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Bridgeport

State Recreation Area

100 Recreation Rd. | Bridgeport, NE 69336

Those looking for shady campsites and sandy beaches will enjoy a visit to Bridgeport State Recreation Area, a relatively small but popular spot for power-boating and non-motorized water sports, camping and picnicking on the west side of Bridgeport, Nebraska. It encompasses about 326 acres, including 78 acres of water in five sandpit lakes.

The park has a variety of amenities including overnight camping, a swimming beach, day use shelters and areas, along with fishing and hunting opportunities.

Features

  • Boating
  • Camping
  • Fishing
  • Hunting
  • Picnicking
  • Playground
  • Swimming

Attractions

Boating is popular at Bridgeport SRA. All boats are permitted on Center Lake, the largest of the recreation area’s lakes, however, boat traffic must travel in a counterclockwise direction and No-Wake Zones are near the boat ramp and swimming area.

Kayaking, canoeing and paddleboarding are popular at the smaller lakes including East and West lakes. All of the smaller lakes are limited to non-powered vessels and those powered by conventional electric outboard motors.

Center Lake features a large day-use and swimming area near the park entrance that has abundant shade, cooking grills and picnic tables with an accessible vault latrine close-by. Swimming is only allowed in the designated area on Center Lake.

The park features one small shelter near the swim beach, two designated group fire grills with benches, two horseshoe pits, and a small amphitheater for special events. All features are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

To reserve the amphitheater or to inquire about hosting a special event, please contact Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area at 308-436-3777.

Anglers will find a lot of variety at the area, with catchable size rainbow trout stocked in Center Lake and Northwest Lake. Cutthroat trout, a species not common in Nebraska, have been stocked there, as well. Other species include walleye, largemouth bass, bluegill, yellow perch, and channel catfish.

For more information on fishing opportunities here and at parks across the state, visit the interactive public fishing areas map. This map provides detailed information on available species, regulations, public boat ramps, fish cleaning stations and ADA-accessible boat ramps and docks, among other features in reservoirs, lakes, streams and rivers statewide. Lake contour maps are available for some lakes, as well.

Bridgeport

Food, lodging, fuel and groceries are available in nearby Bridgeport, population 1,545. Also nearby are landmarks Courthouse Rock and Jail Rock. Just down the road you will find such attractions as the Chimney Rock National Historic Site, Scotts Bluff National Monument and Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area.

Camping

Bridgeport State Recreation Area offers 72 designated Basic camp sites, all of which are first-come, first served. Each site features a ground grill and picnic table. Sites vary in size and location, but the area has a variety of waterfront, grass and secluded sites available.

Amenities include an RV dump and fill station, located near the park entrance; primitive restrooms; garbage containers through the area; and drinking water at the swimming beach. Campers must register at the self-pay station at the park entrance and may contact the Camp Host for questions. Check or cash only.

Contact Us

100 Recreation Rd.
Bridgeport, NE 69336

Park Pricing

A park entry permit is required to visit state parks and may be purchased at the park, statewide Game and Parks offices and permit vendors, or in advance of your arrival online. View those fees, as well as attraction and amenity pricing.

Fishing Permits

Purchase stamps, resident and non-resident fishing permits here.