Natick Horse Camp
Open year-round, 24/7. First-come first-served only; campsites cannot be reserved. No potable water available; campers must bring their own drinking water.
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
Natick Horse Camp is a primitive equestrian campground nestled in the Nebraska National Forest at Halsey, the largest hand-planted forest in the United States. The 17-site campground provides a quieter, more rustic experience than the nearby Bessey Recreation Complex, making it ideal for campers seeking solitude and dark skies. The campground features 20 corrals for horses and pack animals, with rules requiring certified weed-free hay and corral-only confinement for livestock. Amenities are basic but functional: each site has a fire ring and picnic table, and modern vault toilets serve the campground. There is no potable water available; a hand pump provides non-potable water for stock only, so campers must bring their own drinking water. The campground operates year-round on a first-come first-served basis at $15 per night, with payment via fee envelope at the entrance. The setting is remarkable, positioned at the transition zone between the planted ponderosa pine forest and the native Sandhills grasslands. This location offers outstanding night sky viewing due to minimal light pollution. Trail riding is available directly from the campground, though OHV and side-by-side riding is prohibited. Dogs are permitted but must remain under owner control at all times.
Directions
From Thedford, Nebraska: Take Highway 2 east about 17 miles to the forest entrance. At the national forest sign, turn south (right) onto State Spur 86B. Stay on State Spur 86B west for about 1.5 miles, then take Forest Road 212 about 7 miles to the campground.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $15 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (308) 533-2257 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Photos
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