Best Camping in and near Governor Dodge State Park

97% (17 reviews)

Discover Governor Dodge State Park's natural splendor and outdoor adventures.

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Community favorites near Governor Dodge State Park

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in Governor Dodge State Park

My favorite trail at Governor Dodge is the Lost Canyon Trail that starts with the decent to the gorgeous Stephen's Falls. My favorite time of year to go is around Mid-May when the leaves are G R E E N and the bugs are minimal.

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Governor Dodge Campground

221 sites · RVs, Tents In Governor Dodge State Park

Top-rated campgrounds near Governor Dodge State Park

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Camp Cedar Hills

41 sites · RVs, Tents800 acres · Mazomanie, WI

Cedar Hills is a wonderful private campground located on a ridge above 800 acres of stunning DNR land and only a couple minutes drive from historic Sauk City, WI and its many great restaurants. Enjoy great views and 2 miles of hiking trails, personal fire pits and private campsites with access to large pavilion and many communal spaces. Founded in 1979 Cedar Hills has a long history and large community of regulars some of whom have maintained and added to their sites for decades, making this place truly a labor of love. Large sections of this campground are clothing optional, and the whole campsite is strictly 18 and above. Cedar Hills is LGBTQ friendly. Located on a ridge above 800 acres of stunning DNR land and only a couple minutes drive from Sauk City WI and 150 miles from Chicago. Enjoy great views and 2 miles of hiking trails, personal fire pits and private campsites with access to large pavilion. Winter campers may enjoy cross country skiing, snowshoeing and access with your snow machine Founded in 1979 Cedar Hills has a long history and large community of regulars some of whom have maintained and added to their sites for decades, making this place truly a labor of love. Large sections of this campground are clothing optional, and the whole campsite is strictly 18 and above and LGBTQ friendly. Come and visit our 40 sites located on a breathtaking ridgeline with stunning views of the valleys below.

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Beaver Point Cabin

1 site · Lodging90 acres · Belleville, WI

The cabin is an off-grid, 12'X20' insulated structure, with a 7'X8' loft and a 12'X6' screened covered porch/deck. That overlooks a small stream and a cattail marsh. It is in the center of our 90 acres and is very private but near to some rural houses, only our house is (barely) visible in winter and you might see some lights of one other neighbor when the leaves are off the trees. We are 1 and a half miles from the village of Belleville and 5 miles from New Glarus. The Badger State Trail runs across the western edge of our property. It connects with the Sugar River State Trail 8 miles away. Near by New Glarus has many shops, restaurants, Baily's Run winery and the famous New Glarus Brewery (tours daily). Everything can be easily reached by bike or, in season, snowmobile. The marsh is a haven for all sorts of birds and wildlife. Spring brings an abundance of winged migrators and returning residents. There are: sand hill cranes, red wing blackbirds, a number of ducks; buffleheads, mergansers, woodducks, blue winged teal and shovelers just to name a few. The American woodcock can be heard overhead most spring mornings and evenings. The spring peepers (small frogs) are a symphony on their own and they continue into early summer. The woods has many spring flowers and the fall colors are wonderful. In summer there are many song birds like: bluebirds, finches, orioles, humming birds, cedar wax wings, robins, cardinals and herons. Sitting on the screened in deck one can hear a kaleidoscope of bird songs and activity. And an abundance of fireflies in later May through late July and then some. The cabin is off-grid, what that means is: there is NO RUNNING WATER in the cabin and only a chemical toilet (port-a-potty). A limited amount of water is supplied for drinking and washing. There is a sink with a drain in the cabin but no bathroom or refrigerator so bring a cooler. Very limited electricity. There is basic LED lighting and you will be able to charge your phones/devices. The power is supplied from batteries/inverter charged by solar panels on the roof. There are LED lights and a coffee maker. There is NO air conditioning but excellent ventilation and a small, cozy wood stove for heat. If you're uncomfortable or unfamiliar with a wood stove, it may not be wise to stay here in the winter heating season, but we can show most people how to use the stove safely. This is still considered "camping" so be prepared to bring camping gear: your own pillows, sleeping bag, food, drinks, cups, plates, cooking utensils etc. There are carryout options a short drive away. The only thing you won't need is a tent, the cabin is very cozy, warm on the cold days and cool on the warm ones and there is a picnic table, lawn chairs and a gas grill with a side burner. There are a few spots around the cabin for tents if you have additional friends staying. There is an additional charge for additional guests (over 2) but please be advised: any loud "parties" or disturbances and you will be asked to leave. This is a place to enjoy nature and quiet time. To get away from it all. No extra charge for children 12 or under. Insects are a part of the woods environment, if you're afraid of bugs this may not be the right fit for you. We rarely have any real issues, so we're reluctant to use toxic chemicals to kill most (normal) bugs. Normal bug repellent is about all that is necessary. Why we have this cabin; It's a way to share this special place that, judging from the artifacts found here has been a camping area for thousands of years. We want to let others enjoy the seasons; the return of the migrating birds, the spring peepers in the marsh, the fall colors, the silence of a winter day in the woods and the warmth of a wood stove. (many people have found the stove to be their favorite feature) The cabin gives you a front row seat in the middle of, comparatively, pristine nature. Campers will have access to our fine trails for hiking, skiing, snowshoeing and biking. (we would allow a snowmobile from the State trail to the cabin). All campers take note: 1. Please do your best to arrive/check in before dark! The cabin is dark; no yard lights, no streetlights, and if it isn’t a moonlit night, it IS very dark. Some of you are not used to real darkness. We provide some flashlights and headlamps (if you forgot yours) and there are LED lights in the cabin we keep charged for you. Camping headlamps are great for cooking, using the port-a-potty and finding your way around, etc. Bring yours or you can borrow ours, just ask. 2. Take safety precautions with the wood stove and learn how to use it correctly. The only source of heat in the cabin is a small, very nice wood stove. Those without any experience with using wood for heat are advised not to stay at the cabin during the cold season. Those that are eager to learn--we can help you, but safety is very important and you must at least have some basic skills to handle wood heat: using a propane torch, using kindling, splitting wood, operating the stove airflow. 3. Campfires: Campfire wood can be purchased for a reasonable price @$10 for a tote, or @$20 for a large pot/container. We do allow people to bring their own if they are coming from less that 50 miles away. Some exceptions do apply. 4. It has been very enjoyable meeting the many campers. Everyone has been very well prepared and it has been a pleasure seeing them have fun. We especially have enjoyed the families with young children and people with their dog(s). All have been very well behaved and very enthusiastic. 5 Dogs are welcome, but please let us know if your dog does not get along well with other dogs, so we can let others know. We have a young golden retriever that is very friendly and does very well with other dogs, kids and all people. If your dog doesn't get along with others (dogs or people) please let us know in advance, so we can warn others and please, for safety, keep them on a leash. Your hosts, Dan and Anne

