Established in 1907, the stunning Nebraska National Forest was created by the merging of three smaller forested areas. It is now situated in two distinct locations, at Chadron in the northwest and Halsey in central Nebraska. The beautiful Sandhills at Halsey is among the biggest and least-disturbed prairies in the whole country, and it also contains the biggest human-planted forest in the US. At Chadron, there is the 6,600-acre Pine Ridge National Recreation Area, which is ideal for those looking for a getaway in a truly natural environment.
Encompassing over 140,000 acres of land, the Nebraska National Forest has a diverse landscape. It offers a variety of recreation opportunities and is the perfect place to come and explore with a trailer, truck, or an RV. The region has an abundance of wildlife that includes birds such as eagles, hawks, and falcons, as well as big game like mule-deer & white-tailed deer, and antelope.
Whether it is hiking, swimming, fishing, biking, or bird watching, Nebraska National Forest has a host of activities which are perfect for any outdoor enthusiast. There are also large swaths of areas designated to riding ATVs and other motorized vehicles. The area is RV and camper friendly, which makes it the ideal spot for your next vacation. There is only one RV campground located in Nebraska National Forest, located at Bessey Recreation Complex and Campground.
The Nebraska National Forest has two main areas, Chadron and Hasley. From Chardon, the park is well signposted and located around 21 miles from the town via Highway 385. From Halsey, the journey is even easier as the Bessey Campground is just two miles from the town if you take the NE-2 West over the Middle Loup River.
The maximum RV length and trailer length throughout the park are 40 feet long. The roads throughout the forest are paved and suitable for RV travel. Off-road vehicles are allowed at Nebraska National Forest and can be driven from the campsite, so it is essential to be diligent when entering the park in large vehicles. Roads throughout are listed as either “open” or “closed” to motorized travel, and any venture into a closed way requires a permit.
Home to the world’s largest hand-planted forest, the Bessey Recreation Campground is the main camping area in the Hasley area of the Nebraska National Forest. For RV enthusiasts there are 40 campsites for you to enjoy, with 24 of them having 20-, 30-, or 50-amp electric hookups. Sites are equipped with campfire rings and picnic tables. Unfortunately, there are no water hookups, but all roads are paved, which makes for smooth traveling through the forest. Be aware that most of the sites require you to back your RV in. The campsite has excellent facilities which include flushing toilets in the summer months, drinking water, and picnic tables. RVs and trailers up to 40 feet long can be accommodated. Be aware that you can not take showers in the winter months.
The campground offers easy access to all of the outdoor activities in the area. It is a short walk from the Middle Loup River, and the ATV trails can be accessed via trails from the grounds. The campsite is open all year-round. From the end of May until early September, half of the sites can be reserved, which must be done four days before your arrival and up to a year in advance. For the rest of the year, all of the sites are first-come, first-served. This is the only camping area in the Nebraska National Forest that is RV-friendly.
From late September to early May, all of the sites at this campground are first-come, first-served. During the peak summer season, reservations are available. Also during the winter, you must get your potable water at the recreation building within the complex.
There is a range of spacious and clean picnicking areas throughout the Nebraska National Forest. The Bessey Campground at Halsey has smaller picnic areas, as well as shelters that can accommodate large groups. These areas have lights, tables, and electrical outlets, as well as easily accessible toilets and parking. For those looking to take a short walk while picnicking, there is the Discovery Loup Arboretum to enjoy.
At Chadron, there are two picnicking areas available, Cliffs Trailhead and West Ash Picnic Area. Both are available year-round, but only Cliffs Trailhead has a toilet and a picnic bench. Preparation is critical in when picnicking at Chardon as neither of the areas has any water available.
At Hasley, the day hiking is available throughout the entire forest, but there is also a dedicated three-mile trail to the Scott Lookout Tower. Renovated in 2011, the Scott Lookout Tower has a 360-degree view of the expansive grassland and forest.
For those seeking extensive hiking options, Chadron is the best choice. It has more than ten hikes, which range in difficulty, and some also have primitive camping options. There are extensive day hikes that vary in difficult level, and the various landscapes such as those on the Pine Ridge Trail will leave you in awe.
Fishing is available year-round at Bessey Fishing Pond which is located just north of the Middle Loup River. You will need to bring your equipment but can look forward to catching some bass, bluegill, trout, and catfish. The pier is ADA-accessible, and you can also fish from the shoreline if you prefer. Or for a more relaxed approach, you can take out a non-motorized boat.
The highlight of visiting the Hasley area is the extensive Bessey ATV Trail system that is available year-round. There are over 33 miles of trails available for OHVs, and they are open to vehicles that are less than 64 inches in width, without the need for a reservation. Be aware that there are some restrictions on where you drive, and it is essential to stick to designated trails. However, OHVs are prohibited in the Chadron area, but trails such as Strong Canyon and the Coffee Mill are open for horseback riding.
The spacious Bessey Recreation Complex serves as the starting point for an action-packed bike trail with the option to navigate the journey on pavement or head off-road. If you head off-road, thick bike tires are recommended to combat the soft dry sand. The trail is best attempted in the off-season when the ground is slightly wet or frozen to help give you more traction. At Chadron, keen bikers can explore the winding Roberts Tract Trailhead. Be prepared as the winding tracks range from easy to difficult, depending on the level of challenge you want to attempt.
Charles Bessey was the man who initially sought to replant the Bessey area and spearheaded the effort of what became the largest human-planted forest in the United States. Opened in 1902, the tree nursery is dedicated to Bessey and currently produces 1.5 million seedlings per year inside a 17,000 square-feet controlled greenhouse. It has played an integral part in the reforestation of the area. The nursery is located next to the Bessey Recreational Area and is an outstanding outdoor educational experience for adults and children alike.
