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
Daniel M
VerifiedAugust 7, 2023 • Stayed at: 006, Loop: CEDR
Very impressed with OHV trails. Beautiful. Well maintained campground. Absolutely a great place to camp and explore.
Pam V
VerifiedAugust 15, 2023 • Stayed at: 006, Loop: CEDR
We've camped here before and loved it this time just as much as the other times.
Matthew L
VerifiedAugust 16, 2023 • Stayed at: 004, Loop: CEDR
We had so much fun riding 4 wheelers. It’s sad how many trees have been lost and the uncertainty of them being replaced.
Jesse C
VerifiedAugust 28, 2023 • Stayed at: 032, Loop: RVLP
Very clean and beautiful campground. Only stayed one night in a 50 amp site near the river. We loved the site even though we did not have water or sewer connections. Works very well for a short stay in our 37 ft. Jayco fifth wheel.
william h
VerifiedAugust 31, 2023 • Stayed at: 028, Loop: RVLP
Loud trains all day & night. Very crowded with ATV's. Some sites had 7 tents with 5-6 trucks.
Lots of young kids driving the ATV's without supervision through the campground. No camp host.
No noise control, ATV's were up & down the roads until 2:30am. Would never go back here.
Anna M
VerifiedSeptember 11, 2023 • Stayed at: 003, Loop: CEDR
Loved camping there. We had paid for the whole weekend and ended up moving closer to family. It was a lot easier for the last day there.
Judy B
VerifiedOctober 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.
Robert D
November 4, 2023
Beautiful quiet location!
Billie B
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!
Christopher L
VerifiedJuly 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.
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
