Bessey Recreation Complex

4.37

273 reviews

40637 River Loop

Featured in:Forest Camping Nebraska#1 Group Camping Nebraska#1 Spring Camping Nebraska#3 +6 more

Quick Facts

2,710 ft

Price

$15 - $125/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

30 campsites

Season

Seasonal operations:...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Nebraska National Forests and Grasslands site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

2,710 ft

Price

$15 - $125/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

30 campsites

Season

Seasonal operations:...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Nebraska National Forests and Grasslands site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Bessey Recreation Complex

$15.00 - $125.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Fees vary based on services provided at different campsites. Group Standard Electric sites cost $125 per night, Standard Electric sites are $20 per...

Standard Site Fee$15.00

Hookup Site Fee$20.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$125.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

(308) 533-2257

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What Campers Say

4.37

Recommended

Based on 273 reviews

127 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanspacioushiking

Some mention

noisetrain

"User reviews for Bessey Recreation Complex are mixed, highlighting well-maintained facilities and diverse recreational opportunities but also mentioning disruptive train noise and ATV activity."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

40637 River Loop

Bessey Recreation Complex

40637 River Loop

Driving directionsFrom 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.

The campground is easy to access from major roads, with paved highways leading up to the entrance point. However, some nearby attractions require off-road vehicles, including routes to other nearby campgrounds such as Whitetail.

Nearby places

Thedford (16 miles, approximately 20 minutes), Halsey (10 miles, approximately 12 minutes), Dunning (10 miles, approximately 12 minutes).

Nearby supplies

Thedford, Nebraska offers restaurants, gas stations, and grocery stores. Halsey has a restaurant, and Dunning has a gas station with groceries.

Best Time to Camp at Bessey Recreation Complex

Experience the rhythmic seasons of the Nebraska Sandhills, where warm summer days invite endless outdoor adventures and cool evenings are perfect for campfire gatherings. While the campground hums with activity during peak season—including the distant rumble of passing trains and the excitement of ATV enthusiasts—there's still plenty of space to find your own peaceful corner. As autumn paints the landscape in golden hues, the crowds thin and tranquility returns. Winter transforms the area into a snow-swept wilderness, beautiful to behold but challenging for camping, making spring through fall your window for the ultimate Bessey experience.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Open in peak summer with full activities; warm days and many recreation options (but busy/noisy).

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.5 / 5

Season extends into early fall; cooler evenings and scenery are appealing though season ends Oct 6.

Spring(Mar-May)

Not recommended

Mostly closed until May 25; spring season not generally available for camping.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Closed outside May 25–Oct 6; winter camping/activities not supported.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 25th to October 6th.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Seasonal operations: May 25th to October 6th (reservable dates).
Current Alerts: User reviews note seasonal closures due to fires (e.g., closed until December 2022)

About Bessey Recreation Complex

Nestled in the heart of central Nebraska alongside the meandering Middle Loup River, Bessey Recreation Complex beckons outdoor enthusiasts with its diverse tapestry of adventure opportunities. Whether you're casting a line into the river's gentle currents, exploring winding trails on foot, or navigating the sandy terrain on your ATV, this versatile destination promises something for every camping style. From intimate tent-only hideaways to spacious RV sites and gathering spots perfect for group adventures, Bessey creates the ideal basecamp for your Nebraska Sandhills exploration.

The Bessey Recreation Complex accommodates a variety of camping preferences, including tent camping, RV sites, and group camping. Some sites are primitive, catering to those seeking a rustic experience, while others offer electric hookups.

Historical SignificanceStep into living history at Bessey Recreation Complex, where your camping adventure unfolds in the shadow of the legendary Charles E. Bessey Nursery. As the oldest tree nursery in the entire Forest Service system, this historic landmark tells the remarkable story of transforming barren sand dunes into the forested oasis you see today. The legacy of conservation and land stewardship runs deep here, offering campers a chance to connect with over a century of environmental heritage while creating their own outdoor memories.

Weather and SeasonsExperience the rhythmic seasons of the Nebraska Sandhills, where warm summer days invite endless outdoor adventures and cool evenings are perfect for campfire gatherings. While the campground hums with activity during peak season—including the distant rumble of passing trains and the excitement of ATV enthusiasts—there's still plenty of space to find your own peaceful corner. As autumn paints the landscape in golden hues, the crowds thin and tranquility returns. Winter transforms the area into a snow-swept wilderness, beautiful to behold but challenging for camping, making spring through fall your window for the ultimate Bessey experience.

ElevationPerched atop the rolling Nebraska Sandhills, Bessey offers a gentle landscape that's surprisingly dynamic. While the RV areas provide level, easily accessible sites perfect for larger rigs, the tent camping zones introduce a touch of adventure with their naturally sloping terrain. This varied topography creates intimate camping nooks and elevated vantage points, allowing you to choose between convenience and a more immersive connection with the undulating sand hills that define this unique region.

Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in the unexpected beauty of Nebraska's Sandhills, where ancient grass-stabilized dunes create a sea of rolling hills dotted with surprising pockets of yellow pine forest and graceful deciduous groves. This unique ecosystem attracts an impressive cast of wildlife characters—watch for the theatrical displays of prairie chickens at dawn, catch glimpses of mule deer grazing in meadow clearings, and spot pronghorn antelopes racing across distant ridges. The interplay of forest and grassland creates ever-changing vistas that shift with the light, offering photographers and nature lovers endless inspiration throughout their stay.

