About Bessey Recreation Complex and Campground
**For Reservations **call (877) 444-6777 or go to [recreation.gov](https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/234120). Here is a [flyer](http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd637330.pdf) that describes what sites are reservable and here is a [map of the Bessey Recreation Complex](http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd637329.pdf). **Please note that these are subject to change. ** The Bessey Recreation Complex and Campground is home to the world's largest hand-planted forest. It is located in central Nebraska's Sandhills, adjacent to the Middle Loup River. It is a popular camping stop for cross-country travelers as well as a local favorite, with many people returning every year to enjoy the scenery, relax, and recreate. Things to do here are: - Trail ride ATVs or side-by-sides - Drive or hike to the Scott Lookout Tower - Swim in the Middle Loup River -…
- Fees: Non-electric sites are $15.00 per night. Electric sites are $20.00 per night. The group campground, which has 11 electric hookups, is…
- Season: Year Round
- Managed by: USFS - Nebraska National Forests and Grasslands
- Where: 2 mi west of Halsey, NE · 41.90062, -100.29915
Things to do:
Official page for this camp (fees, closures, booking)
Weather by month
Typical daily highs and lows (°F), 1991–2020 NOAA normals. Best months: May–Jun & Aug–Sep (comfortable days, mild nights, little rain). Nights below freezing: Nov–Mar.
Fly over it in 3D, check today's weather and fire news, plan the drive and print a trip plan.
Trails near camp
| Trail | Open to | From camp | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dwelling | ATV road | at camp | 0.2 mi |
| Bessey Rec Area Loop | ATV road | at camp | 0.4 mi |
| Scott Lookout | Hiking | 0.1 mi | 2.6 mi |
| Dismal River Trail | ATV / OHV, Dirt bike | 0.9 mi | 9.2 mi |
| Powerline Trail | ATV / OHV, Dirt bike | 1.6 mi | 2.2 mi |
| Poison Ivy Trail | ATV / OHV, Dirt bike | 2.7 mi | 2.9 mi |
Straight-line distance from camp, from Forest Service, BLM, state and OpenStreetMap trail data.
Good to know
Verizon 5G · AT&T 5G · T-Mobile 5G
From the carriers' FCC coverage maps, which tend to be generous.The Milky Way shows rich detail, horizon to horizon.
Class 2 of 9, from NASA/NOAA night-light data.Camps nearby
- Nebraska National Forest At Halsey 1.6 mi
- Natick Campground 6.1 mi
- Whitetail Campground 7.4 mi