Camping options near Halsey, Nebraska sit within the Nebraska National Forest, the largest hand-planted forest in the Western Hemisphere covering 90,000 acres of what was once treeless prairie. The region experiences dramatic temperature variations with summer highs reaching 90°F and winter temperatures often dropping below freezing. The sandy soil throughout the Sandhills region creates unique camping conditions where standard tent stakes may need reinforcement in looser areas.
What to do
ATV adventures: The trails throughout Nebraska National Forest provide designated routes for off-highway vehicles. At Bessey Recreation Complex Campground, campers note the popularity of this activity: "Lots of ATV activity because of the great trails" and "There are a lot of OHVs in the campground."
Paddling experiences: Several water bodies near Halsey offer paddling opportunities. Victoria Springs State Rec Area provides "a small lake with paddle boats to use," though one visitor noted "the lake has an algae issue." The nearby Middle Loup River offers additional paddling opportunities with local outfitters.
Ranger tower hike: A moderately challenging hiking opportunity starts at Bessey Recreation Complex. One visitor recommends: "If you get the chance to up the fire tower and talk to the park ranger." Another camper shared they "hiked to the ranger tower and it was a great hike with a spring fed trough half way up."
What campers like
Spacious campsites: Many campgrounds offer well-spaced sites that campers appreciate. At Bessey, visitors note "sites were roomy and nicely spaced out" and "lots of shade and space." Another reviewer specifically mentioned the "space to spread out and have friends visit."
Shaded areas: The planted pine forest creates welcome shade in an otherwise open landscape. At Arnold Lake State Rec Area, one camper described it as a "beautiful park" with good tree cover, while Victoria Springs offers "great spot with lots of trees and good sized sites."
Wildlife viewing: The unique ecosystem supports diverse wildlife. Near Bessey Recreation Complex, campers mention "lots of pretty scenery and wildlife. Very peaceful." Another visitor noted experiencing "beautiful scenery and plenty of wildlife" during their stay.
What you should know
Train noise: Railroad tracks run near several campgrounds in the area. At Cuzn Eddyz Campground, campers note you "must like train sounds" as "the train tracks are close by so you might hear them." At Bessey, one camper mentioned "bit of train noise during the day, but didn't really notice it overnight."
Limited services: Most campgrounds have basic amenities but limited additional services. In Thedford, approximately 15 miles from Bessey, there are "Kayaks and Tanks you can rent. Tanking has become a Nebraska Thing - fitting a group of folks and possibly a keg in a horse tank and floating down river!"
Sandy terrain: The Nebraska Sandhills create unique camping conditions. At Bessey Dispersed, one camper described the surface as a "Sandy, grassy base" and noted "leveling was needed" for their campervan.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer play areas for children. Stapleton City Park provides "bathrooms and play for the kids" with visitors noting it's "quite and peaceful" and "just beautiful."
Swimming opportunities: During warm weather, water access becomes important. Victoria Springs has areas where "you can rent paddle boats for the small lake" and "the park has a basketball hoop, horseshoes, and a playground across the creek by the lake."
Bug preparedness: Insects can be prevalent in wooded areas. At Victoria Springs, one camper warned "bugs were pretty bad" during their visit. Another mentioned the "hum of the mosquitos" being noticeable during quieter times.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Electric service varies between campgrounds. Thedford City Park offers "four spots with 30amp electric" with "water nearby" at a donation-based fee. Some visitors appreciate that it makes "an awesome spot for a day or more."
Level sites: Site conditions affect RV setup. At Bessey Recreation Complex, campers note the "level pad" at their site, while others mention that "large rigs fit in some sites" but not all. One detailed review mentioned specific site recommendations: "sites near the water beginning with number 33 are not that great."
Cell service: Connectivity varies throughout the area. At Victoria Springs, visitors report "cell service available with both T-mobile/Mint (strongest) and Verizon/Visible." This contrasts with more remote areas like Bessey Dispersed where campers found "no cell service" during their stay.
