Map showing campground location near Bridgeport, Nebraska

Camper submitted image from Bridgeport State Rec Area

Bridgeport State Rec Area

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Paddlers and anglers have good reason to put Bridgeport State Recreation Area on their itinerary. The campground sits alongside a lake fed by the North Platte River, and most sites are waterfront, giving campers direct access to the water without a long walk from the car. The lake has a donut-shaped main section with a small island at its center, and all watercraft circle that island, which reviewers note can feel congested given the layout. Sandy beaches are present along parts of the shoreline. Boating, swimming, and fishing are the primary draws here.

A few practical realities are worth knowing before arrival. The Burlington Northern rail line runs directly adjacent to the recreation area, and train traffic is frequent enough that light sleepers should plan accordingly. Sites vary in their proximity to the water, with at least some positioned more inland and away from the lake. Nightly camping fees run $15 for non-residents, with a $14 day-use fee. The campground is open year-round and allows pets, campfires, and alcohol. A dump station is on-site, and the area has cell service.

"Clear water, some sandy beaches," notes Mike P., capturing what draws most visitors to this spot. Anglers report getting out on the water in canoes during afternoon hours. For those building a longer western Nebraska itinerary, Chimney Rock Pioneer Crossing is roughly 12 miles to the west, and camp sites near Bridgeport can be browsed for additional options in the area. Campers sensitive to train noise should bring earplugs regardless of the season.

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Map & DirectionsBridgeport State Rec Area is located in Nebraska near Bridgeport

Public Campground

Directions

Located West of Bridgeport off NE Hwys 26 and 92.

Coordinates

41.67900017 N
103.11100075 W

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Connectivity

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Verified by 4 users
Last on 7/27/26

Connectivity

Presented by

T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More

T-Mobile5G
Excellent Coverage
Verizon5G
Excellent Coverage
AT&TLTE
Some Coverage
Verified by 4 users
Last on 7/27/26

Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site

Site Types

Tent Sites
RV Sites
Group
Equestrian

Features

For Campers

Trash
Picnic Table
Phone Service
Drinking Water
Toilets
Alcohol
Pets
Fires

For Vehicles

Sanitary Dump

Contact

General Info

Drive Time

1 hr 47 min from Cheyenne, WY
2 hrs 29 min from Fort Collins, CO
2 hrs 42 min from Greeley, CO
3 hrs 6 min from Boulder, CO

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Reviews5 Camper Reviews - Bridgeport State Rec Area

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5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

4.0

out of 5

5 Reviews

Many campers appreciated the waterfront sites and clean lake with reasonable $15/night pricing. Train noise from nearby railroad was noted as a concern by some visitors.

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Mindy H.

Scout

Reviewed Aug. 10, 2025

Bridgeport NE State Park

Nice campspot more secluded but not by the lake like most campsites. It has a few connected lakes with campsites, boating, swimming, fishing, and other water activities. Cost is $15 per night for camping and non-resident $14 per day.

Site62

Month of VisitAugust

Bonnie R.

Traveler

Reviewed Jul. 20, 2025

Sweet family lake

Super friendly helpful locals. 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!

Site14

Month of VisitJuly

Ryan S.

Guide

Reviewed Jun. 28, 2025

Locals call this "The Pits"

As a person that's from this area I can say that the camping is nice. 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. Definitely seems like an accident waiting to happen. Railroad goes right by it so be ready for constant train traffic as well.

Site63

Month of VisitJune

Mike P.

Scout

Reviewed Jul. 17, 2021

Small lake

Clear water, some sandy beaches. All water craft circle a small island. Most sites are water front.

Site29 and 37

Month of VisitJuly

Michelle S.

Traveler

Reviewed Aug. 5, 2018

Clean water, spots next to water.. serenity

Very nice, yet smaller body of water. Sandy lake great for jet skis.

Frequently Asked Questions

What scenic views can I photograph at Bridgeport State Recreation Area?

Bridgeport State Recreation Area offers several picturesque views perfect for photography enthusiasts. The donut-shaped main lake provides serene water scenes, especially during sunrise and sunset. There's a small island in the middle of the lake that creates an interesting focal point. The area features clear waters with sandy beaches along some sections of shoreline. Waterfront campsites also offer beautiful perspectives of the lake, particularly in the golden hours when the water reflects the sky colors. The smaller pockets of water connected to the main lake create additional composition opportunities for nature photographers.

How do visitors rate Bridgeport State Recreation Area?

Visitors generally rate Bridgeport State Recreation Area quite favorably. The campground receives consistent 4-5 star ratings from guests who appreciate the clear water, sandy beaches, and waterfront camping opportunities. Guests particularly praise the cleanliness of the lake, the friendly and helpful locals, and the overall camping experience. Some note that while the lake itself has an unusual donut shape with smaller connected water pockets, this provides varied recreational opportunities. The minimal bug presence is another positive highlight mentioned by campers enjoying the area.

What activities can visitors enjoy at Bridgeport Lake in Nebraska?

Bridgeport Lake offers numerous recreational activities for visitors. The clear water is ideal for swimming, and the sandy beaches provide great access points. Fishing is popular, especially in the late afternoon. Boating enthusiasts can enjoy jet skiing on the sandy lake and powerboating around the small island. Canoeing is another excellent option for a more peaceful water experience. The lake's unique donut shape and connected smaller pockets of water create varied environments for water recreation. The waterfront campsites also allow for easy access to these activities right from your campsite.

What camping options are available at Bridgeport State Recreation Area?

Bridgeport State Recreation Area offers waterfront campsites around the donut-shaped lake, with most sites providing direct lake access. Camping costs $15 per night, plus a $14 per day entrance fee for non-residents. The area accommodates various camping setups, including RVs up to 25 feet in length. Some campsites are more secluded and set back from the water, offering a quieter experience, while others provide immediate water access. The campground layout features several connected lakes with camping areas distributed around them.

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