Natick Campground
04 reviews40637 River Loop Halsey, NE 69142
Natick Campground
$15.00 - $15.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$15.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Overnight use fees are $15 per night for single sites. Interagency Senior/Access Recreation Passes provide a 50% discount to single campsite fees occupied by the pass holder only. Fee envelopes and a collection box are located near the entrance.
About this campground
Escape the crowds and discover Natick Campground, a tranquil haven where 17 thoughtfully spaced campsites and 20 horse corrals await equestrian enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Here, the rhythmic clip-clop of hooves replaces the roar of engines—this peaceful retreat strictly prohibits ATVs and side-by-sides, preserving the serene atmosphere for horseback riders and hikers. Each site comes equipped with hand-pump water, sturdy picnic tables, and fire rings perfect for evening gatherings under some of Nebraska's most spectacular star-filled skies. Modern vault toilets ensure comfort without compromising the authentic outdoor experience. Perched at the fascinating intersection where human-planted forests meet ancient native grasslands, Natick serves as your gateway to exploring two distinct ecosystems in one remarkable journey.
Natick Horse Camp is designed primarily for equestrian camping but also accommodates tent and RV campers. There are no pull-through RV sites, and camping is limited to 17 combined spaces.
Historical SignificanceStep into a living testament to human determination and ecological vision at Natick Campground, nestled within the remarkable Nebraska National Forest. This isn't just any forest—it's one of America's most inspiring conservation stories, where determined pioneers hand-planted millions of trees in the heart of the Great Plains, creating the largest human-planted forest in the Western Hemisphere. Every Ponderosa pine you see represents decades of careful cultivation and represents a bold experiment in transforming landscape that continues to thrive today.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic dance of Nebraska's seasons at Natick, where each time of year paints the landscape with its own unique palette. Winter transforms the campground into a crystalline wonderland, with bone-dry air and temperatures that plunge well below freezing—perfect for those who relish the stark beauty of frost-kissed mornings. As spring awakens the grasslands, summer arrives with warm, humid days that peak around a comfortable 87°F, ideal for long trail rides and lazy afternoons in the shade. The shoulder seasons offer their own magic, with crisp air and changing colors that showcase the forest's transformation throughout the year.
ElevationPerched at 2,900 feet above sea level, Natick Campground offers a refreshing escape from the plains below. This elevated position creates its own microclimate, where temperatures run cooler than the surrounding lowlands and the air carries a crisp, pine-scented freshness. The altitude adds an extra dimension to your camping experience, influencing everything from the intensity of the sunshine to the brilliance of the stars overhead.
Natural Features and SceneryFollow the gentle curves of Natick Road into a landscape where two worlds meet in perfect harmony. Towering Ponderosa pines cast dappled shadows across your campsite, their vanilla-scented bark and whisper-soft needles creating a natural cathedral overhead. Yet step beyond the treeline, and vast open prairies stretch to the horizon, their golden grasses rippling like an inland sea. The sparse understory beneath the pines creates an open, park-like setting—while this means less privacy between sites, it offers unobstructed views of the surrounding beauty and easier wildlife spotting. This unique blend of cultivated forest and wild grassland provides endless opportunities for exploration, whether on foot or horseback.
Geological RegionDiscover a geological crossroads where the Nebraska National Forest creates a stunning contrast against the ancient prairie landscape. This unique region showcases the dramatic meeting point between meticulously hand-planted Ponderosa pine forests and the sweeping native grasslands that have dominated this land for millennia. The campground serves as your base camp for exploring this fascinating ecological boundary, where sandy soils tell the story of ancient seas and wind-carved hills reveal the forces that shaped the Great Plains. From your campsite, witness how human ambition and natural beauty combine to create a landscape unlike anywhere else in America.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe vault toilets are wheelchair accessible.
Sites SizeThe campground contains 17 combined sites with gravel parking aprons.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy at the campsites is limited; the sites are close together, and there is a lack of midstory vegetation despite some shade provided by Ponderosa Pines.
