Bessey Recreation Complex and Campground
The numbers that decide it
Recreation.gov publishes no site-level detail for this campground, so we cannot say what length of rig it takes. Call the managing office before committing to it in a large vehicle.
Site-level detail from Recreation.gov, checked 2026-08-05. Where a field says “not published”, the agency has not published it — it does not mean zero.
Bessey Recreation Complex and Campground
For Reservations call (877) 444-6777 or go to recreation.gov . Here is a flyer that describes what sites are reservable and here is a map of the Bessey Recreation Complex . 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 • Fish at the Bessey Fish Pond • Play basketball • Ride bicycles • Tent or RV Camp • Watch birds and other wildlife • Have a cookout in the park A general store with food, camping, and ATV/UTV supplies is located in Halsey, about 1 mile east of the Forest’s entrance. Restaurants, gas stations and a grocery store are available in Thedford, Nebraska, 17 miles to the west.
Before you go
Season
Year round
Reservations
First-come, first-served
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 $125.00 per night. Picnic shelter is $25 per day. Day use $5 per day.
Hours
Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Campsites must be occupied. Check-out time is 2 pm central time.
Restrictions
Off-road vehicles may be ridden from campsites to the trailhead, but no cruising around the campground please. Parking ATVs and side-by-sides in your paid campsite is allowed. No showers are available during winter, approximately from mid-October to mid-May.
Accessibility
Accessible fishing access, flush toilets, picnic area, and most campsites.
Scenic drives that pass close
Make it a night on a better road
Byway plans the drive in — real stops, real weather, nothing invented.