Natick Campground

4.67

17 reviews

40637 River Loop Halsey, NE 69142

Stargazing

Featured in:Pet-Friendly Campgrounds Nebraska#2 Forest Camping Nebraska#2 Fall Camping Nebraska +3 more

Quick Facts

2,900 ft

Price

$15/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

17 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Bessey Ranger District site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

2,900 ft

Price

$15/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

17 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Bessey Ranger District site

Official Website

Get Directions

Natick Campground

$15.00 - $15.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Overnight use fees are $15 per night for single sites. Interagency Senior/Access Recreation Passes provide a 50% discount to single campsite fees...

Standard Site Fee$15.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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USFS

Provider

308-533-2257

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What Campers Say

4.67

Top-Rated

Based on 17 reviews

11 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietcleanwater

Some mention

noise

"User reviews indicate that Natick Horse Camp is a clean and peaceful location for horse camping and outdoor activities. However, some campers have mentioned challenges such as rough access roads and generator noise."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

40637 River Loop Halsey, NE 69142

Natick Campground

40637 River Loop Halsey, NE 69142

Driving directionsFrom Dunning, NE, take State Rt. 2 west 10 miles to Halsey, NE. Continue west on Rt. 2 for 2 miles to a 'Y' intersection. Bare right onto Circle Rd. and go 6 miles to Natick Rd sign. Turn right onto Natick Rd. and go 0.7 miles to campground on right. Note: Route is based on provided GPS coordinates. Circle and Natick roads are gravel.

Road access includes gravel roads, with some sections described by user reviews as semi-paved and rough in spots. 'Sand covered the road in places' and the route is 'pretty much one-lane' according to Sandra K. Seasonal closures are not mentioned, but road conditions may vary based on weather.

Nearby places

Thedford (~17 miles), Halsey (~8 miles), Dunning (~10 miles)

Nearby supplies

Groceries, fuel, and camping supplies available in Thedford (~17 miles) and Halsey (~8 miles).

Best Time to Camp at Natick Campground

Experience the dramatic dance of Nebraska's seasons at Natick, where each time of year paints the landscape with its own unique palette. Winter transforms the campground into a crystalline wonderland, with bone-dry air and temperatures that plunge well below freezing—perfect for those who relish the stark beauty of frost-kissed mornings. As spring awakens the grasslands, summer arrives with warm, humid days that peak around a comfortable 87°F, ideal for long trail rides and lazy afternoons in the shade. The shoulder seasons offer their own magic, with crisp air and changing colors that showcase the forest's transformation throughout the year.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Open forest and wildlife viewing make summer pleasant; some reports of generator noise.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.5 / 5

Seasonal variety noted; fall likely scenic though specifics aren't provided.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.5 / 5

Spring brings seasonal change and open forest hiking; limited specific review data.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.0 / 5

Top 22% in NE

Campground open year-round and 'crystalline' in winter, but access/amenities may be impacted.

Planning Tips

About Natick Campground

Escape the crowds and discover Natick Campground, a tranquil haven where 17 thoughtfully spaced campsites and 20 horse corrals await equestrian enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Here, the rhythmic clip-clop of hooves replaces the roar of engines—this peaceful retreat strictly prohibits ATVs and side-by-sides, preserving the serene atmosphere for horseback riders and hikers. Each site comes equipped with hand-pump water, sturdy picnic tables, and fire rings perfect for evening gatherings under some of Nebraska's most spectacular star-filled skies. Modern vault toilets ensure comfort without compromising the authentic outdoor experience. Perched at the fascinating intersection where human-planted forests meet ancient native grasslands, Natick serves as your gateway to exploring two distinct ecosystems in one remarkable journey.

Natick Horse Camp is designed primarily for equestrian camping but also accommodates tent and RV campers. There are no pull-through RV sites, and camping is limited to 17 combined spaces.

Historical SignificanceStep into a living testament to human determination and ecological vision at Natick Campground, nestled within the remarkable Nebraska National Forest. This isn't just any forest—it's one of America's most inspiring conservation stories, where determined pioneers hand-planted millions of trees in the heart of the Great Plains, creating the largest human-planted forest in the Western Hemisphere. Every Ponderosa pine you see represents decades of careful cultivation and represents a bold experiment in transforming landscape that continues to thrive today.

Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic dance of Nebraska's seasons at Natick, where each time of year paints the landscape with its own unique palette. Winter transforms the campground into a crystalline wonderland, with bone-dry air and temperatures that plunge well below freezing—perfect for those who relish the stark beauty of frost-kissed mornings. As spring awakens the grasslands, summer arrives with warm, humid days that peak around a comfortable 87°F, ideal for long trail rides and lazy afternoons in the shade. The shoulder seasons offer their own magic, with crisp air and changing colors that showcase the forest's transformation throughout the year.

