Getting Oriented
The Nebraska National Forest at Halsey sits in the Sandhills, a rolling, grass-stabilized dune region in central Nebraska. None of the pine here came up on its own. Starting in 1902, the Forest Service used a nursery at Halsey to grow and plant trees across the dunes, an experiment that grew into the largest hand-planted forest in the United States. The Bessey Ranger District, the eastern half of the national forest, holds both that forest and the OHV trail system running through it.
Trail Overview
The system totals about 36 miles of designated trail, mostly sand two-track that alternates long straightaways with tight curves. Two named open-riding areas sit apart from the main trail: the Hill Climb, built for drivers working on technical ascents, and the Dismal, an open area near the Dismal River. Access points are spread across the district: the main parking lot at the Bessey Recreation Complex, the Dismal Trailhead at the end of Scenic Road, Whitetail Campground, and the Powerline Trailhead. Vehicles are limited to 64 inches in width, and cross-country travel off the designated trail is prohibited.
Points of Interest
- Hill Climb: a dedicated open-riding area for drivers working on technical ascents, separate from the point-to-point trail.
- The Dismal: a second open-riding area near the Dismal River, reached from the Dismal Trailhead at the end of Scenic Road.
- Bessey Fish Pond: an accessible fishing pier and pond at the Bessey Recreation Complex.
Where to Camp
Three developed campgrounds serve the district year-round. Whitetail Campground sits directly on the Dismal River with 10 sites and doubles as one of the OHV trail's own access points. Natick Campground has 17 units. The Bessey Recreation Complex is the only campground in the forest that takes reservations, bookable mid-May through mid-October on Recreation.gov or by calling 877-444-6777; outside that window, and at Natick and Whitetail year-round, sites are first-come, first-served.
Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Trip
- Vehicles must be 64 inches wide or less and run an approved muffler or spark arrester.
- A day-use fee applies at the main parking lot ($5 per vehicle, or a $20 annual pass at the district office); the Powerline and Dismal trailheads carry no fee, and campground guests at Whitetail or the main campground ride free.
- Sand loosens after rain; adjust tire pressure and speed to match trail conditions.
- Water is available at the Bessey Recreation Complex and Whitetail Campground; the Forest Service doesn't list water service at the Powerline or Dismal trailheads.
- Questions go to the Nebraska National Forests and Grasslands Supervisor's Office at 308-432-0300.
Fuel and Water
Halsey itself has limited services. Thedford, the Thomas County seat, is about 15 miles west on Highway 2 and is the closest town with fuel. North Platte, about 82 miles south, is the nearest full-service stop for repairs or supplies. On the district, potable water is available at the Bessey Recreation Complex and at Whitetail Campground; the Forest Service doesn't list water service at the Powerline or Dismal trailheads.
Nearby
The Charles E. Bessey Tree Nursery sits next to the recreation complex, the original 1902 nursery that grew the trees for the surrounding hand-planted forest. Scott Lookout Tower, a historic fire tower on the district, can be viewed but not entered while the Forest Service repairs damage from the October 2022 Bovee Wildfire. The Middle Loup and Dismal Rivers both run through the district, and bird blinds near the recreation complex let visitors watch prairie grouse mating displays each spring.
