Nebraska National Forest Guide
- Home
- National Forests
- Nebraska
- Nebraska National Forest
The Nebraska National Forests & Grasslands span nearly 1.1 million acres across the Great Plains of Nebraska and South Dakota, featuring the rugged Pine Ridge near Chadron and the historic hand-planted forest near Halsey. Within this vast expanse, Nebraska National Forest covers 142,000 acres, showcasing a unique mix of natural terrain and the world’s largest hand-planted forest, offering diverse landscapes for exploration. RV camping in Nebraska National Forest provides a perfect base to explore its beauty. With well-maintained campgrounds, access to pristine lakes, and nearby trails, the forest is ideal for nature lovers seeking a comfortable and immersive escape. You can rent RVs from RV Share for your trip.
Camping in Nebraska National Forest
Nebraska National Forest offers several RV camping options with modern facilities and scenic views. For those exploring campgrounds near Nebraska National Forest, there are budget-friendly spots and lakeside locations. Use RVshare to locate nearby dump stations and access essential services while camping in the Nebraska National Forest.
Paid Campgrounds in Nebraska National Forest
Bessey Recreation Complex and Campground
Non-electric sites: $15 per night; Electric: $20 per night; Group: $125/night; Picnic shelter: $25/day; Day use: $5/day.
Roberts Tract Camping Area/Trailhead
$15 per vehicle per night
$15 per vehicle per night
$15 per vehicle per night
Private Campgrounds Near Nebraska National Forest
For camping near Nebraska National Forest, consider these top campgrounds in Nebraska. These options provide extra comfort and convenience, enhancing your RV camping experience.
Budget-friendly Campgrounds
$10 per vehicle per night
$14 per night
$15 per night
Cliffs Trailhead (Dispersed Camping)
Free
-
Chadron State Park Campground
Chadron State Park Campground is part of Nebraska’s first state park. The campground opened over a century ago with a few sites available for wayward travelers. Today, the campground provides 88 RV campsites, all of which are back-ins. The campground offers 6 miles of hiking trails and 4 miles of mountain bike trails. There is a large swimming pool with a beautiful view of the surrounding hills and the Nebraska National Forest. Anglers find trout in Chadron creek and in the lagoon located inside the park. Visitors enjoy a wide array of activities, including paddle boating, a sand volleyball court, a winter sledding hill, a disc golf course, and several playgrounds.
Water Hookup: Yes
Electric Hookup: 20/30/50 amps
Sewer Hookup: No
Wi-Fi Available: No
Pet-friendly: Yes
Other Amenities: Picnic tables, fire rings, restrooms with flush toilets, warm showers, laundry facilities, dump station
Fee: $25 to $35 per night
-
Red Cloud Campground
Red Cloud Campground is a bare-bones United States Forest Service site. If you love primitive campgrounds and want to visit the Nebraska National Forest, this is the place for you. The campground offers 13 back-in sites without any of the amenities you expect to find in a more organized setting. Situated inside the forest, this campground is adjacent to many of the trails that run the woods' full length and breadth and that lead to some majestic views of the surrounding hills.
Water Hookup: No
Electric Hookup: No
Sewer Hookup: No
Wi-Fi Available: No
Pet-friendly: Yes
Other Amenities: Fire rings, one vault toilet
Fee: $10 per night
-
Bessey Recreation Complex Campground
Bessey Recreation Complex Campground offers 36 RV back-in campsites. Visitors to this site find themselves in the middle of the largest planted forest in the United States. The complex supports hiking, biking, horseback riding, and ATV trails that run throughout the forest. Both swimming and fishing are available in sections of the Middle Loup River, or, if you prefer, you can fish in the Bessey fishpond, which is kept fully stocked, so no angler is disappointed.
Water Hookup: No
Electric Hookup: 30 amps
Sewer Hookup: No
Wi-Fi Available: No
Pet-friendly: Yes
Other Amenities: Vault toilets, some restrooms with flush toilets, fire rings, picnic tables, warm showers, dump station
Fee: $15 to $20 per night
RV Rentals Near Nebraska National Forest
Nebraska National Forest Hiking Trails
Nebraska National Forest offers trails ranging from easy nature walks to challenging backcountry hikes, many accessible from RV-friendly campgrounds.
Easy Trails for Beginners
Scott Tower National Recreation Trail
Distance: 3 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 3 miles
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
7.1 miles
Difficulty: Easy
10.6 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Challenging Trails
40 miles
Moderate to Difficult. Known for its rugged terrain and scenic vistas.
6 miles
Moderate to Difficult
4.5 miles
Moderate to Difficult
4.3 miles
Moderate to Difficult
-
Outrider Trail
The Outrider trail leads to the Black Hills Overlook, an amazing pinnacle that provides an astounding view of the sacred land once occupied by the Sioux. This is an out-and-back hike that connects with the Pine Ridge Trail.
Length: 1.8 miles
Intensity: Intermediate
-
Roberts Loop Trail
The Roberts Loop Trail is a multipurpose path that accommodates hikers, bikers, and horseback riders. The trail undulates with the hills, which could be difficult for some hikers. It begins at the Roberts Tract Campground and loops along one ridge to intersect with the 80-mile Pine Ridge Trail before returning on a neighboring ridge.
