Sites & Rates
Average nightly rates22 total sites
RV Sites
18 sites
Tent Sites
4 sites
About Bessey Recreation Complex
Number of accommodations: 22
Seasonal information
2026 Season availability
Campground Amenities
Most popular amenities
RV Utilities and Hookups
- Dump station on site
Water and Hygiene
- Showers
Rates, Sites & Availability
22 Sites Available
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Site Details
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22 Sites Available
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Reviews (142)
What Guests Are Saying
The Bessey Recreation Complex is praised for its spacious and clean campsites, well-maintained facilities, and friendly staff. Many visitors enjoyed the beautiful hiking trails, fishing opportunities, and the overall serene environment, especially during weekdays when it was quieter. However, noise from nearby trains and ATVs can be disruptive, particularly on weekends, and some reviewers noted cleanliness issues in the showers and bathrooms. Overall, it's considered a hidden gem for campers seeking a rustic experience in the Nebraska Sandhills.
What Guests Are Saying
The Bessey Recreation Complex is praised for its spacious and clean campsites, well-maintained facilities, and friendly staff. Many visitors enjoyed the beautiful hiking trails, fishing opportunities, and the overall serene environment, especially during weekdays when it was quieter. However, noise from nearby trains and ATVs can be disruptive, particularly on weekends, and some reviewers noted cleanliness issues in the showers and bathrooms. Overall, it's considered a hidden gem for campers seeking a rustic experience in the Nebraska Sandhills.
Review Summary
Terry P
VerifiedJune 24, 2022 • Stayed at: 030, Loop: RVLP
The Rangers and Staff are great !!!! Riding trails are the best !!! The facilities, camp sites, and over all appearance is very pristine. It is my favorite place to go !!!
Judy L
VerifiedJune 7, 2022 • Stayed at: 010, Loop: CEDR
Beautiful park. Secluded spots. Loved it. We loved the train going by at night.
Josh B
VerifiedDecember 21, 2021 • Stayed at: 016, Loop: HRWD
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James F
October 29, 2021
This is a beautiful campground in a great location for travelers passing through. Unfortunately only the heaviest of sleepers will get much rest here. Even wearing earplugs inside of my RV I was awakened every hour during the night by the passing trains sounding their horns. This seems completely unnecessary given that the crossing is protected with barriers and the only traffic will be that accessing the campground or the USFS trails.
John B
VerifiedOctober 21, 2021 • Stayed at: 006, Loop: CEDR
Do not stay here unless you likex staying up all night. Trains run every 15 to 20 minutes nearby. Also, it is an atv Park. The noise from riders dsnt quiet down til late. The sites were very nice. Noise is the downside here.
Lucas W
October 2, 2021
Very clean and modern campground. Also a hidden gem type of thing. Unfortunately very close to train track, as well as too less enforcement on noise levels after hours.
But other than that a great place to be. Sanitation was surprisingly clean and likely the cleanest I have been to.
Loren E
September 15, 2021
Best place ever!
Jerry S
VerifiedSeptember 14, 2021 • Stayed at: 004, Loop: CEDR
Spacious camp sites in the Nebraska National Forrest. Beautiful river crossing. Clean bath house, hot water. Nearly every site shaded.
Paul S
VerifiedSeptember 13, 2021 • Stayed at: 018, Loop: HRWD
We thought we were on the trains all night long
Nice to have a camping area in upper Nebraska
Bathroom doors broken
Need another shower house
Phillip M
VerifiedSeptember 10, 2021 • Stayed at: 015, Loop: HRWD
The National forest is AWESOME! We had a great time hiking, hunting and fishing. Grouse hunting in the sandhills to the west of the campsite was ok, not as good as expected. If you are going to grouse hunt be prepared to walk a lot. Fishing at the campsite was great, they have giant bluegill and catfish you can catch. Bring bug spray! All the park rangers are very friendly and want you to have a great say.
The only con is the campsite is very close to railroad tracks, and the trains run throughout the night and are loud.
I would stay again!
Location Bessey Recreation Complex
Address:
40637 River Loop
Halsey, NE, 69142
United States
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.
Bessey Recreation Complex is accessible via U.S. Hwy 83, which is approximately 65 miles south from Interstate 80 at North Platte, Nebraska. Nebraska Hwy 2 provides access east from Thedford, Nebraska, continuing to the campground.
Elevation: 828 feet
1.8 mi drive to downtown Halsey (about 3 min)
Policies & Rules
General
- The main restroom facilities and showers will be closed seasonally. Vault toliets are available year round.
- 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.
- Keep off-road vehicles, cars and trailers on gravel.
- Off-road vehicles can only be ridden to the trailhead and back within the campground.
- Double camping in sites is prohibited. No more than two tents per site. The group area is the exception.
- Only 2 cars may park at one campsite. The group area is the exception.
- Some sites are tent only. If you have a camper, please make sure you reserve a camper site.
- Campsite must be occupied the first night.
- 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.
- Horse corrals not available at the Bessey Recreation Complex. Horses are allowed and corrals are available at Natick and Whitetail Campgrounds.
- Click here for more information about the Nebraska National Forests and Grasslands.
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Last updated: September 16, 2026