Governor Knowles State Forest
4.0947 reviewsGovernor Knowles State Forest
Quick Facts
Price
Varies
Booking
Reservable
Sites
Varies
Season
Year-round
Cell
Has Service
Pets
Allowed
RV FriendlyElectric
Get DirectionsQuick Facts
Price
Varies
Booking
Reservable
Sites
Varies
Season
Year-round
Cell
Has Service
Pets
Allowed
RV FriendlyElectric
Get DirectionsGovernor Knowles 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
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Going To Camp
ProviderWhat Campers Say
4.09
Satisfactory
Based on 47 reviews
205 Google reviews
Most mentioned
peacefulspacioushikingsites
"Reviews are mixed but consistent: reviewers praise the quiet, secluded campsites, large site sizes, and excellent trail and river access, while repeatedly noting very limited facilities and significant biting‑insect (especially tick) problems."
Best Time to Camp at Governor Knowles State Forest
Timing your visit makes all the difference at Governor Knowles. Spring and summer bring lush greenery and vibrant wildlife, but also persistent biting insects—ticks, mosquitoes, horse flies, and deer flies can be aggressive until the first frost arrives. Winter transforms the forest into a serene, bug-free wonderland with quiet trails perfect for cold-weather hiking, though you'll want to bundle up. Seasoned campers recommend visiting in late fall or winter for the most comfortable experience, or come prepared with insect protection during warmer months.
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 Knowles State Forest
Escape to Governor Knowles State Forest, where the wild St. Croix River winds through pristine Wisconsin woodland, offering adventurous campers a true backcountry experience. With spacious, secluded campsites ranging from family-friendly spots to equestrian and primitive backcountry options, this is camping for those who crave solitude and don't mind roughing it with minimal amenities.
A mix of developed and primitive camping opportunities within a state forest: family campgrounds, equestrian campgrounds, and remote backpack/primitive sites.
Weather and SeasonsTiming your visit makes all the difference at Governor Knowles. Spring and summer bring lush greenery and vibrant wildlife, but also persistent biting insects—ticks, mosquitoes, horse flies, and deer flies can be aggressive until the first frost arrives. Winter transforms the forest into a serene, bug-free wonderland with quiet trails perfect for cold-weather hiking, though you'll want to bundle up. Seasoned campers recommend visiting in late fall or winter for the most comfortable experience, or come prepared with insect protection during warmer months.
Natural Features and SceneryMiles of forest trails weave through dense hardwood canopy, leading you to breathtaking vistas where the St. Croix and Wood Rivers converge below. The crown jewel is the Sandrock Cliffs Trail, where dramatic overlooks reward hikers before the path descends to quiet riverside beaches. Whether you're exploring on foot or horseback, the groomed trail system offers endless opportunities to immerse yourself in the forest, with river access points providing perfect spots for a cooling dip or peaceful contemplation.
Geological RegionSt. Croix River valley / Upper St. Croix River region
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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
Reservation PlatformsGoingToCamp (https://wisconsin.goingtocamp.com); primitive site reservations reported to require email requests 7 days in advance
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Cell phone service
Vault toilets
Electricity hookups
Activities you can enjoy
Extensive trails and river access make this forest popular for hiking, equestrian use, paddling and fishing; sites serve as bases for river activities and wildlife viewing.
Hiking
Many miles of hiking trails including Sandrock Cliffs Trail with scenic overlooks and trails that parallel the St. Croix River; some trails can be soft or have downed trees in places.Fishing
St. Croix River access for fishing (reports of smallmouth bass); river fishing and floating are common activities.Swimming
Visitors have swum in the St. Croix River, though some report the water can be grimy or less than ideal for swimming.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Visitors report that natural dead-and-down wood may be gathered for campfires in some areas and bundled firewood may be available for sale; consult Wisconsin DNR for official fire regulations and any seasonal fire restrictions.
Hazards
General hazardsHeavy tick and biting-insect presence (ticks, horse flies, deer flies, mosquitoes); fallen trees and poor trail markings reported on some trails; some primitive sites have stagnant water or trails running through the site; river water quality may be poor in places per visitor reports.
Weather at Governor Knowles State Forest
-16
°F
Dec 14
Sunday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Humidity: 58%
Wind: 5.6 mph
Clear sky
Weather History
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Good to know
Common complaintsCommon complaints are heavy insect/tick infestations (multiple reports of very large numbers of ticks), lack of showers and running water, limited potable water (reviewers note effectively one faucet for the campground), rustic pit toilets, occasional downed trees on trails, and occasional noisy campers/partying.
Campground Map
Governor Knowles State Forest
Driving directionsAccessible via Wisconsin Highway 70 at the St. Croix River crossing; campground and trailheads provide access to St. Croix River and nearby Nelson Landing.
Located along Highway 70 at the St. Croix River crossing (Wisconsin/Minnesota border area).Reviews from booking and map sources
4.1
47 reviews
Governor Knowles State Forest is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews are mixed but consistent: reviewers praise the quiet, secluded campsites, large site sizes, and excellent trail and river access, while repeatedly noting very limited facilities and significant biting‑insect (especially tick) problems.
Review Summaries
Based on 47 reviews
What Campers Love
Frequently mentioned positives include spacious, well‑spaced and private campsites, excellent hiking and equestrian trails (including Sandrock Cliffs), scenic St. Croix River access for fishing and...
Based on 47 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Biting insects; poor trail markings near campsites; some primitive sites have stagnant water sources, trails running through them, and limited tent space next to fire pit; non-flush bathrooms with no...
Based on 47 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Bring strong insect repellent and check for ticks; expect rustic facilities and plan to pack out trash; reservations required for primitive sites (per park rules) and note that two electric sites are...
Based on 47 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
Selected quotes from reviewers: 'The camping spots are HUGE...'; 'no showers, no outdoor water faucets, no sinks...'; 'Went to a remote backpack site and had serious tick infestation...'; 'Love the...
Based on 47 reviewsShow more
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Last updated December 14, 2025
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