With rates from $15 per night and reservations available through the current day plus three nights out, Bessey Recreation Complex Campground operates year-round within Nebraska's only national forest. The Forest Service facility accommodates RVs up to 50 feet across three loops, with gravel pads and both electric and water hookups at select sites.
Campers find themselves among mature pines that provide substantial shade during summer months. Justin R. notes the "pine trees made some great shade for July skies." The campground maintains clean facilities including hot showers, flush toilets, and a dump station, with water spigots distributed throughout the loops. Site spacing varies considerably, with some positioned close together in groups while others offer more separation.
The Middle Loup River runs adjacent to the campground, providing swimming access for dogs and fishing opportunities. A 2.5-mile hiking trail leads to an accessible fire lookout tower, while extensive OHV trail networks attract ATV enthusiasts throughout the day. The facility includes a basketball court, horseshoe pits, and large fire rings with gravel patios. Campers exploring camping spots around Halsey will find this location just off the Sandhills Scenic Byway.
Train traffic on the nearby railway crossing creates regular horn noise during daylight hours, though Roger W. reports it "was quiet at night." The campground stays busy during peak season, with an overflow area available in a former baseball field for $8 per night. Limited services exist in nearby Halsey and Thedford, so campers should arrive well-stocked with supplies.
The combination of forest setting, river access, and extensive trail systems makes this campground particularly suitable for families with ATVs and campers seeking a base for exploring Nebraska's unique Sandhills region.
Description
Overview
Bessey Recreation Complex and campground is located in central Nebraska, adjacent to Middle Loup River, offering visitors opportunities to enjoy the scenery, relax, and recreate. Download the Recreation.gov app from your app store to pay online for first-come, first-serve sites.
Recreation
Waterfront activities are popular and plentiful at this facility. Adjacent to the campground, Middle Loup River is shallow and steady flowing, providing good conditions for tubing and canoeing. A seven acre pond stocked with largemouth bass, blue gill, trout and catfish offers great fishing for the whole family. There is also an accessible fishing pier.
Facilities
Bessey Recreation Complex has camping sites able to accommodate tents, trailers, and RVs, including one group site and several tent-only sites. The campground is equipped with picnic tables, campfire rings, seasonal flush toilets and drinking water. Electric hookups are available at the group site and several of the standard sites. A group picnic area is also available for use. Restaurants, gas stations and a grocery store are available in Thedford, Nebraska, 16 miles to the west. Halsey also has a restaruant, and Dunning 10 miles east has a gas station with groceries.
Natural Features
The Nebraska National Forest, Bessey Ranger District is located in western Nebraska. The campground within the Bessey Recreation Complex is located next to the Charles E. Bessey Nursery, oldest tree nursery in the Forest Service. Wildlife in the area abounds. Prairie chicken, sharp-tailed grouse, mule-deer, whitetailed deer, pronghorn antelope, prairie dogs, turkeys, coyotes, bobwhite quail, eagles, hawks and falcons all find habitat in surrounding ecosystems.
Nearby Attractions
Drive or hike to the Scott Lookout Tower for a fantastic panoramic view of Nebraska's sand hills and prairies.
Fee Info
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
A closure order is in place for areas of the National Forest System (NFS) lands, roads, and trails in the Bessey Ranger District, Nebraska National Forest. This Order shall be in effect from March 13, 2026 at 12:00 am through April 13, 2026 at 1200 pm, unless rescinded. Please see the Nebraska National Forest and Grassland website for more information. https://www.fs.usda.gov/r02/nebraska
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundBessey Recreation Complex Campground is located in Nebraska
Directions
From Interstate 80, travel north from North Platte, Nebraska on U.S. Hwy 83 for 65 miles to Thedford, Nebraska. Continue East for 16 miles on Nebraska Hwy 2, then South .05 miles from Hwy 2 on State Spur 86B.
Address
40637 River Loop
Halsey, NE 69142
Coordinates
41.9006111 N
100.2991389 W
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 8 usersLast on 3/30/26
- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 26 usersLast on 3/30/26
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 8 usersLast on 3/30/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 8 usersLast on 3/30/26
- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 26 usersLast on 3/30/26
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 8 usersLast on 3/30/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Equestrian
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 7 min from Grand Island, NE
- 3 hrs 25 min from Lincoln, NE
- 4 hrs from Sioux City, IA
- 4 hrs 10 min from Rapid City, SD























