Is Governor Knowles State Forest first-come first-served or reservation?

Governor Knowles 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.

Can I see photos of campsites at Governor Knowles State Forest before I book?

Yes! Governor Knowles State Forest has 2 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

Are there showers at Governor Knowles State Forest?

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

Can I have a campfire at Governor Knowles State Forest?

Fire policies at Governor Knowles State Forest: 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.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

Is there cell service at Governor Knowles State Forest?

Cell phone service at Governor Knowles 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 Knowles State Forest have?

Governor Knowles State Forest has 90 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Governor Knowles State Forest?

Yes, pets are allowed at Governor Knowles State Forest. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Governor Knowles State Forest?

Governor Knowles State Forest offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Electrical Hookups, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Governor Knowles State Forest?

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

Governor Knowles State Forest

4.20

55 reviews

Top 23% in WIWinter

Featured in:Best Campgrounds Wisconsin

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

814 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

90 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Electric

Book on Wisconsin DNR Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

814 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

90 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Electric

Book on Wisconsin DNR Official Website

Get Directions

Governor Knowles State Forest

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No paid fee categories listed.

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Campground Map

Governor Knowles State Forest

45.7723, -92.7759

Weather at Governor Knowles State Forest

Best Time to Camp at Governor Knowles State Forest

Fall delivers the best conditions. September through October sees daytime highs in the mid-40s to low 60s°F with crisp nights, excellent foliage color along the cliffs and rim trails, and far fewer biting insects than summer. Spring and summer mean aggressive ticks, mosquitoes, horse flies, and deer flies until the first frost. Multiple reviewers report very large numbers of ticks during warm months. Winter offers bug-free quiet but requires cold-weather gear. If you visit before late fall, bring strong insect repellent and check yourself carefully.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Fall cited as best: crisp days, excellent foliage along cliffs and far fewer biting insects.

Planning Tips

About Governor Knowles State Forest

Governor Knowles State Forest sits along the wild St. Croix River in northwestern Wisconsin, offering 90 campsites for visitors who don't mind rustic conditions. The campground has tent, RV, and primitive sites scattered across multiple areas, with vault toilets, fire rings, and limited electric hookups. One water spigot serves the entire property.

A mix of developed and primitive camping opportunities within a state forest: family campgrounds, equestrian campgrounds, and remote backpack/primitive sites.

Weather and SeasonsFall delivers the best conditions. September through October sees daytime highs in the mid-40s to low 60s°F with crisp nights, excellent foliage color along the cliffs and rim trails, and far fewer biting insects than summer. Spring and summer mean aggressive ticks, mosquitoes, horse flies, and deer flies until the first frost. Multiple reviewers report very large numbers of ticks during warm months. Winter offers bug-free quiet but requires cold-weather gear. If you visit before late fall, bring strong insect repellent and check yourself carefully.

Natural Features and SceneryDense hardwood forest covers rolling terrain at 814 feet elevation, where the St. Croix and Wood Rivers meet. The Sandrock Cliffs Trail climbs to dramatic overlooks before dropping to quiet riverside beaches. Miles of trails wind through the canopy, popular with both hikers and equestrians. River access points allow paddling, fishing, and swimming. Fall brings brilliant color to the hardwoods, and wildlife sightings increase as deer, eagles, and migratory birds move through the valley.

Geological RegionSt. Croix River valley / Upper St. Croix River region

Scenic ViewsScenic river vistas and cliff overlooks (Sandrock Cliffs) with wooded river valley views along trail corridors and river access points.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsGoingToCamp (https://wisconsin.goingtocamp.com); primitive site reservations reported to require email requests 7 days in advance

Total Campsites90 campsites

Best CampsitesSt. Croix family campground sites get the most praise for seclusion, tree coverage, grass, and good fire rings. Trade River equestrian sites are fairly private. Primitive backcountry sites are well-spaced but uneven. Some have trails running through them or limited flat ground for tents. Two electric sites are designated handicap access only. Reservations are required for primitive sites.

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Amenities available

Rustic, minimal-services campgrounds with pit toilets and very limited potable water. Sites are described as large, secluded, and well-spaced with fire rings and grills; no showers and little to no running water.

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Fire rings

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

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

Fishing

Swimming

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsHeavy 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.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available at this campground. Expect vault or pit toilets only.

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

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.2

55 reviews

Satisfactory

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 55 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 55 reviews

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 55 reviews

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 55 reviews

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 55 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

Paddlers, equestrians, and hikers who want elbow room and Sandrock Cliffs to themselves will find this place at its best in September and October, when the hardwoods peak and the insects finally quit.

Skip if

No showers, one potable water spigot for 90 sites, and pit toilets only, if minimal facilities bother you, or you're visiting before first frost, the tick density alone has driven off multiple reviewers.

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Guest Houses - Norway Point Campground

St. Croix State Park

Norway Point Group Center sits on Lake Clayton in St. Croix State Park, offering rustic cabins and a private beach built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1937. The facility hosts six historic guest house cabins plus a sprawling group campus with 28 additional cabins across four villages, a dining hall with commercial kitchen, and dedicated tenting areas. Reviewers consistently call it a favorite for large family reunions and multi-family gatherings, with space for 50+ people.