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Nebraska/Bessey Recreation Complex
Overview
The Bessey Recreation Complex offers a unique camping experience within the Bessey Ranger District of the Nebraska National Forest. Located near Halsey, this area is famous for being the largest hand-planted forest in the United States. It provides a lush, wooded oasis amidst the sprawling Nebraska Sandhills, offering a refreshing change of pace for RVers traveling through the Great Plains. The complex serves as a gateway to exploring a rare combination of coniferous forest and native prairie ecosystems, making it a prime destination for nature lovers.
Location & Surroundings
Situated in the heart of central Nebraska, the park is defined by the rolling Sandhills landscape. The Middle Loup River flows nearby, providing a cooling influence and opportunities for water recreation. The surrounding environment is a testament to early conservation efforts, where thousands of acres of pines were planted in the early 20th century. Visitors can enjoy the contrast between the scenic river valley and the high, sandy ridges that offer expansive views of the horizon, providing a peaceful backdrop for any camping trip.
Amenities & Park Features
The facility is well-equipped for modern RV travelers, featuring electric hookups at many sites to ensure a comfortable stay. Key features available to campers include:
- Paved parking pads with fire rings and picnic tables.
- Access to potable water and bathhouses with seasonal showers.
- An on-site dump station for easy waste management.
- Group camping areas for larger gatherings.
While the atmosphere is distinctly rustic, the infrastructure supports everything from small campers to larger motorhomes looking for a forest retreat.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Adventure seekers often flock to the area for its extensive OHV and ATV trail systems, which wind through both the woods and the open hills. For a panoramic perspective, a hike to the Scott Lookout Tower is a must, offering 360-degree views of the forest canopy and grasslands. Water enthusiasts can spend an afternoon tubing or kayaking down the gentle Middle Loup River. Additionally, the nearby nursery provides insight into the historic and ongoing reforestation efforts that define this region.
Who This Park Is Best For
This destination is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy active pursuits like off-roading or hiking in a unique setting. It is a fantastic choice for families seeking an educational natural escape and birdwatchers hoping to spot native species in the prairie. Because of its quiet, forest-centric atmosphere, it also appeals to RVers who prefer the tranquility of national forest land over the crowded feel of commercial resorts. It is a perfect stop for those wanting to experience Nebraska’s hidden natural diversity.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
K Ham
Wow what a nice place. Off road every day while here. Come back to a on-site shower. We'll kept green areas for walking. River is accessible if you can manage sloping steps and climbing out.
Justin Thompson
The camp sites are nice and the entire facility is very well kept. We came out during the week for a little trail riding and to dip our feet in the rivers. I don't have any complaints about the camp sites or the condition of the campground itself. Th reasons for the 3 star rating is the proximity of the sewage lagoons to the campsites and, as many others have mentioned, the trains. The sewage lagoons are right next to the "river loop" we stayed in site 32. It was a cool night so we had all of our windows open on our RV until about 4am when the breeze changed a little and I had to close them all due to the smell. I happened to be awake because of the train horns. There's 2 tracks running near the campground, the trains can run both directions, and there are 2 road crossings near the camping area where they sound the horns. Every crossing gets 3 long blasts and 2 short ones of the train horn. It was loud, like you are parked next to the tracks loud even across the river at our campsite. I'm a heavy sleeper and woke up at least 6 times from the trains between 10pm and 5am. I think if we ever come out to stay again, we won't be using sites 27 - 36, we will probably try to stay on the west end up behind the nursery. Not sure if that would help, but it's worth a shot. Too bad too, we loved everything about the place except the train horns and the sewage lagoons being so close to the campground.
Joseph Kerski
I’ve always wanted to camp here and finally had the opportunity. It is so peaceful and so wonderful and the trains are soothing… Beautiful Forest … Thank you so much.
Blaine Kaiser
*I initially wanted to get to Whitetail Campground since seclusion is best with my dogs who are constantly overstimulated. After going down a gravel road, passing through a narrow gate and traversing sand trails I got myself within one mile of my destination. All I had to do was go up and over a very large hill taking a winding sand trail. Since I was alone with almost nobody in the general area I wussed out and went back to the main campus. *Do not take these trails without 4x4 and a relatively high clearance vehicle, the sand ruts can get deep! *Upon returning to the Bussey Recreation Complex and Campground I drove the Hardwood loop and found a site as far away from people as I could find. This was going to be my perfect spot for the night. Site 21 is a non electric spot and due to it being mid April the water spigots were still turned off, that was ok though because I had planned ahead. Take note, if you do not like any noise or light at night the west end of the hardwood loop may not be for you, the giant green houses through the trees to the north are illuminated all night and there is a low constant noise coming from it. I wasn't bothered by it at all. *The bathroom is your standard vault toilet. Plenty of walking trails throughout. *There are train tracks nearby, usually this would bother me but not this night. Perhaps the greenhouses behind me helped block the noise? *The Scott Lookout Tower is still closed as it is being rehabbed from a wildfire a few years back. So many trees have been lost and subsequently cut down. It's a bit sad I never saw this place before the fire. Hopefully in a few years it will be well on its way to recovery. *All in all this was a wonderful trip and I am excited to come back again
Kent Rasmussen
Bessey Recreation Complex Campground is a fantastic place to stay! The campsites are well-treed, especially with Cedar trees, which offer excellent privacy between sites and a peaceful atmosphere. The light gravel campsites are well-maintained and easy to set up on. There’s so much to do here, from a lovely fishing pond to a basketball court, sand volleyball, and easy access to walking, ATV, and OHV trails. The pedestrian bridge over the Loup River is a scenic bonus! The bath facilities are spacious and always clean, which makes the stay even more comfortable. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a relaxing, fun-filled camping experience.