Governor Dodge State Park RV & Campground Guide
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Governor Dodge State Park, named after Henry Dodge, the first governor of the Wisconsin Territory, is one of the largest parks in the state. With 5,350 acres of land, visitors can view and enjoy steep hills, bluffs, deep valleys and two lakes, plus a waterfall. The park is located in the scenic Driftless Hills area and there are plenty of nature activities to enjoy, including camping, picnicking, canoeing, fishing, biking, hiking, off-road biking, horseback riding and even cross-country skiing. If you’re considering Governor Dodge State Park for your next camping trip, or are just interested in what makes it unique, read on!
Spring 40s-60s F
Summer 60s-80s F
Fall 40s-70s F
Winter 10s-30s F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Governor Dodge State Park
Not sure you want to camp in an uncomfortable tent under the stars? Sounds like a glamping trip in an RV is more your speed! When choosing an RV for your camping trip, you’ll have a private bathroom, a kitchen for making your own meals or snacks and best of all, a comfortable bed to enjoy each night. If you’re considering an RV, think about renting one fromRVshare.com. It’s simple and easy to find the perfect RV that meets not just your budget, but all your needs. All rentals come with nationwide insurance and 24/7 roadside assistance, plus access to a helpful support team to make the selection process a breeze.
After selecting your perfect RV, it’s time to find a perfect spot to park it while enjoying the state park! Governor Dodge State Park offers 269 campsites across two campgrounds, right on site within the park. Electrical hookups are available at 80 sites, and there are also backpack, winter and horse campsites as well. There are various facilities and services within each campground. For more information,click here. Sites may fill up quickly, but there are some local campgrounds in the area worth checking out. These include:
Tom’s Campground
Set on 55 acres in rural Wisconsin, Tom’s Campground is located just 20 minutes from the state park, and is nestled into a hillside with beautiful views of the pasture and a trout stream. The quiet, beautiful campground offers plenty of solitude but also many fun amenities. Keep in mind that campsites are reserved on a first-come, first served basis, and camping season is from mid-April to November, weather dependent. Rates begin at $30 a night.
Water hookup: yes
Electrical hookup: yes
Sewer hookup: no
Wifi: yes
Pet-friendly: yes
Other amenities: campfire rings, showers and flush toilets, pit toilet and dump station, snack area
Hideaway Campground
Hideaway Campground is located just 15 minutes from the state park and is nestled against hundreds of acres of another park, Point Beach State Forest. The campground is five minutes from the historic downtown area and just minutes from several bicycle and hiking trails. It’s also located nearby a restaurant/pub on the south side of the campground, making the location a great one! There’s plenty to do both inside the campground and out of it. Rates begin at $37 a night.
Water hookup: yes
Electrical hookup: yes
Sewer hookup: yes
Wifi: yes
Pet-friendly: yes
Other amenities: fire rings, picnic tables, bathroom/shower facility, play area, firewood and ice for sale
What to Do at
Governor Dodge State Park
Inside Governor Dodge State Park
With two lakes, nearly 40 miles of trails and a huge variety of wildlife, there is so much to do and see inside Governor Dodge State Park. There is truly something for everyone to enjoy at the park. Here are some of the different options:
Water Activities – With two lakes located inside Governor Dodge State Park, there is plenty of water fun to enjoy! Swimming beaches are located on both lakes, open from 6am – 11pm. There are bathhouses available for restroom facilities, changing and more.
If boating, kayaking and canoeing is more your speed, there are rentals available Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day in addition to the spring and fall at the Cox Hollow Beach concession stand. There are launch ramps on both lakes, and electric motors only are permitted.
Anglers can also try their luck with fishing on both lakes, fishing for bass, walleye, muskie and panfish. Fishing licenses are required.
Trails – There are 10 trails within the Governor Dodge State Park covering nearly 40 miles and visitors can enjoy hiking, running, mountain biking, horseback riding, snowmobiling and cross-country skiing. Trail difficulty ranges, so there is a trail for every activity and fitness level. There are also 22 miles of bridle trails for horseback riding.
Wildlife Viewing – From tiny muskrats to large white-tailed deer, Governor Dodge State Park is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including wild turkeys, ruffed grouse, red and grey fox, beaver, woodchucks, red-tailed hawks, turkey vultures and more than 150 species of birds! Hit the trails or stop to relax along open fields and wood edges to try to catch some of the wildlife in action.
How to Get to
Governor Dodge State Park
Governor Dodge State Park is located on State Highway 23 N in Dodgeville, WI. It is accessible from State Highway 18. For more information and directions,click here.
Entering Governor Dodge State Park
Entering Governor Dodge State Park does require an admission fee, per vehicle. There are also annual vehicle admission stickers available for purchase.
Governor Dodge State Park Wisconsin residents : $8.0
Governor Dodge State Park Non-residents : $22.0
Whether you’re doing some wintertime cross country skiing or kayaking in one of the lakes at Governor Dodge State Park, you’re sure to have a wonderful time getting away. And we want to hear all about it! Shoot us a photo and some details of your trip at [email protected], or tag us in your social media posts. We may just feature your story on our blog or social media channels. Happy camping!
Frequently Asked Questions About Governor Dodge State Park
Summer or early fall is the best time to visit this park because it abounds with active wildlife during these times. It is also known for its various hiking trails.
Red-tailed hawks and turkey vultures are only two of over 150 species of birds that can be found in Governor Dodge State Park. You will also find white-tailed deer, wild turkey, red fox, beaver, grey fox, woodchucks, muskrats and coyotes.
All available campsites at Governor Dodge State Park are reservable. A reservation is recommended to ensure you have a guaranteed space. The price varies on the season, residency, and campsite type.
Governor Dodge State Park welcomes responsible pet owners and their pets. Your pet must be on a leash no longer than 8 feet at all times. However, particular areas, such as beach areas and playgrounds, are off-limits to pets.
The park has some areas that are accessible for disabled visitors. It offers various accessible campsites as well as Stephen’s Falls Trail.