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Terra Growers Organic Farm

11 sites · RVs, Tents80 acres · Waunakee, WI

Terra Growers is a 100 year-old organic family farm in Springfield WI near Waunakee. We raise free-range chickens (for eggs), grow an extensive variety of vegetables, tend to several fruit orchards, and grow a variety of berries. Terra Growers also has a year-round on-farm store, events open to the public, multiple campsites for rent, as well as extensive volunteer opportunities.

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Circle M Farm Stay Camp n Glamp

6 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents20 acres · Blanchardville, WI

Camp in style on a beautiful Driftless Farmstead! This tiny valley farm once had stanchions to milk 8 cows in the barn. That was in 1890. Now we are home to dozens of sheep, steers, goats, hogs, cats, dogs, chickens and geese and myriad wild critters and pollinators and migrators. We are a conservation farm and on a mission to heal our wetland, improve our trout stream and bring people out to the land. We are in Driftless Southwest Wisconsin - gorgeous hills and quilted cropland bisected by oak woods and switchback rivers. Pitch your tent, park a small camper/rv, or stay in our vintage camper as close as the backyard or further away by the sheep pasture or frog pond. You will share an indoor bathroom, or our open-to-the-sky hot outdoor shower, and an outdoor sink with other campers. We have a Cedar Sauna you can reserve. This is easy camping with a view of the stars, nestled in a farm-to-table farm community with lots of goods to buy. We LOVE our Driftless neighborhood in SW Wisconsin and can recommend many amazing activities for everyone from fisherman to families! We live on a 20 acre farm bisected by a small river and a great trout stream, adjacent to 150 acres of restored prairie. We're close to shopping, antiquing, Amishing and good eating. We're within a half hour of 3 great rail trails, two state parks and one amazing ATV rental. Go to an old-fashioned drive in movie, a local farmers market, dirt-track stock care races, tractor pulls, a u-pick apple farm or a Toy Train Museum. Go tubing, kayaking, boating or biking - you can rent what you need. Or sit on one of the porches to watch the chickens peck and the pigs dig. We can't wait to introduce you to all the livestock, cats, our Great Pyrrannees pups, Waylon and Willie, and our Border Heeler, Dolly! We are a five minute walk from our cute downtown with a playground, library and several great places to eat. Ten minutes from New Glarus Brewery and Argyle (Pec Time Tubing). A half hour from Mineral Point (Fall Art Tour), Mount Horeb (Troll Way), Dodgeville (House on the Rock) and Monroe (Cheese Days). Fifteen minutes from hiking, fishing and boating at Yellowstone Lake State Park. Campfire with s'mores every night, coffee and scones in the morning. Wifi is reliable on some spots on the property, and a sure thing on the front breakfast porch. We do require a two-night minimum to stay in the campers. Tent camping we have no minimum. Please reach out to us on the app to see what is available.

