Phillip H.
Scout
ScoutRiverside Park Campground
Nice Little Spot
Friendly host. Easy to register online with QR at campsite. Has electric and water and if needed sewer. Reasonable prices.
Camping near Bridgeport, NE
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
Bridgeport, Nebraska serves as a central access point to several campgrounds with varying amenities and landscapes. The area features developed facilities like Bridgeport State Recreation Area with tent and RV sites, along with full-service options at Chimney Rock Pioneer Crossing, which also offers a cabin rental. Most campgrounds in the region provide basic services including picnic tables, drinking water, and trash disposal, while several feature full hookups for RVs. The proximity to landmarks such as Chimney Rock and Scotts Bluff National Monument makes these campgrounds popular bases for exploring the region's historical sites and natural features.
Access to most campgrounds remains available year-round, though summer brings higher visitation rates and occasional mosquito activity. Reservations are recommended during peak season at facilities like Riverside Park Campground, which operates from April to October. "When you pull up to this campground it is on the corner of two busy highways. It is surrounded by trees which cuts a little of the traffic noise out," noted one visitor about J & C RV Park. Most campgrounds in the area maintain gravel sites with limited shade, so summer heat can be a consideration when planning visits. Train noise affects several locations, particularly those near Oliver Reservoir and Bayard City Park, where trains pass regularly throughout the night.
Campers consistently mention the views of local landmarks as highlights of their stay. Chimney Rock Pioneer Crossing receives positive feedback for its proximity to the historic formation, with one camper noting, "My husband had never seen Chimney Rock, and I had never seen Chimney Rock lit up at night. All I have to say is Wow!" The area's campgrounds generally offer practical, no-frills accommodations rather than scenic isolation. Most developed sites provide full hookups for RVs, while tent camping options are more limited. The region's campgrounds tend to be small, with Chimney Rock Pioneer Crossing hosting just 15 pull-through sites plus a single cabin. Water access can be found at Lake Minatare State Recreation Area's Butte View Campground, where sites back up to the lake, offering both recreational opportunities and scenic views.
Best Campgrounds near Bridgeport (24)
1. Bridgeport State Rec Area
"I've never been a fan of the lake itself as it's a bunch of smaller pockets of water with the main lake being donut shaped and they allow boats to be in it that can go around in circles."
"Clean water lake. We out in our canoe for late afternoon fishing. Our 25 ft trailer right on the little lake fed by the North Platte. No bugs to speak of!"
2. Chimney Rock Pioneer Crossing
"Pioneer Crossing is located between Bridgeport and Scottsbluff. It’s a small 15 pull through campground($38/night) with 1 cabin which is $60/night."
"Quick drive to see Chimney Rock closer and a few trails to hike if you like. Visitors Center is 2 min away. We got groceries in Bridgeport. Nice town with a big gas station with diesel and def. "
3. Bayard City Park
"This spot is basically three gravel RV spots next to a park. The park was nice and the gravel was pretty flat. It has a dumpster, port-a-potty, shaded tables, and a water spigot."
"Three spots with electric and water next to a nice park. Convenient well stocked grocery store in town. Thank you Town of Bayard"
4. Robidoux RV Park
"Very large sites, spaced well away from neighbors. Grounds are meticulously kept. Would have stayed here longer, but it was 100 degrees in the shade!"
"The sites are spaced out nicely and there is plenty of room for dog walking and kids playing frisbee or softball or catch or just about anything."
5. Cabela's RV Park & Campground
"Right next to the Cabela’s store, within walking distance to food, coffee, Walmart. It is, however, right next to a major highway, so it is very loud."
"I would hardly think it would need to be a huge park on the sandhills of Nebraska!"
6. Bayard City Park
7. Riverside Park Campground
"This campground is in the city park right next to the zoo so you can hear the peacocks screaming. Says you must reserve ahead of time online but it must be done before 12 hours prior."
"Since it’s close to the city, it’s not located in a completely natural setting, but that’s perfectly fine for what it offers."
8. West Wind - Lake Minatare SRA
"At Lake Minatare there are primative and normal campsites. The primative spots are where ever you feel is fit."
"Walking around the beach by the lake was so nice and we found a fun tire swing. There were only a few other people there and we had a great campfire."