Geological RegionDiscover one of North America's most fascinating geological wonders at Bessey Recreation Complex, set within the vast Nebraska Sandhills—the largest grass-stabilized sand dune region in the Western Hemisphere. These ancient dunes, formed by winds carrying sand from dried riverbeds thousands of years ago, now support a delicate ecosystem of native grasses that hold the shifting sands in place. Adjacent to the historic Charles E. Bessey Nursery, where pioneering foresters proved trees could thrive in this sandy soil, the campground offers a front-row seat to this remarkable landscape where human ingenuity and natural forces have created an outdoor paradise unlike anywhere else.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Scan and Pay system allows immediate occupancy upon payment.

Check-out

Check-out time is determined by Recreation.gov and may vary.

Stay Limit

Scan and Pay restrictions apply

Guests Allowed Per Site

One trailer or two tents per site.

Groups

The group site accommodates multiple campers with electric hookups and a large bonfire ring. It is often praised for being spacious and having plenty of picnic tables.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe campground is organized into three main loops: River Loop, Cedar Loop, and Hardwood Loop.

Reservation PlatformsAvailable on Recreation.gov via website and mobile app.

Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-served sites available. Payments can be made via Scan and Pay system.

Cancellation PolicyScan and Pay sites do not offer refunds, modifications, or cancellations. For other reservations, cancellations incur a $10 fee and forfeit the first night's payment if canceled after 12:00 AM before arrival.

AccessibilityAccessible features include flush toilets, showers, picnic shelters, and a fishing pier.

Site SizeCampsites are generally spacious and well-maintained, accommodating both small and large groups.

PrivacyPrivacy levels vary depending on site location. Many sites are shaded and secluded, while others are located closer to busy ATV areas and train tracks.

Total Campsites30 campsites

Recommended SitesAvoid sites near the train tracks for quieter nighttime experiences. River Loop sites may be more scenic but closer to train noise.

Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

Activities you can enjoy

The Bessey Recreation Complex provides a wide range of recreational activities, including hiking, fishing, ATV trails, wildlife viewing, and access to the shallow Middle Loup River for tubing and canoeing. The seven-acre pond offers fishing opportunities, and the Scott Lookout Tower provides panoramic views of the Sandhills.

HikingHiking trails are available and vary in difficulty. Notable trails include a three-mile hike to the Scott Fire Lookout Tower, which offers breathtaking views.

FishingFishing is popular in the seven-acre pond stocked with largemouth bass, bluegill, trout, and catfish. An accessible fishing pier enhances convenience for all visitors.

SwimmingSwimming options are available in the shallow Middle Loup River adjacent to the campground, though river access is limited according to user feedback.

BikingThe campground features biking trails suitable for all levels and is praised as a fun activity by reviewers.

BoatingCanoeing and tubing are popular activities on the Middle Loup River, which is shallow and steady flowing.

Wildlife viewingThe surrounding Nebraska National Forest provides ample opportunities to observe wildlife such as prairie chickens, deer, turkeys, and eagles.

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsProximity to train tracks results in frequent loud noises throughout the night. ATV activity contributes to potential risks within the campground. Flooding concerns may exist for sites near the river during heavy rains.

Active AlertsUser reviews note seasonal closures due to fires (e.g., closed until December 2022)

Fire PolicyCampfires are allowed but firewood must be sourced locally per 'Don't Move Firewood' regulations.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10 PM - 6 AM.

Emergency ServicesClosest emergency services are in Thedford, Nebraska, 16 miles west of the campground. This includes a small hospital and local police services.

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities are available; however, some reviewers have commented on dumpsters being located too close to campsites, causing odor issues.

Water FeaturesThe campground is adjacent to Middle Loup River and features a fishing pond stocked with bass, bluegill, trout, and catfish.

Camp HostHosts are not always present but are noted by users as helpful when available.

Weather at Bessey Recreation Complex

Reviews

4.4

273 reviews

Recommended

Bessey Recreation Complex is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for Bessey Recreation Complex are mixed, highlighting well-maintained facilities and diverse recreational opportunities but also mentioning disruptive train noise and ATV activity.

Review Summaries

Based on 273 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive reviews frequently mention clean facilities, friendly staff, spacious campsites, and enjoyable activities such as hiking and ATV riding. The Scott Fire Lookout Tower and accessible fishing...

Based on 273 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include loud train noise, disruptive ATV activity, and restroom cleanliness during peak times. Some users also note limited river access and proximity to dumpsters causing odor...

Based on 273 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users recommend avoiding campsites near train tracks for a quieter experience, booking in advance to secure preferred sites, and bringing earplugs to mitigate train noise. Many suggest visiting...

Based on 273 reviews

Seasonal Insights

During peak summer weekends, the campground is busy, and ATV activity can be disruptive. Reviews suggest visiting during weekdays or off-season for quieter experiences.

Based on 273 reviews

Camper Quotes

- 'This park is an awesome place to ride ATVs or motorcycles. All sand trails so you better be damn good if you're on a motorcycle.' - Scooter Jumpingbean - 'The campground is nice with a lot of...

Based on 273 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 6 in Cedar Loop and Site 32 in River Loop are frequently mentioned. Visitors appreciate Site 6's proximity to the river but complain about train noise. Site 32 is praised for its spaciousness...

Based on 273 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessible features such as flush toilets, showers, and fishing piers are appreciated by campers with disabilities. However, complaints about restroom cleanliness may affect overall accessibility.

Based on 273 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are welcome at the campground, and reviewers note that pets enjoy the river and trails. However, some express concerns about noisy ATV activity near campsites.

Based on 273 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026

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