Governor Earl Peshtigo River State Forest

Star4.69
13 reviews
Governor Earl Peshtigo River State Forest
Scenic ViewsSummer Destination

Quick Facts

932 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

33 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Check Policy

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Real-Time Availability

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February 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

February 2026
Governor Earl Peshtigo River State Forest
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

4.69

Top-Rated

Based on 13 reviews

156 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peacefulhikinglakefriendly

"Reviews are overwhelmingly positive: visitors praise the scenic Peshtigo River, flowages and island/boat‑in campsites, strong paddling/boating opportunities, quiet Northwoods atmosphere, and well‑maintained natural shoreline areas."

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Campground Map

Governor Earl Peshtigo River State Forest

Governor Earl Peshtigo River State Forest

45.2952, -88.1984


Best Time to Camp at Governor Earl Peshtigo River State Forest

Summer here means warm days ideal for diving into cool lake water and lazy paddles across sun-dappled flowages. Spring and fall bring their own moody beauty, though trails can turn muddy during thaw and access may be limited. Winter transforms the forest into a hushed, frozen landscape. Pack bug spray for mosquitoes and ticks during the warmer months, and always bring layers—Northwoods weather keeps you guessing, and conditions can shift from sunny to damp without much warning.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
5.0 / 5
Top 1% in WI

Warm days, swimming and prime paddling/boating season make summer the top season here.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Spring and fall bring moody beauty; fall foliage likely enhances river scenery.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Spring offers moody beauty but trails can be muddy during thaw; paddling possible.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.0 / 5

No winter activities described; likely limited access and rustic facilities in winter.

Planning Tips

    About Governor Earl Peshtigo River State Forest

    Tucked into northeast Wisconsin's Northwoods, Governor Earl Peshtigo River State Forest unfolds along the dramatic Peshtigo River, where whitewater rushes give way to glassy flowages. Whether you're pitching your tent at the intimate Old Veteran's Lake campground or paddling out to a secluded island site, you'll find the kind of quiet, rustic river experience that makes you forget the outside world exists.
    A mix of a small family campground (Old Veteran’s Lake) and many primitive/primitive boat‑in and island campsites along the Peshtigo River and flowages.
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    Amenities available

    Vault toilets

    Activities you can enjoy

    River- and flowage-centered recreation dominates: paddling and boating across calm flowages and whitewater reaches, fishing, hiking to remote sites, and lakeside swimming at Old Veteran’s Lake.
    HikingHiking and portage use around flowages and to remote campsites; most remote camps have informal or volunteer trails and some routes rely on GPS rather than marked trails.
    FishingFishing is popular on the Peshtigo River and on High Falls and Caldron Falls flowages; anglers report good catches, especially above the falls and from boats/islands (some reviewers note limited shore fishing spots).
    SwimmingOld Veteran’s Lake has a small designated swim area for family swimming; other flowage shorelines are used for water access and beaching boats.
    Boating
    Wildlife viewing
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    Policies & Safety

    Hazards & AlertsChallenging whitewater sections on the Peshtigo River that may exceed some paddlers' experience; insects and ticks in warm months; no potable water at remote/boat‑in sites (bring and treat water); spring thaw can create muddy or partially inaccessible trails. Cell coverage can be spotty or absent in some areas.

    Weather at Governor Earl Peshtigo River State Forest

    Reviews

    4.7
    13 reviews
    Top-Rated
    Top-Rated
    Governor Earl Peshtigo River State Forest is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
    Reviews are overwhelmingly positive: visitors praise the scenic Peshtigo River, flowages and island/boat‑in campsites, strong paddling/boating opportunities, quiet Northwoods atmosphere, and well‑maintained natural shoreline areas.
    Review Summaries
    Based on 13 reviews

    What Campers Love

    Scenic river and flowages (High Falls, Caldron Falls), island and boat‑in campsites, excellent paddling/boating, abundant wildlife (loons, eagles), peaceful/wooded setting, family‑friendly swim area...
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    Based on 13 reviews

    Common Concerns

    Available camper reviews are generally positive and do not feature many repeated complaints. The main drawbacks are **rustic facilities** (pit toilets, minimal amenities, no hookups) at Old Veteran’s...
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    Based on 13 reviews

    Pro Tips & Recommendations

    Reserve popular island/boat‑in/flowage sites early and consider weekday visits to avoid holiday crowds; bring and treat your own water for remote sites, pack out garbage, and come prepared for...
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    Based on 13 reviews

    Camper Quotes

    “High Falls and Caldron Falls flowages - great recreational areas.” — “Always beautiful! … Plenty of islands to anchor and hang out.” — “One of my favorite places to get lost in the woods!”
    Based on 13 reviews

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    Last updated February 17, 2026
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