Whitetail Campground
00 review40637 River Loop Halsey, NE 69142
Whitetail 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
Single site fee is $15 per night. Interagency Senior/Access Recreation Passes provide a 50% discount to Single Campsites ONLY. Payment must be made in cash or check within 30 minutes of site selection.
About this campground
Nestled in the southeastern reaches of the Bessey Ranger District, Whitetail Campground offers an intimate escape along the meandering Dismal River. This peaceful retreat features 10 thoughtfully spaced campsites, each providing the perfect basecamp for exploring Nebraska's hidden wilderness gem.
The campground provides various camping accommodations designed to cater to horse campers. This includes designated sites, horse corrals, and a hand pump for water.
Historical SignificanceWhile the documented history of this specific site remains untold, the surrounding Bessey Ranger District carries the legacy of Nebraska's unique Sandhills region, where generations of outdoor enthusiasts have found refuge in these rolling landscapes.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic beauty of changing seasons at Whitetail, where crisp winter mornings give way to frost-covered landscapes and summer brings long, golden days perfect for riverside adventures. The warm months invite endless exploration, while winter transforms the campground into a serene wonderland for those seeking solitude.
ElevationThe campground rests at the gentle elevations characteristic of Nebraska's Sandhills, where the terrain creates natural amphitheaters and peaceful valleys along the river corridor.
Natural Features and SceneryAdventure meets comfort at this scenic riverside haven, where the gentle flow of the Dismal River provides a stunning backdrop for your stay. The campground features essential amenities including a reliable hand pump for fresh water, nine sturdy horse corrals for equestrian adventurers, and modern vault toilets. Each site comes equipped with its own picnic table and fire ring, perfect for evening gatherings under star-filled skies. As a gateway to the extensive OHV trail system, the campground serves as your launching point into miles of thrilling off-road exploration through the area's diverse landscapes.
Geological RegionPositioned along the banks of the Dismal River in the southeastern corner of the Bessey Ranger District, this campground sits within Nebraska's remarkable Sandhills ecosystem, where ancient dunes stabilized by prairie grasses create a unique tapestry of rolling hills and hidden waterways.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific information on accessibility features is provided.
Sites SizeThe campground includes 10 sites, which are designed to accommodate campers and their horses.
Sites PrivacyNo details on privacy levels between campsites are mentioned.
Total Campsites10 campsites
Recommended CampsitesNot specified.
Best CampsitesNot specified.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in time not specified.
Check-out
Check-out time not specified.
Stay Limit
Stay limit not explicitly defined.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Not specified.
Groups
No details regarding group site accommodations are provided.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutComprised of 10 individual campsites with horse corrals and amenities grouped centrally.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Reservation PlatformsReservation platforms not specified, but reservation fees may apply.
Walk-in AvailabilitySites may be reservable; fee envelopes and collection boxes are provided for walk-up payments.
Cancellation PolicyNot specified.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Whitetail Campground offers recreational opportunities including horseback riding, wildlife viewing, and camping in a forested setting. It is located along the OHV trail system, which may also provide access to additional outdoor activities.
Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is listed as one of the recreational opportunities available at the campground.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not described in the provided materials.Water Sports
The campground does not provide information regarding opportunities for water sports.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fire rings are available; rules regarding fire usage are not explicitly detailed.
- Quiet hours are not mentioned.
Hazards
General hazardsPresence of wildlife is implied by rules about food storage, but details are not provided.
Active alertsForest Road 277 closure for resource protection.
Weather forecast
72
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Mainly clear
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 60%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 10.1 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Mainly clear
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
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Temperature Trends
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Precipitation Trends
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Weather Summaries
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Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Closest emergency services are available at the Bessey Ranger District Office, located at 40637 River Loop Halsey, NE 69142, Phone: 308-533-2257.
Good to know
Peak season datesNot specified.
Trash and recyclingNo specific information is provided about trash and recycling facilities.
Proximity to water featuresSituated on the Dismal River.
Common complaintsNo explicit complaints are noted.
HostNot specified.
Campground Map
40637 River Loop Halsey, NE 69142
Driving directionsFrom 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.
Forest Road 277 has been closed for resource protection. Accessibility is via gravel roads. Seasonal road closures may apply.Nearby places
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Nearby supplies
Closest supplies are accessible in Halsey, NE, including groceries, camping supplies, and fuel.
Camper Reviews
0.0
0 reviews
Whitetail Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
No user reviews were provided in the source materials.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
User reviews or highlights are not available.
Common Concerns
Common complaints are not documented in the provided materials.
Pro Tips & Recommendations
No tips or recommendations from users are included in the source.
Seasonal Insights
There are no seasonal trends in user reviews provided.
Camper Quotes
User reviews or quotes are not available for this campground.
Site-Specific Reviews
No information is available about reviews for specific sites.
Accessibility Features
Feedback specifically addressing accessibility is not included.
Pet-Friendly Features
No reviews or feedback related to pets are provided.
Last updated August 10, 2025