Nebraska National Forest Bessey Recreation Complex

Hand-planted forest campground in the middle of the Sandhills with modern facilities and hiking trails.

This established campground sits in the heart of the Nebraska National Forest, a unique hand-planted forest created in 1902 on what was once open prairie. The complex offers 38 campsites with picnic tables, fire rings, and access to restrooms and potable water. Most sites can handle RVs up to 40 feet, though the campground fills up during summer weekends with families and hunters in fall.

Located 2 miles west of Halsey on Highway 2, the campground serves as base camp for exploring the surrounding Sandhills and nearby Samuel R. McKelvie National Forest. The visitor center provides maps and trail information. Open year-round but water is shut off from November through March.

Hand-planted forest campground in the Sandhills

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Place Details

TypeEstablished Campground
Street address16 Nursery Rd, Halsey, NE 69142 Get directions →
Elevation (ft)2720 ft
Nearest townHalsey, Nebraska
Miles from pavement2.1 mi
Minimum vehicleAny vehicle
Access road surfacePaved
Cell servicePartial
Capacity (# of rigs)38 rigs
Cost (USD/night, 0 = free)$10.00 / night
Reservation requiredYes — Reservation site
Stay limit (nights)14 nights
Best seasonApril-October
Land managerUSFS
Permit requiredNo
AmenitiesDrinking water, Fire ring, Picnic table, Toilets, Trash service
Coordinates   Open directions
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