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
Showers
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
Phillip B
VerifiedAugust 17, 2022 • Stayed at: 024, Loop: RVLP
Great location, easily accessible. First site assigned didn't work for us as there was a semi-steep rise which would have caused our waste & exhaust pipes to drag had we pulled or backed fully into the site. We were quickly & easily reassigned with no issues. There were walking paths & a beautiful stream next to our site. The only drawback wee the showers/restrooms which were unacceptably dirty & wet on the floors. We have visited other Recreation.gov campgrounds & these facilities are never properly vented leaving them extremely hot in the summer. Bessy was no exception. In addition at Bessy there were many tent campers &, I believe, outside rafters using the facilities leaving dirt & mud on the floors. Even after seeing cleaners in the morning the condition wa not resolved
Willem N
VerifiedAugust 31, 2022 • Stayed at: 004, Loop: CEDR
Exactly as described and better! Cole was excellent as our tour guide for the Nursery! Sandhills are massive just under 100,000 acres! Beautiful scenery from on top of the Ranger tower! Great times there and wished that we had more time!
Cynthia C
VerifiedSeptember 9, 2022 • Stayed at: 028, Loop: RVLP
Nice park we were a little close to our neighbor
Carol A
VerifiedSeptember 9, 2022 • Stayed at: 006, Loop: CEDR
Enjoyed
Joseph D
VerifiedJune 5, 2023 • Stayed at: 015, Loop: HRWD
Rangers and campers were extremely helpful and courteous! We will definitely be coming back to stay again.
Mary Jane D
VerifiedJune 10, 2023 • Stayed at: 013, Loop: CEDR
Have camped at Bessey for years and keep coming back. The camp spots are kept clean and repaired. Love drinking my coffee under the pines in the mornings. Thanks to all the people that worked to keep the fires of last fall from claiming the nursery and campground. Staff always helpful and polite. Missed a camp host this last trip. They are always a joy to visit with.
Whitney G
VerifiedJune 21, 2023 • Stayed at: 014, Loop: HRWD
Scenic with river and trees. Our campsite was pull through and spacious. Would definitely stay here again.
Drew F
VerifiedJune 25, 2023 • Stayed at: 010, Loop: CEDR
The complex was beautiful. My only problem was that the site they gave me was extremely unlevel and it was almost unusable for a travel trailer. It took almost 30 leveling blocks to just get it "close enough".
Jerome K
VerifiedJuly 10, 2023 • Stayed at: 010, Loop: CEDR
The local Forrest Ranger (Bubba) was Excellent in his assistance with our needs, as always.
Roger H
VerifiedJuly 14, 2023 • Stayed at: 010, Loop: CEDR
Very nice area, just don’t be surprised by the trains passing throughout the entire night.
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
