RV Sites
Tent Sites
William M
VerifiedAugust 14, 2026 Stayed at: 006, Loop: CEDR
Campground is fine, but the trains going by all night blowing their whistle was a problem.
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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.
Available sites
22 total sitesSeasonal information
2026
(Current year)
2026 Season availability
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Campground Amenities
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Showers
RV Utilities and Hookups
- Dump station on site
Water and Hygiene
- Showers
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Rates, Sites & Availability
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22 Sites Available
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003, Loop: CEDR
RV
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30 amp · 55 ft long · Gravel
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004, Loop: CEDR
RV
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30 amp · 58 ft long · Gravel
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006, Loop: CEDR
RV
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30 amp · 52 ft long · Gravel
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009, Loop: CEDR
RV
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30 amp · 41 ft long · Gravel
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010, Loop: CEDR
RV
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30 amp · 46 ft long · Paved
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011, Loop: CEDR
RV
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30 amp · 30 ft long · Gravel
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012, Loop: CEDR
RV
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30 amp · 28 ft long · Gravel
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013, Loop: CEDR
RV
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30 amp · 39 ft long · Gravel
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014, Loop: HRWD
RV
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80 ft long · Paved · Pull-through
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015, Loop: HRWD
RV
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 52 ft long
⛺
016, Loop: HRWD
Tent
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Paved · Campfire · Full shade
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018, Loop: HRWD
Tent
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Paved · Campfire · Full shade
⛺
019, Loop: HRWD
Tent
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Gravel · Campfire · Full shade
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023, Loop: RVLP
RV
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30 amp · 30 ft long · Gravel
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024, Loop: RVLP
RV
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30 amp · 37 ft long · Gravel
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025, Loop: RVLP
RV
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30 amp · 48 ft long · Gravel
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028, Loop: RVLP
RV
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64 ft long · Gravel · Driveway entry: Back-In
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029, Loop: RVLP
RV
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38 ft long · Gravel · Driveway entry: Back-In
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030, Loop: RVLP
RV
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 57 ft long
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031, Loop: RVLP
RV
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 55 ft long
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032, Loop: RVLP
RV
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
⛺
038, Loop: CEDR
Tent
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Paved · Campfire · Full shade
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Site Details
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22 Sites Available
Site
Price
🚐
003, Loop: CEDR
RV
30 amp · 55 ft long · Gravel
🚐
004, Loop: CEDR
RV
30 amp · 58 ft long · Gravel
🚐
006, Loop: CEDR
RV
30 amp · 52 ft long · Gravel
🚐
009, Loop: CEDR
RV
30 amp · 41 ft long · Gravel
🚐
010, Loop: CEDR
RV
30 amp · 46 ft long · Paved
🚐
011, Loop: CEDR
RV
30 amp · 30 ft long · Gravel
🚐
012, Loop: CEDR
RV
30 amp · 28 ft long · Gravel
🚐
013, Loop: CEDR
RV
30 amp · 39 ft long · Gravel
🚐
014, Loop: HRWD
RV
80 ft long · Paved · Pull-through
🚐
015, Loop: HRWD
RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 52 ft long
⛺
016, Loop: HRWD
Tent
Paved · Campfire · Full shade
⛺
018, Loop: HRWD
Tent
Paved · Campfire · Full shade
⛺
019, Loop: HRWD
Tent
Gravel · Campfire · Full shade
🚐
023, Loop: RVLP
RV
30 amp · 30 ft long · Gravel
🚐
024, Loop: RVLP
RV
30 amp · 37 ft long · Gravel
🚐
025, Loop: RVLP
RV
30 amp · 48 ft long · Gravel
🚐
028, Loop: RVLP
RV
64 ft long · Gravel · Driveway entry: Back-In
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029, Loop: RVLP
RV
38 ft long · Gravel · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐
030, Loop: RVLP
RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 57 ft long
🚐
031, Loop: RVLP
RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 55 ft long
🚐
032, Loop: RVLP
RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
⛺
038, Loop: CEDR
Tent
Paved · Campfire · Full shade
No available sites
All sites are booked for your selected dates. Try showing all sites to see booked options, create an alert to be notified when something opens up, or adjust your dates.
Reviews
157 reviews
Summary
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.
Based on guest feedback
4.1
Overall rating
Based on 157 reviews
5 stars
51.6% (81)
4 stars
24.8% (39)
3 stars
11.5% (18)
2 stars
8.3% (13)
1 star
3.8% (6)
Showing 157 reviews
Verified Only
Sort by: Oldest First
Laurie C
August 15, 2026
The campsites were nice and the hiking areas were great. My husband fished on the river and we had a great stay!
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Frauke D
VerifiedAugust 18, 2026 Stayed at: 038, Loop: CEDR
Spacious site, clean showers, train nearby
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Bonnie C
VerifiedAugust 20, 2026 Stayed at: 004, Loop: CEDR
Nice place
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Robert W
VerifiedAugust 26, 2026 Stayed at: 010, Loop: CEDR
Our site was quite unlevel and there were a number of ATVs, side by sides and four wheelers. We are not accustomed to sharing roads with outdoor enthusiasts.
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Joey I
VerifiedAugust 30, 2026 Stayed at: 015, Loop: HRWD
Great place! Very beautiful! Camp host Rob is great!!
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Gail B
VerifiedSeptember 5, 2026 Stayed at: 004, Loop: CEDR
Loved our campsite. So close to water for the camper
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Anthony E
VerifiedSeptember 6, 2026 Stayed at: 025, Loop: RVLP
We enjoyed our stay at this National Forest campground. The sites were spacious, well spread out, and offered plenty of room between neighboring campers, which gave the campground a peaceful and uncrowded feel.The one major thing to be aware of is the nearby railroad. If you're a light sleeper, this may not be the campground for you. We counted at least 10 trains passing through during the night, and they weren't shy about using their horns!Aside from the trains, we really liked the campground itself. The spacious sites and National Forest setting made for a great camping experience.
If you can sleep through the sound of a freight train, or consider train horns your version of a campground lullaby, you'll probably enjoy this spot!
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Timothy S
VerifiedSeptember 6, 2026 Stayed at: 023, Loop: RVLP
I love camping amongst the ponderosa pines, but the amount of ATV’s and disrespectful owners ruins this campground. Every evening there were people riding their loud ATV’s well into the night after quiet time. Even as late as 1am. Couldn’t sleep. The campground host was nowhere to be found. I ended up leaving camp a day early because I didn’t want to deal with the noise from the ATV’s any longer.
There were multiple instances where people riding ATV’s around the campground were driving way too fast. Adults riding with children with no one wearing helmets. As I understand it, the rules and regs state ATV’s can only be ridden from their campsites to the trailhead. But people abuse that and apparently the campground host doesn’t care.
It’s a shame. This used to be one of my favorite places to camp in Nebraska. I doubt I’ll be back.
Helpful
Amy K
VerifiedSeptember 15, 2026 Stayed at: 029, Loop: RVLP
We had a great time on the trails and the camping was good.
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Location & Directions for Bessey Recreation Complex
40637 River Loop, Halsey, NE 69142 United States
Elevation: 828 ft
Getting There
From Interstate 80, travel north from North Platte, Nebraska on U.S. Hwy 83 for 65 mi to Thedford, Nebraska. Continue East for 16 mi on Nebraska Hwy 2, then South .5 mi from Hwy 2 on State Spur 86B.
Highway access
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.
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: November 3, 2026
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Halsey, NE
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Managed by the USDA Forest Service