OutReserve

Bessey Recreation Complex

Warning

General

Stage 1 FIRE RESTRICTIONS are in Effect

Bessey Picnic Area
Nebraska National Forest, Bessy Ranger District
Looking out the Entrance to the Bessey Recreation Complex
Bessey Ranger District and Nursery Office
Bessey Picnic Shelter

Featured amenities

Showers
Showers

About Bessey Recreation Complex

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. 

Number of accommodations: 22

Campground Amenities

  • Showers
    Showers
  • Dump Station
    Dump Station

Seasonal information

2026 (Current year)

2026 Season availability

Current season
Upcoming seasons
Past seasons
Closed periods
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Currently open - Apr 1 to Oct 31

Sites & Availability

22 Sites Available

Site
Price
🚐 003, Loop: CEDR
30 Amp · Electric Only
$20.00
/ per night
🚐 004, Loop: CEDR
30 Amp · Electric Only
$20.00
/ per night
🚐 006, Loop: CEDR
30 Amp · Electric Only
$20.00
/ per night
🚐 009, Loop: CEDR
30 Amp · Electric Only
$20.00
/ per night
🚐 010, Loop: CEDR
30 Amp · Electric Only
$20.00
/ per night
🚐 011, Loop: CEDR
30 Amp · Electric Only
$20.00
/ per night
🚐 012, Loop: CEDR
30 Amp · Electric Only
$20.00
/ per night
🚐 013, Loop: CEDR
30 Amp · Electric Only
$20.00
/ per night
🚐 014, Loop: HRWD
Electric Only
$20.00
/ per night
🚐 015, Loop: HRWD
50 Amp · Electric Only
$20.00
/ per night
016, Loop: HRWD
8 guests · Campfire
$15.00
/ per night
018, Loop: HRWD
8 guests · Campfire
$15.00
/ per night
019, Loop: HRWD
8 guests · Campfire
$15.00
/ per night
🚐 023, Loop: RVLP
30 Amp · Electric Only
$20.00
/ per night
🚐 024, Loop: RVLP
30 Amp · Electric Only
$20.00
/ per night
🚐 025, Loop: RVLP
30 Amp · Electric Only
$20.00
/ per night
🚐 028, Loop: RVLP
Electric Only
$20.00
/ per night
🚐 029, Loop: RVLP
No Hookups
$15.00
/ per night
🚐 030, Loop: RVLP
50 Amp · Electric Only
$20.00
/ per night
🚐 031, Loop: RVLP
50 Amp · Electric Only
$20.00
/ per night
🚐 032, Loop: RVLP
50 Amp · Electric Only
$20.00
/ per night
038, Loop: CEDR
8 guests · Campfire
$15.00
/ per night

Reviews (114)

What Guests Are Saying

Bessey Recreation Complex is a beautiful campground in the Nebraska Sandhills, featuring well-maintained facilities, scenic views, and access to various outdoor activities like biking, fishing, and hiking. Many visitors appreciated the friendly staff and clean amenities, although some noted noise from ATVs and trains, which can disrupt the experience. Overall, it offers a great environment for outdoor enthusiasts, making it a popular choice for camping and recreation.

Review Summary

4.1
114 reviews
5
50.0%
57
4
25.4%
29
3
12.3%
14
2
7.9%
9
1
4.4%
5

Wyatt B

Verified

July 2, 2021 Stayed at: 014, Loop: HRWD

3

A great place to camp when wanting to ride atv trails

Bobbi A

Verified

July 1, 2021 Stayed at: 006, Loop: CEDR

5

We had so much fun here! There were lots of trails, a beautiful river and mulberry trees! We enjoyed a nice shower and the electrical hook ups were welcome after several days of no electric!

Steven B

Verified

July 1, 2021 Stayed at: 013, Loop: CEDR

4

There were a lot of ATV's throughout the campground and some of the owners were very inconsiderate of others camping there. They did not follow traffic rules and made a lot of noise long after dark. Several of the larger campers had 2 air conditioners running on 30 Amp service which caused the power to go out several times in the entire campground. Kudos to the ranger who finally shut them down so that the rest of us could still have power on some very hot days. The forest is beautiful and there are a lot of things to do in the area. The park was immaculate and workers very friendly. Excellent tour of the nursery. If you are from the city you may not like all the train noise since they do go by often. We were used to it so it wasn't an issue for us. All in all it was a great experience and would do it again. We would suggest going during the week and avoiding the weekends for a quieter visit.

Terry P

Verified

July 1, 2021 Stayed at: 030, Loop: RVLP

4

Cellular Svc poor

Bonnie B

Verified

June 25, 2021 Stayed at: 011, Loop: CEDR

4

Very nice campground. Clean and well kept. Only complaint was of the biting flies...not the campgrounds fault. Very enjoyable stay.

John M

Verified

June 18, 2021 Stayed at: 030, Loop: RVLP

5

We had a great time even though it was very hot, plenty of trees and enough breeze to make it easier to cope with the heat.
The riding trails were in pretty good shape so we rode every day and some day's twice. Just make sure you have enough water to stay hydrated.
Will definitely be back again.

Terry P

Verified

June 15, 2021 Stayed at: 030, Loop: RVLP

5

great place !!!!

Dan B

Verified

June 14, 2021 Stayed at: 018, Loop: HRWD

5

The campsites are spacious and well spaced. I encourage you to hike to the Scott Fire Lookout Tower. There is a public shower in the picnic bathrooms.

Michael B

Verified

June 11, 2021 Stayed at: 032, Loop: RVLP

5

Everything was well maintained. There was always staff cleaning, mowing or taking care of the park. I recommend this place.

Nina B

June 7, 2021

4

We didn't take advantage of any of the activities available (except the hiking trails) - we were there for a family reunion so we just hung around in our campsite. The group campsite was the perfect place for our reunion. Lots of sites, plenty of parking space, huge bonfire ring, lots of picnic tables, and a big shelter with electricity. A beautiful spot for any get together. The only downside to the whole experience were the bathrooms - nasty! Definitely need to be cleaned more often.

Location Bessey Recreation Complex

Address:
40637 River Loop
Halsey, NE, 69142
United States

Latitude & Longitude: 41.9006 / -100.299

Elevation: 828 feet

Policies & Rules

Category About
General

The main restroom facilities and showers will be closed seasonally. Vault toliets are available year round. 

General

Only 1 trailer per site. A camper is considered a trailer. Additional trailers may be parked in the large day use parking lot. The group area is the exception. 

General

Keep off-road vehicles, cars and trailers on gravel. 

General

Off-road vehicles can only be ridden to the trailhead and back within the campground.

General

Double camping in sites is prohibited. No more than two tents per site. The group area is the exception. 

General

Only 2 cars may park at one campsite. The group area is the exception. 

General

Some sites are tent only. If you have a camper, please make sure you reserve a camper site. 

General

Campsite must be occupied the first night. 

General

Don't Move Firewood: Prevent the spread of tree-killing organisms by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.

General

Horse corrals not available at the Bessey Recreation Complex. Horses are allowed and corrals are available at Natick and Whitetail Campgrounds. 

General

Click here for more information about the Nebraska National Forests and Grasslands.

Warnings & Advisories

Warning

General

Stage 1 FIRE RESTRICTIONS are in Effect

Nearby Campgrounds

Nearby destinations