Is Governor Earl Peshtigo River State Forest first-come first-served or reservation?

Governor Earl Peshtigo River State Forest 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.

Are there showers at Governor Earl Peshtigo River State Forest?

Governor Earl Peshtigo River State Forest does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Is there cell service at Governor Earl Peshtigo River State Forest?

Cell phone service at Governor Earl Peshtigo River State Forest is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does Governor Earl Peshtigo River State Forest have?

Governor Earl Peshtigo River State Forest has 33 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Governor Earl Peshtigo River State Forest?

Pets are not allowed at Governor Earl Peshtigo River State Forest. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Governor Earl Peshtigo River State Forest?

Governor Earl Peshtigo River State Forest offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Governor Earl Peshtigo River State Forest?

Popular activities at Governor Earl Peshtigo River State Forest include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Governor Earl Peshtigo River State Forest

4.69

16 reviews

Top 23% in WISummer

Scenic ViewsSummer Destination

Featured in:Best Campgrounds Wisconsin

Quick Facts

932 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

33 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Wisconsin DNR Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

932 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

33 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Wisconsin DNR Official Website

Get Directions

Governor Earl Peshtigo River State Forest

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No paid fee categories listed.

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Campground Map

Governor Earl Peshtigo River State Forest

45.2952, -88.1984

Weather at Governor Earl Peshtigo River State Forest

Best Time to Camp at Governor Earl Peshtigo River State Forest

Summer brings daytime highs in the 70s–80s°F and nights in the 50s–60s°F. Reliable weather for paddling, swimming, and island camping. Water levels stay stable, flowages are fully navigable, and the forest canopy fills out completely. This is peak season for boat-in sites and the warmest window for swimming at Old Veteran's Lake. Holiday weekends get busy; weekdays are quieter. Spring and fall turn trails muddy during thaw, and access to some areas can be limited. Mosquitoes and ticks are active in warm months. Winter locks the flowages in ice and turns the forest silent, though few visit then.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 23% in WI

Summer temps, stable water levels, paddling, swimming and island camping are ideal in summer.

Planning Tips

About Governor Earl Peshtigo River State Forest

Governor Earl Peshtigo River State Forest spreads across 9,200 acres of northeast Wisconsin Northwoods, anchored by the Peshtigo River and its expansive flowages. The forest offers 33 primitive tent sites split between the family-friendly Old Veteran's Lake campground and secluded boat-in island sites on High Falls and Caldron Falls flowages. Cell service is solid at Old Veteran's Lake (good T-Mobile, excellent AT&T 5G) but drops off in remote sections.

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.

Weather and SeasonsSummer brings daytime highs in the 70s–80s°F and nights in the 50s–60s°F. Reliable weather for paddling, swimming, and island camping. Water levels stay stable, flowages are fully navigable, and the forest canopy fills out completely. This is peak season for boat-in sites and the warmest window for swimming at Old Veteran's Lake. Holiday weekends get busy; weekdays are quieter. Spring and fall turn trails muddy during thaw, and access to some areas can be limited. Mosquitoes and ticks are active in warm months. Winter locks the flowages in ice and turns the forest silent, though few visit then.

Natural Features and SceneryThe Peshtigo River runs through mixed northern hardwood and conifer forest, shifting from whitewater sections to calm flowages that cover over 3,200 acres of water. High Falls and Caldron Falls flowages stretch wide enough for long paddles, their rocky, pine-lined banks undeveloped and wild. Old Veteran's Lake sits smaller and quieter, with a sandy swim area and clear water tucked against natural shoreline. Wildlife is abundant: loons call across the flowages, eagles hunt overhead, and the dense forest keeps most campsites screened from neighbors. At 932 feet elevation, the terrain is gently rolling, with enough topography to keep views interesting from the water.

Geological RegionNortheast Wisconsin / Northwoods along the Peshtigo River (river-focused state forest with mixed northern hardwood and conifer forest, flowages and lakes).

Scenic ViewsRiver and flowage shoreline views, island and lakeside campsites, wooded Northwoods scenery, and dark night skies; notable scenic features include High Falls and Caldron Falls flowages and stretches of whitewater on the Peshtigo River.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

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

Total Campsites33 campsites

Best CampsitesBoat-in island sites on High Falls and Caldron Falls flowages are the most prized. Reviewers mention paddling out for privacy, direct water access, and unobstructed views. Lakefront sites at Old Veteran's Lake are easiest to reach and popular with families for the nearby swim area. Reserve flowage and island sites early, especially for summer weekends.

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GoingToCamp Guide

Booking tips & windows

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Amenities available

Mostly rustic, water-focused camping with a small family campground (Old Veteran’s Lake) and numerous primitive boat‑in, island, and river‑side sites. Facilities are basic: pit toilets/privies and a solar drinking fountain at Old Veteran’s Lake; no utility hookups.

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

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.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

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.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

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.

Trip Planning Tools

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

Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.7

16 reviews

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 16 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...

Based on 16 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...

Based on 16 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...

Based on 16 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 16 reviews

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Governor Earl Peshtigo River State Forest

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No paid fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

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

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

256,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Going To Camp

Provider

Go if

Paddlers and anglers who'll haul their own gear by boat: the island sites on the flowages are genuinely remote, wildlife-heavy, and worth reserving early on GoingToCamp. AT&T and T-Mobile users camp comfortably at Old Veteran's Lake.

Skip if

No hookups, no water at remote sites, and pit toilets only. Verizon is dead at Old Veteran's Lake, and the Peshtigo's whitewater sections can outpace casual paddlers who underestimate the current.

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