9. Butte View Campground - Lake Minatare SRA
"Although this is the Butte View area, all the sites back up to the lake. We did not have reservations but there were plenty of walk up sites available."
"We are here on a Monday and Tuesday and one of 4 campers on this whole side of the lake. The sight is level, all sites are in the tall cottonwood trees, which is great for shade."
from $30 / night
Check Availability10. Oliver Reservoir State Recreation Area
"Was able to find a spot in the dark and get set up away from people and close to the lake. Camping was peaceful but the best part was the pictures I got of the lake and the night sky."
"This is a large, well maintained, campground situated on a beautiful lake. It is a short hop off from I-80 on state route 30 and could not seem further from the interstate!"
Drive Time
- 1 hr 45 min from Cheyenne, WY
- 2 hrs 27 min from Fort Collins, CO
- 2 hrs 40 min from Greeley, CO
- 3 hrs 4 min from Boulder, CO
Recent Camping Photos near Bridgeport, NE
12 Photos of 24 Bridgeport Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Recent Reviews near Bridgeport, NE
137 Reviews of 24 Bridgeport Campgrounds
- RRuth U.
TravelerCabela's RV Park & Campground
Great places to spend a night
There is a very long way between campgrounds in NE! The prairie seemed unending and finally found a spot to hook up. The sites are small.. but it worked. I would hardly think it would need to be a huge park on the sandhills of Nebraska!
Karen C.TravelerRiverside Park Campground
Quiet, level, good price
Not much shade here, but the sites are level. My van doesn't need electricity, so I'm in a $12 tent site. Pay by phone. Good cell signal. Easy access on a dirt road. Class A and fifth wheels are here, too.
Exsavory M.ScoutCaptain Critters Country Campground
Better off going somewhere else if you can
The lady that runs it says that she is always broke and that’s why she can’t afford to take care of the campground as well as she should. It is over run by weeds. She doesn’t set any traps for pest control like mice, the mice will get in your rv and chew things up. She has dogs that also bark during the night and a train that blows its horn right next to the campground. As well as she said she would have a bathroom and laundry room on the property, but she has been telling people that for 3 years now. So you will have to go to a laundry mat and if you don’t have a bathroom you will need to go in town.
- DDave K.Scout
Riverside Park Campground
It’s OK
Great location along the river with good walking paths and next to the YMCA camp and zoo. Good for traveling through on a hot night with hooks ups. Downside is the bathroom facilities. Not horrible but not exactly clean. You need to check in online to get the bathroom codes. We texted a number from the reservation confirmation to get this info
- CClayton O.Scout
Cabela's RV Park & Campground
Decent campground
Nice bathroom facilities. Reasonably priced for full hook up. Was here on a 100 degree day. Only a few sites with good shade.
Philip P.
GuidePeaceful Prairie Campsites - Gering, Nebraska
Off beaten path and well worth it
Decided to stay here bc it came up on Hipcamp bc it’s close to Scott’s Bluff Monument. The owner of the private property could not have been nicer. She sent me perfect directions (via pin) and directed me towards one of her sites that has a fire pit and picnic table. Additionally, she has the best well drinking water and a hose to refill tanks. The outdoor shower is an old but repurposed water tank and the toilet facility (port a potty) is very well maintained. Waking up on the plains here so close to the Oregon trail was a treat.
Ashley M.TravelerRiverside Park Campground
Lovely peaceful haven
This campsite is great sun is plentiful and the wifi came out of a cracker jack box but the host is pleasant and there are two bodies of water to fish out of 2 min walk away. Spacious spots and not much crowding with really nice tent sites on the low number reservations 1-3
- HHope H.Guide
Cabela's RV Park & Campground
Lifesaver in NE
Cabela's Sydney Good Sam. June 12. Got in late and was so thankful to find this place as dusk was waning and the Lake Ogallala area was requiring two nights at every campground. The parking lot was full of refrigerated rigs, no thanks, and then I turned the corner and found the campground. Self service check in was well lit and signed. I stayed in the tent camping area and did not check out the facilities.,20% discount for Cabelas members and 10% for AAA.
