Governor Dodge State Park

4.42

156 reviews

Quick Facts

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Allowed

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Wisconsin DNR site

Get Directions

Quick Facts

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Allowed

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Wisconsin DNR site

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

Total Campsite Fees$0.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

167,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground

Going To Camp

Provider

+1-608-935-2315

What Campers Say

4.42

Recommended

Based on 156 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

Best Time to Camp at Governor Dodge State Park

The park welcomes visitors year-round from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., with each season painting the landscape in different colors and moods. Summer weekends buzz with activity (and occasional afternoon thunderstorms that clear as quickly as they arrive), while spring and fall offer quieter trails and comfortable temperatures. Keep in mind that the park's varied terrain creates its own microclimates—exposed prairie hilltops might be breezy and warm while the valleys below stay cool and sheltered, so pack layers and prepare for nature's surprises.

Spring (Mar-May)

Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.

Best

Summer (Jun-Aug)

Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.

Fall (Sep-Nov)

Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.

Winter (Dec-Feb)

Off-season, limited services. Check for closures before visiting.

Planning Tips

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

About Governor Dodge State Park

Sprawling across 5,000+ acres of Wisconsin's stunning Driftless Area, Governor Dodge State Park invites you to explore a landscape of dramatic sandstone bluffs, hidden valleys, and two sparkling lakes. Whether you're pitching a tent at a family-friendly campsite, backpacking to a secluded spot, or chasing the mist at Stephen's Falls, this park delivers the perfect blend of adventure and natural beauty for every type of outdoor enthusiast.

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 SignificanceThe Stephen’s Falls area includes a spring house noted in park materials and visitor reports; reviews reference local homestead history and small historic features along some trails.

Weather and SeasonsThe park welcomes visitors year-round from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., with each season painting the landscape in different colors and moods. Summer weekends buzz with activity (and occasional afternoon thunderstorms that clear as quickly as they arrive), while spring and fall offer quieter trails and comfortable temperatures. Keep in mind that the park's varied terrain creates its own microclimates—exposed prairie hilltops might be breezy and warm while the valleys below stay cool and sheltered, so pack layers and prepare for nature's surprises.

Natural Features and SceneryImagine wandering through deep, forested valleys where sandstone bluffs tower overhead and rocky outcrops frame your path like natural sculptures. Cox Hollow and Twin Valley lakes beckon swimmers, paddlers, and anglers with their pristine waters and sandy beaches, while Stephen's Falls cascades through the landscape as a must-see centerpiece. Don't miss the mysterious Lost Canyon area, where small canyons and restored prairies create an ever-changing tapestry of ecosystems—each turn reveals something new, from sun-drenched grasslands to cool, shaded ravines.

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

Campsite details

Total Campsitesnull campsites

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive are allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Open and Closed SeasonPark property open year-round; park hours 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.

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

Amenities available

Showers

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Flush toilets

Electricity hookups

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

Extensive trail network of varying difficulty including Lost Canyon, Stephen's Falls, Lakeview, Pine Cliff and longer loops; trails traverse bluffs, valleys, prairie and lakeshores.

Fishing

Fishing is available on Cox Hollow and Twin Valley lakes; concession at Cox Hollow sells bait and reviewers note Twin Valley is popular for musky.

Swimming

Designated beaches at Cox Hollow and Twin Valley with lifeguard status not specified; reviewers praise family-friendly beaches and note occasional goose droppings on some days.

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Campground rules

Pets are allowed

Hazards

General hazardsCommon 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.

Weather at Governor Dodge State Park

-5

°F

Dec 14

Sunday

Clear sky

Precipitation: 0%

Humidity: 65%

Wind: 12 mph

Clear sky

Weather History

Weather data powered by Open-Meteo

Detailed 7-Day Forecast

Reveal forecast

Good to know

Common complaintsPark can be very busy on summer weekends and electric sites book up early; some reviewers note entrance confusion, campsites closer together in some loops, and variable bathhouse/shower cleanliness or inconsistent hot water.

Campground Map

Governor Dodge State Park

Reviews from booking and map sources

4.4

156 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 156 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 156 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 156 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 156 reviews