lone, small RV camps next to a windmill in tall grass with scattered ponderosa pine trees in the background.

Setting up your own campsite away from developed fee sites, also known as dispersed camping, is allowed on most of the Forest for a maximum of 14 days in any 60-day period. 

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Showing: 1 - 10 of 10 results

Bessey Recreation Complex and Campground
Site Open
Biking Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Hiking Outdoor Science and Learning Off Highway Vehicles (OHV) Picnicking
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…

French Creek Campground
Site Open
Other Outdoor Science and Learning Hiking Picnicking Horse Riding and Camping
This small, developed campground is located in a quiet area with picnic tables, fire rings, and a vault toilet.  The campground provides access to the nearby Fairburn Agate Beds, which is a popular…

Natick Campground
Site Open
Horse Riding and Camping Outdoor Science and Learning Hiking
The Natick Campground is quieter than the Bessey Recreation Complex, and it has 20 corrals for riding stock.  This 17-unit campground has a hand pump for water, picnic tables, fire rings, modern…

Red Cloud Campground
Site Open
The Red Cloud Campground is located one mile south of Chadron State Park on the west side of Highway 385, uniquely situated near the beautiful Pine Ridge area. The campground has 13 sites with…

Roberts Tract Camping Area/Trailhead
Site Open
Horse Riding and Camping Hiking
Roberts Tract Campground and Trailhead provides horse corrals, rider ramp and stock water. There are 3 tent sites with tables and fire rings. The parking area has one site with a table and fire…

Soldier Creek Campground
Site Open
Horse Riding and Camping Hiking Hunting, Fishing and Shooting
The Soldier Creek Campground is adjacent to Soldier Creek Wilderness to the south, Ft. Robinson State Park to the east and Forest Service non wilderness to the west and north. The 7,794-acre Soldier…

Steer Creek Campground
Site Open
Hiking Horse Riding and Camping Picnicking
Tucked in the shade of ponderosa pines planted in the early 1900's, this 23-unit campground is located in the southeast corner of the Samuel R. McKelvie National Forest. A hand water pump, picnic…

Toadstool Geological Park and Campground
Site Open
Outdoor Science and Learning Hiking Picnicking
Toadstool Geologic Park is noted for its unusual geological formations, some in the shape of toadstools, and scientifically valuable fossil deposits. Our interpretive kiosk explains and illustrates…

West Ash Picnic Area
Site Open
Picnicking Hiking Horse Riding and Camping
The picnic area is located along West Ash Creek just off of West Ash Road. There are two sites with picnic tables and fire rings. Access for the Pine Ridge Trail and the West Ash Trailhead is…

Whitetail Campground
Site Open
Outdoor Science and Learning Horse Riding and Camping
Located in the southeastern corner of the Bessey Ranger District on the Dismal River, this 10-site campground has a hand pump for water, nine horse corrals, picnic tables, fire rings, and modern…
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