Guide to Bridgeport
Bridgeport, Nebraska sits at an elevation of 3,665 feet in the North Platte River Valley, where summer temperatures typically range from 85-95°F during peak camping season. The surrounding landscape features a mix of sandstone bluffs, grasslands, and riparian areas along the North Platte River. Many campgrounds in this region remain open from April through October, with limited wintertime availability at select locations.
What to Do
Fishing at multiple lakes: Bridgeport State Rec Area offers sandy-bottomed fishing spots in several connected lakes. "Very nice, yet smaller body of water. Sandy lake great for jet skis," notes Michelle S. about the recreation area's water activities.
Hiking near geological landmarks: Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area features interconnected trails that climb to elevations around 5,000 feet. "There are 4 main trail heads interconnect through rough, minimally maintained hiking trails that climb up to 5,000 feet. Backpack a lunch to the bottom of the canyon," advises Joe R.
Night viewing of illuminated landmarks: Chimney Rock Pioneer Crossing offers unique evening views of the historic formation with special lighting. "I arrived late last night to chimney rock completely lit up. Very beautiful," reports Nicole B., highlighting one of the region's most distinctive evening experiences.
What Campers Like
Easy access to historical sites: The camping areas around Bridgeport serve as convenient bases for exploring regional landmarks. "This campground is great for visiting nearby Chimney Rock and Scott's Bluff National Monument," explains Tina B. about Bayard City Park's convenient location.
Budget-friendly options: Several campgrounds offer economical stays, particularly for self-contained units. "For the price it was a good place to stop for the night," mentions Shannon G. about Riverside Park Campground, where tent sites cost just $10 while full-hookup sites run $25.
Small campgrounds with basic amenities: Campers appreciate the straightforward setups without unnecessary frills. "There are only about 4 campsites in Wildcat Hills but there are various campsites around the area," Kylie C. explains about the region's smaller camping areas that offer solitude despite limited facilities.
What You Should Know
Train noise affects multiple locations: Railroad tracks run near several campgrounds in the area. "Railroad goes right by it so be ready for constant train traffic," warns Ryan S. about Bridgeport State Rec Area, a factor to consider when selecting a campsite.
Sprinkler systems can surprise campers: Multiple campgrounds use automatic irrigation systems. "Sprinklers turn on at 9:30 so don't leave anything out," cautions Nicole about Cabela's RV Park, while another camper at Chimney Rock Pioneer Crossing advises: "Don't put a tent or anything you don't want getting wet on the grass next to your pad."
Limited shade at most sites: The region's campgrounds typically feature open, exposed sites. "The sites are gravel and full hook ups and no trees," Shannon G. points out about Chimney Rock Pioneer Crossing's layout, which is representative of many area campgrounds.
Tips for Camping with Families
Playgrounds and recreation facilities: Several campgrounds include play areas for children. Robidoux RV Park offers "a playground and basketball court," according to Lori C., making it suitable for families needing to keep children entertained.
Avoid peak mosquito season: Insects can be problematic at certain campgrounds. "Mosquitoes are hungry here! Be prepared for that," warns a camper at Chimney Rock Pioneer Crossing, suggesting bug spray as an essential item during summer months.
Water recreation options: Butte View Campground at Lake Minatare offers lakeside camping. "Although this is the Butte View area, all the sites back up to the lake," notes Sue G., explaining the direct water access that appeals to families.
Tips from RVers
Pull-through availability: Several campgrounds accommodate larger rigs without disconnecting. "We pulled in around 6:30 and the shop with ice cream and food items was closed. Several hook ups and sites for full size rigs," notes one RVer about camping options at Chimney Rock.
Reservoir campgrounds for water views: RVers seeking scenic water views have specific options. "Most sites are water front," Mike P. explains about Bridgeport State Recreation Area, which features sites with direct reservoir access.
Limited full-hookup availability: Advance reservations are recommended for full-service sites. Cabela's RV Park & Campground in nearby Sidney offers "Options for full hookups, electric only, or simply parking in the parking lot. Full hookup ~$40 depending on your discounts," according to Kerri M., providing a range of options for different needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near Bridgeport, NE?
Which is the most popular campground near Bridgeport, NE?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Bridgeport, NE is Bridgeport State Rec Area with a 4.2-star rating from 5 reviews.
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