Off-highway vehicle trails wind through Nebraska's Sandhills from Bessey Recreation Complex Campground, which sits alongside the Middle Loup River within Nebraska National Forest. The US Forest Service facility spreads across three loops with gravel pads and electrical hookups at select sites, accommodating both RVs and tent campers in a forested setting maintained by an active host.
ATV traffic creates daytime activity as riders access the extensive trail network, though Roger W. notes it "was quiet at night." Sites numbered 33 and higher near the water don't offer river views, while more secluded options exist away from the grouped camping areas. The campground fills to capacity during peak periods, with an overflow area available in what was formerly a baseball field.
River access allows swimming and fishing, with rental equipment available in nearby Thedford. A 2.5-mile hiking trail leads to Scott Lookout Tower, providing panoramic views across the Sandhills landscape. Justin R. observes "Want stars at night? You can see them all" due to minimal light pollution. The facility includes hot showers, flush toilets, a dump station, and water spigots throughout the grounds.
Train horns sound regularly from the railway crossing at Route 2, creating intermittent noise during daylight hours. Cell service reaches 2-3 bars for AT&T users. The tree nursery on-site grows seedlings for forest replanting projects. Electric sites cost $15 while non-electric sites run $10 with an Interagency Pass, and reservations cover all but the current night plus three nights out. Stock up on supplies before arriving, as services in Halsey and Thedford remain limited.
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
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 3/16/26
- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 26 usersLast on 3/16/26
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 8 usersLast on 3/16/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 8 usersLast on 3/16/26
- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 26 usersLast on 3/16/26
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 8 usersLast on 3/16/26
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






















