U.S. Forest Service · Nebraska National Forests and Grasslands · Nebraska

Whitetail Campground

Located in the southeastern corner of the Bessey Ranger District on the Dismal River, this 10-site campground has a hand pump for water, nine horse corrals, picnic tables, fire rings, and modern vault toilets. It is situated on the OHV trail system. No electricity is available.

Open nowFirst-come, first-servedFrom $15 per nightTents only

More like this: first-come in Nebraska · tent only in Nebraska

Amenities & rules

EquipmentTents
Fees$15.00 per night to be paid within 30 minutes of arrival. Fee envelopes and a collection box are provided at the entrance.

Individual sites vary. Confirm on Recreation.gov or with the managing office.

Season & status

StatusOpen
ForestNebraska National Forests and Grasslands
Fees$15.00 per night to be paid within 30 minutes of arrival. Fee envelopes and a collection box are provided at the entrance.
RulesLivestock must be kept and fed in the corrals. No portable panels or electric fencing are allowed. Certified weed-free hay is required. No livestock are allowed in the campground.

Nebraska National Forests and Grasslands recreation page ↗

Weather by month

NOAA climate normals →
Weather by month near Whitetail Campground20°30°40°50°60°70°80°JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecJanuary: 24.9°F averageFebruary: 27.8°F averageMarch: 37.7°F averageApril: 46.9°F averageMay: 57.8°F averageJune: 68.0°F averageJuly: 74.1°F averageAugust: 71.8°F averageSeptember: 62.9°F averageOctober: 49.3°F averageNovember: 36.5°F averageDecember: 26.5°F averageTemp °F
The line is the average temperature at Purdum, 19 miles from the campground at 2,690 feet, station USC00256970 in the NOAA monthly climate normals for 1991 to 2020.

Getting there

Coordinates41.7966° N, 100.2646° W · Directions ↗

Explore

Trails nearby

Forest Service trail data →
  • 0.2 mi
    Dismal River Trail ↗
    9.3 mi trail · hiking, horse, bike, motorcycle and 1 more
  • 2.3 mi
    Fenceline Trail
    1.2 mi trail · hiking, horse, bike, motorcycle and 2 more
  • 3.5 mi
    Poison Ivy Trail
    2.9 mi trail · hiking, horse, bike, motorcycle and 1 more

Trail and trailhead records are the Forest Service's. Distances are straight-line to the nearer trail end. Trail conditions are not tracked here.

Guidebooks for Nebraska and camping across the country

We earn a small commission if you buy through these links. It does not change what we list.

  • Custer, Cody, and Grand Duke Alexis
    Douglas D. Scott, 2013
    Find at Bookshop.org
  • Best Easy Day Hikes Lincoln and Omaha
    Michael Ream, 2011
    Find at Bookshop.org
  • Frommer's Exploring America by RV
    Harry Basch and Shirley Slater, 2012
    Find at Bookshop.org

Titles come from Open Library's catalog, matched by subject heading or by title.

Reference

Questions people ask

Do I need a reservation at Whitetail Campground?

No. Whitetail Campground is first-come, first-served. Sites are taken on arrival and paid at the fee station.

Source: Forest Service

How much does it cost to camp at Whitetail Campground?

$15.00 per night to be paid within 30 minutes of arrival. Fee envelopes and a collection box are provided at the entrance.

Source: Forest Service

Is Whitetail Campground open right now?

Open as of Oct 26, 2026.

Source: Forest Service status

Can I bring an RV to Whitetail Campground?

Whitetail Campground is listed for tents only.

Source: Forest Service

What if Whitetail Campground is full?

The nearest public campgrounds are Bessey Recreation Complex (7.4 mi, partly first-come), Natick Campground (9.6 mi, first-come), and Steer Creek Campground (76.6 mi, first-come).

Source: Campgrounds nearby