Governor Earl Peshtigo River State Forest
4.6913 reviewsGovernor Earl Peshtigo River State Forest
Quick Facts
Price
Varies
Booking
Reservable
Sites
Varies
Season
Year-round
Cell
Has Service
Pets
Not Allowed
Quick Facts
Price
Varies
Booking
Reservable
Sites
Varies
Season
Year-round
Cell
Has Service
Pets
Not Allowed
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
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
ProviderWhat 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."
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.
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
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.
Weather and SeasonsSummer 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.
Natural Features and SceneryPicture 9,200 acres of mixed hardwood and conifer forest wrapping around over 3,200 acres of shimmering water—the expansive High Falls and Caldron Falls flowages alone create a paddler's paradise. The Peshtigo River is a study in contrasts: one moment you're navigating exciting whitewater sections, the next you're drifting across mirror-calm pools flanked by rocky banks and towering pines. Old Veteran's Lake offers a more intimate experience—a crystalline gem with a sandy swim area nestled against undeveloped shoreline, perfect for families seeking a gentler introduction to the Northwoods.
Geological RegionNortheast Wisconsin / Northwoods along the Peshtigo River (river-focused state forest with mixed northern hardwood and conifer forest, flowages and lakes).
Advertisement
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 not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Reservation PlatformsGoingToCamp (https://wisconsin.goingtocamp.com)
Amenities available
Cell phone service
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.
Hiking
Hiking 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.Fishing
Fishing 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).Swimming
Old Veteran’s Lake has a small designated swim area for family swimming; other flowage shorelines are used for water access and beaching boats.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
Hazards
General hazardsChallenging 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
-3
°F
Dec 14
Sunday
Mainly clear
Precipitation: 0%
Humidity: 69%
Wind: 7.5 mph
Mainly clear
Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Detailed 7-Day Forecast
Powered by AI weather analysis
Reveal forecast
Good to know
Common complaintsLimited shore fishing access in some spots and busy conditions on holiday weekends; facilities are rustic (primitive toilets and few amenities), which may disappoint RV campers seeking hookups.
Campground Map
Governor Earl Peshtigo River State Forest
Reviews from booking and map sources
4.7
13 reviews
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...
Based on 13 reviewsShow more
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 13 reviewsShow more
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 13 reviewsShow more
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 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
0
0 review
1
2
3
4
5
Last updated December 14, 2025
Advertisement