Is Governor Dodge State Park first-come first-served or reservation?

Governor Dodge State Park accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Governor Dodge State Park before I book?

Yes! Governor Dodge State Park has 18 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Governor Dodge State Park?

Governor Dodge State Park is open Park property open year-round; park hours 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Governor Dodge State Park?

Yes, Governor Dodge State Park has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

How many campsites does Governor Dodge State Park have?

Governor Dodge State Park has 317 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Governor Dodge State Park?

Yes, pets are allowed at Governor Dodge State Park. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Governor Dodge State Park?

Governor Dodge State Park offers: Restrooms, Showers, Electrical Hookups, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Governor Dodge State Park?

Popular activities at Governor Dodge State Park include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Biking, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Governor Dodge State Park

4.48

255 reviews

Scenic ViewsGreat HikingSummer Destination

Featured in:Hiking Camping Wisconsin

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,270 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

317 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

ElectricShowers

Book on Wisconsin DNR Set up a cancellation alert Official Website

Get Directions

Governor Dodge State Park is a popular campground. Set up a free alert to catch cancellations.

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,270 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

317 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

ElectricShowers

Book on Wisconsin DNR Set up a cancellation alert Official Website

Get Directions

Governor Dodge State Park

No fees available

Campsite Fees

Standard Site Fee$0.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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What Campers Say

4.48

Recommended

Based on 255 reviews

2396 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanhikinglakebeach

"Most reviewers give high marks for hiking, scenery, two lakes with beaches and rentals, and generally well-kept campgrounds. Stephen's Falls and the Lost Canyon trail are frequently highlighted; campgrounds range from family-friendly loops to secluded backpacking sites."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Governor Dodge State Park

43.0184, -90.1395

Best Time to Camp at Governor Dodge State Park

Fall delivers the park's signature drama. Daytime highs run 45–65°F, nights dip into the 30s, and the sandstone bluffs and valley hardwoods light up with color. Stephen's Falls and bluff overlooks are at their best, and trails quiet down on weekdays and most weekends outside peak color weeks. Summer weekends get busy. Electric sites book early. And afternoon thunderstorms roll through and clear quickly. Spring and fall offer comfortable temps and fewer crowds, though you'll want layers for the elevation changes and microclimates.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

5.0 / 5

Top 11% in WI

Fall foliage on bluffs and valleys is described as the park's signature season.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Park property open year-round; park hours 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.

About Governor Dodge State Park

Governor Dodge State Park spreads across 5,000+ acres of Wisconsin's Driftless Area, where sandstone bluffs, deep valleys, and two lakes anchor 317 campsites ranging from electric hookups to backpacking spots. Stephen's Falls and Lost Canyon draw hikers, while Cox Hollow and Twin Valley lakes offer swimming and boating. The park sits at 1,270 feet elevation with varied terrain that creates microclimates throughout.

Multiple campground experiences: family drive-in loops (Cox Hollow, Twin Valley), electric loops, walk-in/backpacking sites, and an equestrian campground with horse facilities and trails.

Historical Significance

A spring house near Stephen's Falls marks homestead-era use of the area. Some trails pass small historic features tied to early settlers, though the park is better known for its geology than its human history.

Weather and SeasonsFall delivers the park's signature drama. Daytime highs run 45–65°F, nights dip into the 30s, and the sandstone bluffs and valley hardwoods light up with color. Stephen's Falls and bluff overlooks are at their best, and trails quiet down on weekdays and most weekends outside peak color weeks. Summer weekends get busy. Electric sites book early. And afternoon thunderstorms roll through and clear quickly. Spring and fall offer comfortable temps and fewer crowds, though you'll want layers for the elevation changes and microclimates.

Natural Features and ScenerySandstone bluffs rise above forested valleys carved by the glacial-bypass topography of the Driftless Area. Cox Hollow and Twin Valley lakes sit in separate valleys, each with a sandy beach and clear water for swimming, paddling, and fishing. Stephen's Falls cascades through one drainage, while Lost Canyon features small slot canyons and restored prairie grasslands. Rocky outcrops punctuate the trails, and the mix of hardwood forest, prairie, and valley ecosystems shifts with elevation and aspect. The terrain is genuinely hilly. Exposed hilltops can be breezy and warm while valley floors stay cooler and shaded.

Geological RegionDriftless Area (characterized by steep hills, bluffs, and deep valleys)

Scenic ViewsScenic vistas include bluff overlooks, valley floors, lakeshores and the small canyon at Stephen’s Falls; some trails pass through open prairie pockets offering wildflower views.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsGoingToCamp (https://wisconsin.goingtocamp.com)

Total Campsites317 campsites

Best CampsitesSite 16 has an asphalt pad and accessible path to flush toilets. Cox Hollow site 77 sits close to trails and water access. Site 270 and neighboring walk-in spots work well for hammock camping and backpackers looking for distance from the family loops. Walk-in and backpacking sites are quieter and more secluded than the drive-in campgrounds, where spacing tightens in some loops.

Need help booking Governor Dodge State Park?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

GoingToCamp Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Governor Dodge State Park has developed campgrounds with flush toilets, shower houses, concession/rental services at Cox Hollow beach, firewood sales at the park entrance, and on-site beach concessions. Campgrounds include a mix of drive-in family loops, walk-in/backpacking sites and an equestrian camping area.

Showers

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Picnic tables

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Wide range of recreation: extensive hiking trails (including Stephen's Falls and Lost Canyon), two lakes with beaches and boat rentals, fishing, equestrian trails and camping, biking and winter skiing opportunities.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsCommon visitor-reported hazards include biting insects/mosquitoes (notably in prairie and shaded wet areas), bold raccoons around campsites, goose droppings at some beaches, and steep/uneven terrain on many trails.

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Weather at Governor Dodge State Park

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.5

255 reviews

Recommended

Governor Dodge State Park is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

Most reviewers give high marks for hiking, scenery, two lakes with beaches and rentals, and generally well-kept campgrounds. Stephen's Falls and the Lost Canyon trail are frequently highlighted; campgrounds range from family-friendly loops to secluded backpacking sites.

Review Summaries

Based on 255 reviews

What Campers Love

Outstanding hiking (Stephen's Falls, Lost Canyon), two lakes with beaches and on-beach concessions/rentals, clean flush toilets and shower houses reported by many, firewood sold at the park entrance,...

Based on 255 reviews

Common Concerns

• **Rude or overzealous wardens/DNR agents.** Multiple reviewers on TripAdvisor and HipCamp complain about “rude and demeaning” wardens or “invasive DNR agents,” especially around quiet hours and...

Based on 255 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Reserve early for summer and electric sites; visit popular hike spots (Stephen's Falls, Lost Canyon) early in the morning to avoid crowds; secure food and trash because raccoons are common; bring...

Based on 255 reviews