Bridgeport State Park

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A graphic with an exclamation point in the center of the circle ATtention

Bridgeport State Park is closed temporarily due to storm damage. Please call (509) 686-7231 for more information.

Fishing, sagebrush and chill time: what more could a desert vacationer want?

Set directly behind Chief Joseph Dam on the Columbia River, Bridgeport State Park offers sunny fun on Rufus Woods Lake. 

The lake, a reservoir of the Columbia River, is perfect for swimming, boating and year-round fishing. Walleye and rainbow trout practically leap from the lake, where most fishing is done by boat. Satisfied with your catch? Take the kids waterskiing, or go waterskiing yourself! 

After an energetic day on the lake, take some hammock time and gaze at the orchards across the Columbia. Or poke around the north side of the park, where haystack volcanic formations are a reminder of the area's turbulent geology. Enjoy the high-desert landscape, including the scent of sage and the sight of bright lupine blooms. 

The kids will enjoy the park's playground and seasonal Saturday interpretive programs offered by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Chief Joseph Dam makes for an interesting side trip.

Park features

Bridgeport State Park is a 622-acre camping park with 7,500 feet of freshwater shoreline on Rufus Woods Lake. Set directly behind Chief Joseph Dam, the park provides 18 acres of lawn and a bit of shade in the midst of a desert terrain.

Discover Pass: A Discover Pass is required for vehicle access to state parks for day use. For more information about the Discover Pass and exemptions, please visit the Discover Pass web page.

  1. Activities
  2. Boating
  3. Camping
  4. History
  5. Maps

ada amenities/facilities

  • Campground
  • Picnic area
  • Restroom
  • Trail

Use our interactive ADA recreation map to search for other state parks with ADA amenities and facilities.

Picnic & day-use facilities

The first-come, first-served day-use area provides 20 unsheltered picnic tables.

Activities

Trails

  • 4 miles of hiking trails

Water activities & features

  • 240 feet of dock
  • Boating
  • Boat ramps (2)
  • Fishing (freshwater)
  • Personal watercraft use
  • Swimming
  • Waterskiing

Other activities & features

  • Barbeque stands
  • Bird watching
  • Gazebos, sheltered (2)
  • Sailboarding
  • Wildlife viewing
  • WiFi

Interpretive opportunities

Interpretive programs are provided by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Subjects include the operation of Chief Joseph Dam, area wildlife and many other topics of local interest. Programs are usually on Saturdays during the summer season.

Additional information

  • Play area for children with a big toy.
  • The lake is abundant in rainbow trout, silvers and walleye. Fishing is open year round. Most fishing is by boat. Shore fishing requires a Colville Tribe fishing license in addition to a state license if fishing off of state park property. Colville Tribe fishing licenses can be purchased at the park or in the cities of Bridgeport or Brewster.
  • A recreational license is required for fishing and shellfish harvesting at Washington state parks. For regulations, fishing season information, or to purchase a recreational license, visit the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.
  • Printable park brochure (PDF).