Camping at Governor Dodge State Park

Governor Dodge is the place to camp in Southwestern Wisconsin. With almost 300 campsites, there is plenty to choose from.

Family Camping

The family campgrounds of Cox Hollow and Twin Valley hold the 'traditional' style of campsites. Most sites consist of a driveway with a tenting/picnic area directly adjacent (with the exception of the few walk-to sites). Each individual site consists of a fire-ring and picnic table and is limited to 6 people of one family unit. Each site is limited to one wheeled camper. There are no limits on tents as long as they are kept within the camping area.

Several of the family campsites offer electricity at the site. No sites offer water onsite, but a dump and fill station is located in both campgrounds.

Camp-Hosts stay in both family campgrounds and can offer-up plenty of helpful knowledge, besides being great volunteers for the park.

Horse Camping

The Horse Campground is located between Cox Hollow and Twin Valley campgrounds. Each site is limited to 6 people or one family (with the exception of the group sites). Campers are allowed one wheeled camper per site. The sites consist of a fire-ring and a picnic table. Tether poles are on each site, check the campsite description for numbers.

11 horse campsites are located near the interior horse loop. Shelter building, vault toilets and water spigot are on hand. Ride all day on either the 7 mile interior loop or the 15 mile exterior loop, then stay for the night at this rustic campground.

Backpacking

Located in the Hickory Ridge Group Camp Area, the backpack sites are a great place to get away. 6 sites are reached from a ½ mile trail. Water is accessed at the parking lot and vault toilets are located near group site H.

Each backpack site has a fire-ring and picnic table. Sites are limited to 6 people or one family.

Camping with a Group

Sites A thru H offer an opportunity to share a camping experience with a large group. Whether it's a scout troop, family reunion or just a bunch of friends, these large sites present the perfect area to bring everyone together.

Flush toilet and shower building is located in the center of the group camp area, and vault toilets are at every site. Each site has a large fire-ring and a few picnic tables. People are limited based on the maximum occupancy listed in the campsite description. One wheeled camper is allowed to stay in the parking area for each group.

Park Fees and Rules

Every vehicle that enters the park is required to have a valid state park admission sticker. Any camping fees are in addition to the admission sticker.

Camping reservations must be made through Reserve America, but many sites are available on a first-come first-served basis. Reservations are highly recommended in the summer.

For camping reservations or to check availability, you must go through Reserve America by either calling 888-947-2757 or their website.

As of June 1, 2010 you may only bring firewood into the park if it originated from within 25 miles of the park and from the state of Wisconsin. Any firewood brought from further than 25 miles or from outside Wisconsin will be confiscated.

Due to the discovery of Emerald Ash Borer, firewood from Vernon and Crawford counties are now banned.

Camping Reservations

All campsite reservations for all State Parks in Wisconsin are done through Reserve America. Reserve America is a private company who has the resources to handle reservations online or via a toll-free number. You may call 1-888-947-2757 or go directly to the Reserve America website. In making a reservation, there is a reservation fee involved.

An alternative to making reservations is coming to the park and taking a campsite on a first-come first serve basis. There is no reservation fee involved, but there is also no guarantee of a campsite.

Camping F.A.Q.

Standard	Most camping units will fit easily on this type of site. Everything from a tent to a large RV.
Tent	A smaller site with not the same amount of clearance as a Standard site. Designed mostly for tents, but can accommodate pop-ups and small RVs and trailers.
Double	This is a site that is adjoined to another site. You occupy one half of this large site and another party will occupy the other half. Great for two families who want to camp close to each other. When you reserve a double site, you will be assigned both halves. Double the site, double the fee.
Walk-to	For a slightly more primitive experience. You park your vehicle and walk a short distance to the site.
Backpack	For a much more primitive experience. Your campsite is a 1/2 mile walk away from you vehicle.
Group	These are very large sites that can accommodate very large groups. These are the only sites that you may register more than the standard 6 people or one family on the site. Great for family reunions, scouting groups and school groups.
Horse	The only place you may camp with your horse in the park. Only people camping with horses are allowed to camp in the Horse Camp.

What is the availability of ... campsite?
All availability checks and reservations for camping need to be done through Reserve America. You may call the toll free number at 1-888-947-2757 or go to the WDNR website. The park will only be able to rent a site for those that come in the day of stay.

Is there ... at the campsite?
Every campsite is furnished with a picnic table and a firering. Your firering may or may not have a grate. If you do not have a grate, see the camphost as they often have extra grates to loan out.

Can I gather wood from the campsite for my campfire?
Yes. You may gather anything that is dead and on the ground. You may cut the wood as long as the noise does not disturb anyone. Also, you may bring in firewood from within 25 miles of the park and within the borders of Wisconsin.

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