OutReserve

Bessey Recreation Complex

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

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

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

Campground Amenities

Most popular amenities

Showers
RV Utilities and Hookups

RV Utilities and Hookups

  • Dump station on site
Water and Hygiene

Water and Hygiene

  • Showers
Missing information?

Rates, Sites & Availability

Select check-in and check-out dates to see real-time availability for each site.

22 Sites Available

Site
Price
🚐 003, Loop: CEDR
30 Amp · Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 004, Loop: CEDR
30 Amp · Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 006, Loop: CEDR
30 Amp · Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 009, Loop: CEDR
30 Amp · Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 010, Loop: CEDR
30 Amp · Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 011, Loop: CEDR
30 Amp · Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 012, Loop: CEDR
30 Amp · Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 013, Loop: CEDR
30 Amp · Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 014, Loop: HRWD
Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 015, Loop: HRWD
50 Amp · Electric Only
Price not available
016, Loop: HRWD
8 guests · Campfire
Price not available
018, Loop: HRWD
8 guests · Campfire
Price not available
019, Loop: HRWD
8 guests · Campfire
Price not available
🚐 023, Loop: RVLP
30 Amp · Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 024, Loop: RVLP
30 Amp · Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 025, Loop: RVLP
30 Amp · Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 028, Loop: RVLP
Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 029, Loop: RVLP
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 030, Loop: RVLP
50 Amp · Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 031, Loop: RVLP
50 Amp · Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 032, Loop: RVLP
50 Amp · Electric Only
Price not available
038, Loop: CEDR
8 guests · Campfire
Price not available

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

Loren E

September 15, 2021

5

Best place ever!

Jerry S

Verified

September 14, 2021 Stayed at: 004, Loop: CEDR

3

Spacious camp sites in the Nebraska National Forrest. Beautiful river crossing. Clean bath house, hot water. Nearly every site shaded.

Paul S

Verified

September 13, 2021 Stayed at: 018, Loop: HRWD

3

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

Verified

September 10, 2021 Stayed at: 015, Loop: HRWD

4

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!

Kelsey W

September 10, 2021

5

Easy!

Gary T

Verified

September 9, 2021 Stayed at: 032, Loop: RVLP

4

Just stayed 1 night but the park was nice. No problems and the scenery was beautiful.

Bradley W

Verified

September 4, 2021 Stayed at: 032, Loop: RVLP

1

Campsites are across river from a very active train tracks. This resulted in all throughout the night (on 15 minute schedules at some points) train horns. Also the hiking trails were overgrown requiring trekking polls to hold back the sticker bushes and 3 ft tall weeds.

Rebecca J

Verified

September 2, 2021 Stayed at: 015, Loop: HRWD

4

Quiet area, great walking trail. Just a nice relaxing place!

Susan H

Verified

August 27, 2021 Stayed at: 009, Loop: CEDR

5

Nice secluded site!

Brendan W

Verified

August 26, 2021 Stayed at: 004, Loop: CEDR

5

Great sites. Spacious and well kept!

Location Bessey Recreation Complex

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

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.

Latitude & Longitude: 41.9006 / -100.299

Elevation: 828 feet

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.

Nearby Campgrounds

Nearby destinations


Last updated: June 4, 2026

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Managed by USDA Forest Service