Whitetail Campground
Open year-round, 24 hours daily. First-come, first-served only; no reservations accepted. Forest Road 277 in the area is closed for resource protection, but the campground remains accessible via Forest Road 224. Camping limited to 14 nonconsecutive days within any 30-day period.
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
Whitetail Campground is a rustic, equestrian-friendly campground located on the Dismal River in the southeastern portion of the Bessey Ranger District within Nebraska National Forest. The campground features 10 campsites, each with a picnic table and fire ring, along with modern vault toilets. A hand pump provides non-potable water suitable only for livestock. Nine horse corrals are available for overnight use, making this an ideal base camp for riders exploring the area. The campground sits directly on the Bessey OHV trail system, providing convenient access for off-highway vehicle recreation. No electricity is available, and the access road via Forest Road 224 is very sandy, requiring appropriate vehicle clearance. Certified weed-free hay is mandatory for all livestock, and animals must remain confined to the corrals (no portable panels or electric fencing allowed). At $15 per night, this is a cash-or-check, first-come-first-served campground with no advance reservations. Self-registration is required within 30 minutes of selecting a site using the fee envelopes and collection box near the entrance. Dogs are permitted but must remain under owner control at all times.
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 signs to the campground. Road is very sandy.
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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