Total Campsites17 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites closer to Ponderosa pine provide slightly more shade.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
No maximum stay limit explicitly mentioned.
Guests Allowed Per Site
No information provided.
Groups
No group camping facilities are available.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Reservation PlatformsNo reservations are required or available.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites operate on an honor system: first-come-first-served. Payment envelopes are located onsite.
Cancellation PolicyNo cancellation policy provided. Payments are made onsite using cash or check.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The Natick Horse Camp provides opportunities for horseback riding and wildlife viewing, along with day hiking in the Nebraska National Forest. All activities are geared towards enjoying the natural surroundings, including the prairie and hand-planted forest.
Hiking
There are no designated trails, but the entire forest area is open for day hiking and horseback riding.Wildlife viewing
Visitors have opportunities to view a variety of wildlife in the surrounding grasslands and forest.Winter Activities
No specific winter activities are mentioned for this site.Water Sports
No water sports activities are supported at this campground.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fire rings provided at each site. Firewood availability not mentioned.
Hazards
General hazardsRough road conditions, including sand and washouts, may pose challenges for vehicles. Privacy is limited due to closely spaced campsites.
Weather forecast
71
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 60%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 10.1 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Bessey Ranger District Office, located at 40637 River Loop Halsey, NE 69142, offers administrative and emergency services. Phone: 308-533-2257.
Good to know
Trash and recyclingCampers are required to clean the corrals after use and deposit manure in the bunk. No additional information about dedicated trash and recycling facilities is available.
Proximity to water featuresStock water tank available, but no lakes or streams are nearby.
Common complaintsUser reviews mention privacy concerns due to closely spaced campsites and noise from generators.
Campground Map
40637 River Loop Halsey, NE 69142
Driving directionsFrom Dunning, NE, take State Rt. 2 west 10 miles to Halsey, NE. Continue west on Rt. 2 for 2 miles to a 'Y' intersection. Bare right onto Circle Rd. and go 6 miles to Natick Rd sign. Turn right onto Natick Rd. and go 0.7 miles to campground on right. Note: Route is based on provided GPS coordinates. Circle and Natick roads are gravel.
Road access includes gravel roads, with some sections described by user reviews as semi-paved and rough in spots. 'Sand covered the road in places' and the route is 'pretty much one-lane' according to Sandra K. Seasonal closures are not mentioned, but road conditions may vary based on weather.Nearby places
Thedford (~17 miles), Halsey (~8 miles), Dunning (~10 miles)
Nearby supplies
Groceries, fuel, and camping supplies available in Thedford (~17 miles) and Halsey (~8 miles).
Camper Reviews
0.0
4 reviews
Natick Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews indicate that Natick Horse Camp is a clean and peaceful location for horse camping and outdoor activities. However, some campers have mentioned challenges such as rough access roads and generator noise.
Review Summaries
Based on 4 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive aspects highlighted by users include the clean grounds, suitability for horse camping, and the quiet atmosphere. Users have also appreciated the modern vault toilets and availability of a...
Based on 4 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Some users have complained about the rough, semi-paved road leading to the campground, including washout spots and sand-covered areas. Noise from generators was also noted as a drawback.
Based on 4 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Users recommend being prepared for a lack of potable water and bringing certified weed-free hay for livestock. Campers should also plan for the absence of electricity and be aware of restrictions on...
Based on 4 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
The campground is open year-round, but no specific seasonal trends in user reviews are mentioned.
Based on 4 reviewsCamper Quotes
"7 miles up a semi-paved road that's a little rough with some washout spots. Sand covered the road in places. Pretty much one-lane. Vault toilet a little way away from sites. Hand pump for fresh...
Based on 4 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
No specific site reviews are available.
Based on 4 reviewsAccessibility Features
No reviews specifically addressing accessibility features are available.
Based on 4 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No specific reviews on pet-friendly features or policies are available.
Based on 4 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025