Nebraska National Forest

At times, the roads were rough, and that's the only negative thing I have to say about our experiences there. Seemingly endless hiking trails, ATV trails, and tons of fresh air to breath. Bring all you will need because you will find only one vault toilet; everything else is up to you, and it is so worth any and all effort it takes. Camping locations are everywhere; just get off the trail and/or road. We were there in November, and the local animal population stayed hidden from us, so did the people. We only saw a half dozen other people in the 10 days we stayed. Views are breathtaking and encourage inner peace. Sunsets are stunning, and the night skies give you glimpses of our own Milky Way Galaxy. It was windy at times but nestled amongst the trees; we weren't bothered at all. I would go back in a heartbeat. Remember, pack it in and pack it out!

Why would anyone want to visit this desolate "forest". The views are so boring being the middle of the sandhills. What a joke, this so called forest was the worlds largest man-made forest. The abundance of deer, turkey, coyote, bald eagles, prairie dogs are such a nuisance. The trails are terrible, most are designated for 4x4, high-clearance vehicles or utv's, which my Jeep absolutely hates. Please, by all means, do not even think about going to the Nebraska National Forest. Go visit Colorado, they need more people cluttering, polluting, and congesting their mountains. Leave this place to those that only want the seclusion, solitude and retreat that it provides. ;)

I grew up in the area and completely took it for granted! I came back to visit family after 10 years of living in the city and I was just in awe. We went four wheeling at coffee mill/pine ridge trail off of deadhorse road, and... WOW!!! The fire took out a lot of the trees, but it was still really beautiful. It was quiet, with wildflower filled meadows! We even saw some cows! My 5 year old got a kick out of that!

Such a strange National Forest! We've camped here twice now and love it. It appears that the (misguided) management goal was once to plant this lovely grassland to exotic trees, thus create a local timber industry (who was going to cut them? There are no loggers in the sandhills! What mill were they going to? The closest is 100s of miles away!). Since this effort failed (thank God) it seems this forest has been largely abandoned. Roads get little upkeep, trees are dying. This place is a real gem and could use a working budget and some restoration (tree removal and grassland restoration) but unfortunately most of the USFS budget is going to protecting the homes of millionaires in CO and CA these days instead of managing our National Forests. I hope they get a budget and restore these grasslands, starting with a prescribed fire program. As a visitor I'd suggest 4wd is important to have. We enjoy dispersed camping out in the grasslands. Birdwatching is really phenomenal. The only trails are for ATVs so awful to hike on due to soft sand and lots of noise but get GAIA (a GPS app) and you can find lots of beautiful, little-used roads to hike and explore. Most campgrounds are used by the ATV crowd so expect a lot of noise and dust if you use a campground.. I think the campground by their office might have water? Everything else you are on your own. Have fun exploring!