Whitetail Campground
Open — Open year-round, first-come, first-served. No reservations accepted. Forest Road 277 is closed for resource protection.
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.
Occupancy and Use Restrictions
The purpose of this Order is to protect the public health and safety in the Rocky Mountain Region. This Order is supplemental to and does not rescind or replace those restrictions in 36 C.F.R. Part 261, Subpart A, or any Forest Supervisor Order issued under 36 C.F.R. Part 261, Subpart B.
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.
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.
Open Fire Prohibition - Fort Pierre National Grassland
Prohibits building, maintaining, attending or using a fire or campfire unless the fire is in an established fireplace approved or constructed by a public agency in a designated recreation area.
Closed area near Black Hills Army Depot
Closes area within the Buffalo Gap National Grasslands adjacent to the Black Hills Army Depot.
About
Whitetail Campground is situated in the southeastern corner of the Bessey Ranger District within Nebraska National Forest, positioned along the scenic Dismal River. This 10-site primitive campground is designed primarily for equestrian campers and off-highway vehicle enthusiasts, providing direct access to the extensive Bessey OHV trail system. The campground features nine horse corrals with specific regulations: livestock must be kept and fed in the corrals using certified weed-free hay, and portable panels or electric fencing are not permitted. Horses may only be in campsites for saddling and unsaddling (maximum 30 minutes). Each campsite includes a picnic table and fire ring, with modern vault toilets available throughout the campground. A hand pump provides water for stock animals, but potable water is not available. The remote location offers a peaceful setting for those seeking a quiet camping experience in the Nebraska sandhills. The road to Whitetail Campground is very sandy and requires appropriate vehicle preparation. The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis at $15 per night, with payment via cash or check at the self-service collection box near the entrance. Interagency Senior/Access passes provide a 50% discount on camping fees.
Directions
From Highway 2, turn south into the forest. After crossing the river, stay right on State Spur 86B. Follow 86B to Forest Road 203 south (do not turn right at the first 203, take the left up the road). Follow 203 south about 8 miles to Forest Road 224 east, then follow the signs to the campground.
Nearby Campgrounds
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 | No |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (308) 533-2257 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
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