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Bessey Recreation Complex
FSU.S. Forest Service — Halsey · Nebraska · Nebraska National Forests and Grasslands
| Agency | FSU.S. Forest Service |
|---|---|
| Area | Nebraska National Forests and Grasslands |
| Location | Halsey · Nebraska · Nebraska National Forests and Grasslands · 41.90061, -100.29914 · Map |
| Sites | 48 public sites counted from the federal listing — 28 standard electric; 14 tent only nonelectric; 4 standard nonelectric; 1 group shelter electric; 1 group standard electric |
| Getting a site | Reservable — the federal listing marks this campground as taking reservations. Some sites or seasons may still be first-come; the listing’s own words are below. |
| Hookups | Electric at 30 of 48 sites (up to 50 amp where reported) Water hookups at 1 of 48 sites Sewer hookups at 0 of 48 sites Full hookups (all three at one site) at 0 of 48 sites Counted site by site from affirmative reports in the federal record. A site with no report is not counted either way. |
| Max RV length | Longest reported site fits 50 ft Sites that fit at least — 25 ft: 39 sites · 30 ft: 31 sites · 35 ft: 24 sites · 40 ft: 13 sites |
| Months open | Not in federal data — the federal listing does not publish a season for this campground. Check the official description below or Recreation.gov. |
| Fees | Not reported — the federal listing carries no fee description for this campground. |
| Check-in / out | In 2:00 PM · Out 2:00 PM (most common in the listing) |
| Pets | Allowed at 11 sites, as reported |
| Accessible sites | 9 marked accessible in the listing |
| Accessibility | N |
| Amenities, as reported | Cell service reportedDump stationFlush toilets |
| Phone | (308) 533-2257 (NO RESERVATION INFO AVAILABLE AT THIS NUMBER) |
Check availability & book on Recreation.gov →
This site takes no reservations and shows no live availability. Source: Recreation.gov (RIDB export pulled November 5, 2026); this listing was last updated in the federal record on 2026-02-25.
From the official listing
Overview 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.
Recreation Waterfront activities are popular and plentiful at this facility. Adjacent to the campground, Middle Loup River is shallow and steady flowing, providing good conditions for tubing and canoeing. A seven acre pond stocked with largemouth bass, blue gill, trout and catfish offers great fishing for the whole family. There is also an accessible fishing pier. Facilities Bessey Recreation Complex has camping sites able to accommodate tents, trailers, and RVs, including one group site and several tent-only sites.
The campground is equipped with picnic tables, campfire rings, seasonal flush toilets and drinking water. Electric hookups are available at the group site and several of the standard sites. A group picnic area is also available for use.
Restaurants, gas stations and a grocery store are available in Thedford, Nebraska, 16 miles to the west. Halsey also has a restaruant, and Dunning 10 miles east has a gas station with groceries.
Natural Features The Nebraska National Forest, Bessey Ranger District is located in western Nebraska.
The campground within the Bessey Recreation Complex is located next to the Charles E. Bessey Nursery, oldest tree nursery in the Forest Service.
Wildlife in the area abounds. Prairie chicken, sharp-tailed grouse, mule-deer, whitetailed deer, pronghorn antelope, prairie dogs, turkeys, coyotes, bobwhite quail, eagles, hawks and falcons all find habitat in surrounding ecosystems.
Nearby Attractions Drive or hike to the Scott Lookout Tower for a fantastic panoramic view of Nebraska's sand hills and prairies.
Directions, from the listing
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.
Nearest federal campgrounds
135 mi straight-line · REPUBLICAN CITY NebraskaUSACEU.S. Army Corps of EngineersHunter Cove
137 mi straight-line · REPUBLICAN CITY NebraskaUSACEU.S. Army Corps of EngineersGavins Point Overlook Day Use Shelter
158 mi straight-line · Crofton NebraskaUSACEU.S. Army Corps of EngineersNebraska Tailwaters
159 mi straight-line · CROFTON NebraskaUSACEU.S. Army Corps of EngineersPawnee Dam-Site 14 Campground
192 mi straight-line · Lincoln Nebraska
Trip Card — Bessey Recreation Complex
Halsey · Nebraska · Nebraska National Forests and Grasslands
| Agency | FS · U.S. Forest Service |
|---|---|
| Location | Halsey · Nebraska · Nebraska National Forests and Grasslands |
| Fees | Not reported in the federal data |
| Getting a site | Reservable |
| Hookups | Electric at 30 |
| Max RV | Up to 50 ft |
| Months open | Not in federal data |
| Sites | 48 sites |
Book: recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/234120 · Source: Recreation.gov, pulled November 5, 2026. Facility details come from federal recreation data and may be out of date — this site takes no reservations and shows no live availability; confirm details and book through Recreation.gov or the managing agency.