Bessey Recreation Complex
Open year-round. Approximately half the sites are reservable mid-May through mid-October via Recreation.gov; remaining sites are first-come, first-served year-round. Showers and flush toilets operate mid-May to mid-October, weather permitting. Vault toilets and potable water at the recreation building are available year-round.
Wheeled Vehicles in Wilderness
This order describes the prohibition of wheeled vehicles in all National Forest Wilderness Areas of the Rocky Mountain Region and any exceptions thereof.
Weed Free Forage Products
The purpose of this Order is to prevent the introduction or spread of noxious weeds.
Cave Closure and Restrictions
The purpose of this Order is to reduce the spread of the fungus that causes White nose syndrome and to protect bat species during critical biological periods.
Railroad Buttes Shooting Prohibition
Prohibits shooting of firearms in the Railroad Buttes OHV area.
Termination of Order # 02-07-01-26-04, Anderson Bridge Fire Area Closure
TERMINATION OF ORDERNEBRASKA NATIONAL FORESTS AND GRASSLANDS Anderson Bridge Fire Area #02-07-01-26-04, 13 March 2026
Prohibits Camping more than 14 days
Prohibits camping in the same ranger district, in a developed campground or dispersed camping, for more than 14 nonconsecutive days within a 30-day period.
Permanent Prohibition of Shooting Prairie Dogs in Conata Basin
Under the Dingell Act, this provides permanent authority, replacing the temporary orders that have been in place since 1998. Chadron, Neb., April 19, 2024 – The U.S. Forest Service issued the permanent prairie dog hunting closure in a portion of the Conata Basin, located within Management Area…
Closed area near Black Hills Army Depot
Closes area within the Buffalo Gap National Grasslands adjacent to the Black Hills Army Depot.
About
Bessey Recreation Complex is located in the heart of the Nebraska Sandhills, home to the world's largest hand-planted forest established in the early 1900s at the Charles E. Bessey Nursery. The campground offers sites across three loops adjacent to Middle Loup River, with options for tents and RVs. Roughly half the sites have electric hookups with 20, 30, or 50 amp service. The complex features a seven-acre fishing pond stocked with largemouth bass, bluegill, trout, and catfish, plus an accessible fishing pier. Middle Loup River runs shallow and steady, making it ideal for tubing and canoeing. Wildlife viewing is excellent, with prairie chickens, sharp-tailed grouse, mule deer, whitetail deer, pronghorn, turkeys, and raptors in the surrounding Sandhills ecosystem. Nearby attractions include the Scott Lookout Tower for panoramic views of the sand hills and prairies, and the Bessey OHV Trail System for off-highway vehicle recreation.
Directions
From Thedford, Nebraska, take Highway 2 about 17 miles east, then turn south onto State Spur 86B. After crossing the river, continue straight into the complex.
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | — |
| Wifi | — |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | Yes |
| Electric Hookups | Yes |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | — |
| Price | $15 - $125 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 50ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 50ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (308) 533-2257 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
Community Posts
No posts yet. Be the first to share your experience!