ElevationPerched at 2,900 feet above sea level, Natick Campground offers a refreshing escape from the plains below. This elevated position creates its own microclimate, where temperatures run cooler than the surrounding lowlands and the air carries a crisp, pine-scented freshness. The altitude adds an extra dimension to your camping experience, influencing everything from the intensity of the sunshine to the brilliance of the stars overhead.

Natural Features and SceneryFollow the gentle curves of Natick Road into a landscape where two worlds meet in perfect harmony. Towering Ponderosa pines cast dappled shadows across your campsite, their vanilla-scented bark and whisper-soft needles creating a natural cathedral overhead. Yet step beyond the treeline, and vast open prairies stretch to the horizon, their golden grasses rippling like an inland sea. The sparse understory beneath the pines creates an open, park-like setting—while this means less privacy between sites, it offers unobstructed views of the surrounding beauty and easier wildlife spotting. This unique blend of cultivated forest and wild grassland provides endless opportunities for exploration, whether on foot or horseback.

Geological RegionDiscover a geological crossroads where the Nebraska National Forest creates a stunning contrast against the ancient prairie landscape. This unique region showcases the dramatic meeting point between meticulously hand-planted Ponderosa pine forests and the sweeping native grasslands that have dominated this land for millennia. The campground serves as your base camp for exploring this fascinating ecological boundary, where sandy soils tell the story of ancient seas and wind-carved hills reveal the forces that shaped the Great Plains. From your campsite, witness how human ambition and natural beauty combine to create a landscape unlike anywhere else in America.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

No maximum stay limit explicitly mentioned.

Guests Allowed Per Site

No information provided.

Groups

No group camping facilities are available.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Reservation PlatformsNo reservations are required or available.

Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites operate on an honor system: first-come-first-served. Payment envelopes are located onsite.

Cancellation PolicyNo cancellation policy provided. Payments are made onsite using cash or check.

AccessibilityThe vault toilets are wheelchair accessible.

Site SizeThe campground contains 17 combined sites with gravel parking aprons.

PrivacyPrivacy at the campsites is limited; the sites are close together, and there is a lack of midstory vegetation despite some shade provided by Ponderosa Pines.

Total Campsites17 campsites

Recommended SitesSites closer to Ponderosa pine provide slightly more shade.

Amenities available

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

The Natick Horse Camp provides opportunities for horseback riding and wildlife viewing, along with day hiking in the Nebraska National Forest. All activities are geared towards enjoying the natural surroundings, including the prairie and hand-planted forest.

HikingThere are no designated trails, but the entire forest area is open for day hiking and horseback riding.

Wildlife viewingVisitors have opportunities to view a variety of wildlife in the surrounding grasslands and forest.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsRough road conditions, including sand and washouts, may pose challenges for vehicles. Privacy is limited due to closely spaced campsites.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Fire PolicyFire rings provided at each site. Firewood availability not mentioned.

Emergency ServicesBessey Ranger District Office, located at 40637 River Loop Halsey, NE 69142, offers administrative and emergency services. Phone: 308-533-2257.

Trash & RecyclingCampers are required to clean the corrals after use and deposit manure in the bunk. No additional information about dedicated trash and recycling facilities is available.

Water FeaturesStock water tank available, but no lakes or streams are nearby.

Weather at Natick Campground

Reviews

4.7

17 reviews

Top-Rated

Natick Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews indicate that Natick Horse Camp is a clean and peaceful location for horse camping and outdoor activities. However, some campers have mentioned challenges such as rough access roads and generator noise.

Review Summaries

Based on 17 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects highlighted by users include the clean grounds, suitability for horse camping, and the quiet atmosphere. Users have also appreciated the modern vault toilets and availability of a...

Based on 17 reviews

Common Concerns

Some users have complained about the rough, semi-paved road leading to the campground, including washout spots and sand-covered areas. Noise from generators was also noted as a drawback.

Based on 17 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users recommend being prepared for a lack of potable water and bringing certified weed-free hay for livestock. Campers should also plan for the absence of electricity and be aware of restrictions on...

Based on 17 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is open year-round, but no specific seasonal trends in user reviews are mentioned.

Based on 17 reviews

Camper Quotes

"7 miles up a semi-paved road that's a little rough with some washout spots. Sand covered the road in places. Pretty much one-lane. Vault toilet a little way away from sites. Hand pump for fresh...

Based on 17 reviews