- Ampitheater
- Boating
- Camping
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, swimming, fishing and picnicking on the west side of Bridgeport, Nebraska. It encompasses about 326 acres, including 78 acres of water in five sandpit lakes.
Park visitors enjoy personal watercrafts at Bridgeport State Recreation Area. Nebraskaland Magazine/Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.
Fall colors adorn Bridgeport State Recreation Area in the North Platte River valley. Justin Haag, Nebraskaland Magazine/Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
Campers at Bridgeport State Recreation Area in Morrill County along the shoreline. Justin Haag, Nebraskaland Magazine/Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
A swim beach at Bridgeport State Recreation Area. Bob Grier, Nebraskaland Magazine/Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
A small amphitheater is available for reservation. To reserve the amphitheater or to inquire about hosting a special event, please contact Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area at 308-436-3777.
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 swimming and day use 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 has one small shelter near the swim beach, two designated group fire grills with benches and two horseshoe pits available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
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.
Food, lodging, fuel and groceries are available in nearby Bridgeport, population 1,545.
Also nearby are landmarks Courthouse Rock and Jail Rock, which are massive rock formations that became guiding landmarks for fur traders and emigrants in the early 1800s. The rocks are open to the public.
Chimney Rock National Historic Site interprets the history of one of the most famous landmarks on the Oregon, California and Mormon Trails.
Scotts Bluff National Monument, located in western Nebraska, is a striking geological formation that rises dramatically above the plains. It is historically significant as a landmark along the Oregon, California, and Mormon Pioneer Trails, serving as a guidepost for settlers traveling westward in the 1800s. Visitors can explore scenic trails, learn about the area’s history at the visitor center, and enjoy stunning vistas of the North Platte River Valley.
Wildcat Hills SRA offers a scenic retreat with rolling hills, rugged terrain, and expansive views of the surrounding landscape. The area is known for its diverse wildlife, hiking trails, and picnic areas, making it a popular spot for outdoor activities like hiking, birdwatching, and camping.
Bridgeport State Recreation Area offers 72 designated Basic camp sites, all of which are first-come, first served. Campers must register their nightly camping fees in a raised, locked box called an Iron Ranger. Self-service envelopes are provided at each station and accept cash or checks only.
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. An RV dump and fill station is located near the park entrance.
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.