Length: 4.0 miles
Intensity: Intermediate
-
East Ash Trail
The East Ash Trail is an out-and-back pathway that intersects with the Coffee Hill Trail and the Pine Ridge Trail. One of the destinations for this day-long trip is the West Ash Picnic Area, where hikers enjoy an expansive view of surrounding hills that is spectacular when in springtime bloom.
Length: 11.4 miles
Intensity: Intermediate
-
Soldier Creek Loop
Soldier Creek Loop does not see much use. It changes in elevation by 1,115 feet over 10.5 miles, which is unusual in Nebraska. During the spring, this trail provides vivid views of hillsides and valleys filled with wildflowers.
Length: 10.5 miles
Intensity: Intermediate
-
Fort Robinson West Trail from Long Barn
This trail is a loop that takes hikers, horseback riders, and bikers past some interesting rock formations. The loop involves an elevation change of only 393 feet over a 1.7-mile distance. Wildflowers greet hikers at every turn.
Length: 1.7 miles
Intensity: Easy
Activities in Nebraska National Forest
Nebraska National Forest offers a range of activities for outdoor enthusiasts, making it a unique destination in the Great Plains. Here are some of the key activities to enjoy:
Hiking : Discover 80 miles of marked trails in the Pine Ridge Trail system,offering scenic landscapes of grasslands, pine forests, and ridges.
Mountain Biking : Enjoy diverse mountain biking opportunities, from the scenic trails of Pine Ridge National Recreation Area near Chadron—like Black Hills Overlook, Pine Ridge Trailhead, and Spotted Tail Trailhead—to the unique hand-planted forest trails at the Bessey Recreation Complex in Halsey.
Wildlife Viewing :Experience the unique wildlife of the Nebraska National Forest's Halsey area, nestled in the vast Sandhills. Spot deer, antelope, prairie dogs, and raptors as you explore the region’s prairies. During Spring, enjoy a front-row view of sharp-tailed grouse performing their captivating mating dances from special viewing blinds at the Bessey Ranger District.
Horseback Riding :The Pine Ridge Trail system is also popular for horseback riding, offering designated trails for equestrians with stunning views.
OHV Trail Riding :Experience the thrill of OHV trail riding at the Bessey OHV Trail System, one of Nebraska’s few motorized trail areas open to the public. With 36 miles of sandy trails featuring straightaways, tight curves, and open areas like Hill Climb and the Dismal, riders can explore the forest and grasslands.
-
Fishing
Angling, most often for the elusive trout, is one of the favorite activities that guests enjoy in the forest. At times, enterprising visitors backpack deep into the woods to find seldom touched streams and ponds filled with fish.
-
Hiking
Nebraska National Forest allows visitors to hike freely throughout its borders. This policy lends itself well to the game of geocaching. Visitors should be aware, however, that the policy includes leaving no trace behind of their visits.
-
Stargazing
Stargazing is somewhat obscured in this forest. The plains allow light to travel long distances, even from the smallest communities. Though the sight of the night sky is more exposed than in towns or cities, it is not as glorious as the views from mountainous areas.
How to get to Nebraska National Forest
Address: 125 North Main Street, Chadron, NE 69337
Fee: Entry fee $0
By Car
From Omaha, NE: Approximately 4 hours and 20 minutes (257 miles) via NE-92 E and NE-2 W.
From Lincoln, NE:Approximately 3 hours and 45 minutes via I-80 W and NE-2 W (227 miles).
From Denver, CO: Approximately 5 hours via I-76 E (345 miles)
By Air
Denver International Airport (DEN): Approx. 330 miles away, this airport offers the best connectivity to Nebraska National Forest.
Lincoln Airport (LNK): Located in Lincoln, this regional airport primarily offers domestic flights with connections to major hubs and is approximately 227 miles from Nebraska National Forest.
Seasonal Restrictions
Specific campgrounds and roads may close during winter or after heavy rainfall. Always check the Nebraska National Forest’s official website for updates before planning your trip.
Fees and Permits
General access to Nebraska National Forest is free, while camping fees vary by campground. Permits are required for activities like campfires, wood collection, and specific recreational uses, which can be obtained at ranger stations or through recreation.gov.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nebraska National Forest
Is there a fee to get into Nebraska National Forest?
No, there is no fee to get into the Nebraska National Forest. However, there may be permits or fees required for certain recreational activities, or to use certain areas of the forest.
Does Nebraska National Forest offer free camping sites?
Yes, Nebraska National Forest offers free camping sites. Dispersed camping is allowed throughout the forest. There are no amenities with dispersed camping - campers bring all their own water and food, and must pack everything including trash back out with them.
Is Nebraska National Forest open all year round?
Yes, Nebraska National Forest is open year-round. Some services and water may not be available at forest sites during winter, however. Visitors can still enjoy the area in winter, with snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and other outdoor activities.
Do you need a permit to fish or hunt in Nebraska National Forest?
Yes, you need a permit to hunt in Nebraska National Forest. Hunting permits are managed by the Nebraska Game and Parks Dept. You are required to have a fishing license to fish in the Nebraska National Forest if you are aged 16 or older.
What type of wildlife lives in Nebraska National Forest?
Wildlife that lives in Nebraska National Forest includes prairie dogs, badgers, coyotes, rattlesnakes, and owls. A variety of other raptors and different birds also live in the forest, along with other small animals.
