Bridgeport
- Road
- Paved
- Permit
- Not required
- Dogs
- Allowed
Entry fee: $10 at Bridgeport north/south lots. Bridgeport is a river on the South Yuba River in Nevada County, California. See every spot on the South Yuba River.
Closures and warnings
Moving water can turn dangerous quickly. No fires, alcohol, glass, or barbecues. Covered bridge reopened to walking Nov 4, 2021 after rehabilitation. As of September 28, 2026.
Before you swim
| Swimming allowed | Yes |
|---|---|
| Water type | River |
| Entry | Walk in |
| Current | Strong |
| Water clarity | Park highlights swimming holes along this stretch of the South Yuba; water is swift and cold. |
- Family Beach : Dogs not allowed from the covered bridge 200 feet downstream on both sides of the river.
Access
| Road | Paved |
|---|---|
| Parking | North and south lots at Bridgeport, 17660 Pleasant Valley Road, Penn Valley. Cemetery lot and legal roadside on Pleasant Valley Road are free; main lots require the fee. |
| Fee | $10 at Bridgeport north/south lots; cemetery lot and legal roadside free |
| Hours | Sunrise to sunset |
| Reservation or permit | Not required |
| Wheelchair access | Independence Trail was the first identified wheelchair-accessible wilderness trail in the country; west sections remain closed after the Jones Fire. Confirm open segments before relying on access. |
| Managed by | California State Parks (South Yuba River State Park) |
| Restrooms | Yes |
|---|---|
| Drinking water | Yes |
| Picnic sites | Yes |
| Note | Visitor Center at Bridgeport open most Fridays and Saturdays depending on staff. Loaner life jackets available at Bridgeport. |
Rules
| Dogs | Allowed |
|---|---|
| Fires | Not allowed |
| Glass | Not allowed |
Common questions
Common questions
Is Bridgeport open?
Moving water can turn dangerous quickly. No fires, alcohol, glass, or barbecues. Covered bridge reopened to walking Nov 4, 2021 after rehabilitation. As of September 28, 2026. Hours: Sunrise to sunset.
Can you swim at Bridgeport?
Yes, swimming is allowed at Bridgeport. A strong current is reported here, use caution.
How do you get to Bridgeport?
The road in is paved. Parking: North and south lots at Bridgeport, 17660 Pleasant Valley Road, Penn Valley. Cemetery lot and legal roadside on Pleasant Valley Road are free; main lots require the fee.
Do you need a reservation for Bridgeport?
No reservation or permit is required.
Is there a fee at Bridgeport?
The fee is $10 at Bridgeport north/south lots; cemetery lot and legal roadside free.
What facilities are at Bridgeport?
Restrooms, drinking water, and picnic sites. Visitor Center at Bridgeport open most Fridays and Saturdays depending on staff. Loaner life jackets available at Bridgeport.
What are the rules at Bridgeport?
Dogs are allowed, fires are not allowed, and glass containers are not allowed.
Nearby
Sources
2
- https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=496 (accessed September 28, 2026; backs manager, waterbodyName, access.hours, access.amenities, access.wheelchairAccess, rules.dogs, beaches, rules.fires / rules.glass, swimmerNotes.swimmingAllowed, hazardNote)
- https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=27898 (accessed September 28, 2026; backs access.fee, access.parking)