Things to Do
RV & Site Information
For RV enthusiasts planning a visit, BESSEY RECREATION COMPLEX accommodates recreational vehicles up to 50 feet in length. This USDA Forest Service is available for advance reservation, making it a reliable choice for planned trips.
Guests at BESSEY RECREATION COMPLEX can enjoy essential amenities including Accessible Flush Toilets, Proximity to Water: Riverfront, and Flush Toilets. The site is maintained by USDA Forest Service, ensuring consistent upkeep and facilities management.
Popular activities at this location include Camping, Fishing, Hiking, and Historic & cultural site. The campground's proximity to Halsey offers convenient access to additional outdoor recreation opportunities in the Nebraska region.
Located in Halsey, Nebraska, BESSEY RECREATION COMPLEX provides bookable camping options for visitors exploring America's public lands. Contact the site directly for real-time availability and current conditions.
About this place
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.
Getting There
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.