Governor Knowles State Forest

Star4.09
47 reviews
Governor Knowles State Forest
Peace & QuietGreat Hiking

Quick Facts

814 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

90 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectric

Opens Wisconsin DNR site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

February 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

February 2026
Governor 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

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What 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."

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Campground Map

Governor Knowles State Forest

Governor Knowles State Forest

45.7723, -92.7759

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).

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.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.0 / 5

Lush, active season but persistent biting insects make summer a mixed experience.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.5 / 5

Cooler temps, fall colors, and fewer insects; scenic overlooks ideal for autumn visits.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Spring brings lush growth and wildlife but also heavy ticks/mosquitoes per reviews.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
3.0 / 5

Some cross-country skiing/hiking available; quieter season but fewer services and activities.

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.
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    Amenities available

    Potable water
    Electricity hookups
    Fire rings
    Vault toilets

    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.
    HikingMany 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.
    FishingSt. Croix River access for fishing (reports of smallmouth bass); river fishing and floating are common activities.
    SwimmingVisitors have swum in the St. Croix River, though some report the water can be grimy or less than ideal for swimming.
    Biking
    Boating
    Wildlife viewing
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    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.

    Weather at Governor Knowles State Forest

    Reviews

    4.1
    47 reviews
    Satisfactory
    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 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...
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    Based on 47 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...
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    Based on 47 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...
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    Based on 47 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...
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    Based on 47 reviews
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    Last updated February 17, 2026
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