Lexi J
VerifiedAugust 14, 2024 Stayed at: 038, Loop: CEDR
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157 reviews
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
Based on 157 reviews
Showing 157 reviews
August 14, 2024 Stayed at: 038, Loop: CEDR
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August 14, 2024 Stayed at: 038, Loop: CEDR
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July 12, 2024 Stayed at: 012, Loop: CEDR
Workers were very rude. One heavy set blonde gal in particular. Instead of trying to have a conversation with us, she straight up yelled at us. You never know what someone may be going through so ALWAYS be kind. We couldn't go on the trails for 2 days because of down trees from a storm. All 10 plus workers were in the camp ground cutting down 1 downed tree in a campsite that had no occupants or any occupants coming in that day. The employees drove through camp well over the 10 mph speed limit. We've been going there for years, Bessy & whitetail have ALWAYS been packed with campers. We were there 8 days, 4 of those days were weekend days. There was hardly a soul ANYWHERE. There's very little for trails to ride the way it is. We won't be coming back until you decide to reopen some trails. Bubba/Ranger Bob didn't have 9 other workers helping him. He did it all and still made sure he rode the trails. 100 percent disappointed...
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July 11, 2024 Stayed at: 004, Loop: CEDR
Beautiful park!! Stopped here on way
to South Dakota. Would definitely come here and stay again!
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July 11, 2024 Stayed at: 032, Loop: RVLP
Beautiful, quiet (except for our nephew and his wife, the place was nearly empty while we were there), floating the river in tubes was fun (dang, no feed tanks like in the Visit NE commercials!). Nephew took us all over the place in his UTV. A lot of the area had burned, but there's still a lot of forest.
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July 10, 2024
Absolutely a beautiful, clean and quiet park. Shower houses are nice. Trails offer beautiful sites!! Family voted this needs to be an annual event!!
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July 9, 2024 Stayed at: 015, Loop: HRWD
Nice walking trails. We were car camping and the bathrooms were a little bit far. But I liked that the bathrooms were very clean.
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November 7, 2023
The weather was not as nice as we hoped, but that is all on mother nature. The trails and campground were great and we hope to go back again in the spring!
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November 4, 2023
Beautiful quiet location!
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October 6, 2023 Stayed at: 023, Loop: RVLP
The sandhills area of NE is interesting to see. Except for this planted forest, there are few trees. The complex has an informative visitor center, sports court, dump station, and large clean private showers. They raise millions of seedlings every year to replant parks and national monuments all over the US. There are some hiking trails. The area experienced a devastating fire last year which is evident near the Scott lookout tower. There is excellent 5G cell coverage from Verizon in the campground. The sites are located in full shade. There is electricity at the sites, but water is from hydrants. I recommend the area for its interesting history. One caution is that it isn't far from the railroad tracks and coal trains rubble by day and night. They aren't noticeable during the day but at night you may want earplugs.
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40637 River Loop, Halsey, NE 69142 United States
Elevation: 828 ft
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.
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.
Last updated: November 3, 2026