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Pecatonica River Trails Park

30 sites · RVsDarlington, WI

The campground is located along the Pecatonica River and Tri-County Recreational Trail. Ride and enjoy the many sights along the famous Cheese Country ATV Trail and local Darlington ATV Club Trails. Visit Mathys Ace Hardware for your non-resident trail pass, if needed. Launch your canoe and paddle the Pecatonica River or fish & swim along the banks of the river. Take a stroll along the lighted walking path. Just sit and relax and enjoy the wildlife along the water’s edge! Don’t forget to enjoy shopping and eating in Darlington, or travel a short distance to historic Shullsburg or Mineral Point. The possibilities are endless! Free parking for daily trail users is available.

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Breakaway Stables

1 site · RV, Tent14 acres · Mount Horeb, WI

Chasing a dream, took a leap of faith and made an offer and to our surprise it was accepted. Learn more about this land:Breakaway from it all, grab your gear, and head to Breakaway Stables where you will experience a beautiful panoramic view of Blue Mounds State Park located in the Driftless Area of southern WI. Enjoy being in the presence of equine energy from near or far depending on your comfort level. We offer a central location to pitch a tent in the middle of numerous possibilities for short trips that are sure to lead you to fun and adventure. Not quite comfortable with total isolation? We live close by to lend a helping hand with camp setup, directions, information about the surrounding area, and anything else in between. Make memories that will last a lifetime. This will be a trip you will want to make a tradition.

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Shiloh Farms Treehouse

1 site · Lodging200 acres · Mount Sterling, WI

We are located near the famous Gays Mills Apple Orchards. We have trout streams nearby, biking the back country roads, canoeing nearby, Mississippi River 7 miles from us, Historic sites to visit, like Villa Louis in Prairie du Chien, Pikes Peak and Effigy Mounds. We are in the Ocooch Mountains, so whether you are in the hills or valleys, you are always surrounded by the beauty that nature provides. We have a treehouse on our property that we rent out and offer the use of an updated outhouse that has been here for decades. We also provide an outdoor shower. The treehouse has a small Keurig, toaster and microwave. We have a 36 inch Blackstone griddle on our large deck for your cooking needs. Please wander over this way and enjoy what Southwest Wisconsin’s Driftless Area has to offer. You can bring your own towels, bedding, pillows, etc., but if you forget or don’t have room, I have some all ready for you to use when you come. Just let me know and I will bring it to you or let me know ahead of time and I will have it in the treehouse for you.

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Avoca Lake Tent Camping Resort

3 sites · Tents2 acres · Avoca, WI

Learn more about this land:Peaceful park like setting alongside Avoca Lake, convenient access and use of kayaks, canoes and paddle boats for a small extra fee. Newly added campfire wood is included. Electric charging station for cell phones and other small electronics within 50 feet. When water is high enough, Captained pontoon boat tour of Avoca Lake for $50 includes up to 6 seated guest passengers. 3 double wide hammocks, a bench swing and a large round swing for kids. 2 slides, one goes into the Sandy bottom lake. Maximum of 2 adult guests per tent plus minor children are free. One shared fire pit with free firewood. 3 tent sites, 1 vehicle per site. Group rates are $10 each extra adult. Absolutely no illegal drugs allowed.

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(42)

WHY Worth Healing Yourself

6 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Cazenovia, WI

Bought to get grounded W.H.Y. did I purchase this 5 acres of land? This is my personal property I bought so I could get grounded while being surrounded by nature. Worth Healing Yourself is W.H.Y I invested in this lan d as well as myself! Enjoy rock hunting for agates, jasper, hematite, petrified wood and other mineral specimens. Property is 25 minutes from Richland Center. 30 minutes from Wisconsin Dells. Public land with miles of trout stream 3 miles away from the propertyy. The 400 State Trail is 7 miles away from property for bicyclists. Public road ATV and UTV trails surround WHY. Both Lake Redstone and Dutch Hollow Lake are 10 miles away. The Baraboo and Pine River are within 10 miles. The famous Bunker Hill Tavern that hosts the cannon run is 1 mile away! Local village of Cazenovia offers two small town Tavern’s that serve food and good company. There is also a convenient store and small grocery store located in the village as well. This is not a commercial camp ground. Cancellation within Hipcamp Moderate Cancellation Policy WILL BE withheld with host discretion. Rent tax will NOT be refunded if cancelled within Moderate Cancellation Policy time frame.

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Sleepy Valley Springs

1 site · Tent4 acres · Boscobel, WI

4 acres nestled bordered on all sides by thousands of acres of public lands. Hike the hills and bluffs for scenic views of the Lower Wisconsin Riverway. Descend to enjoy the sandy Wisconsin River. Fill your canteen from our natural spring to enjoy along the way. Pause to reflect beside the babbling brook. We are in SW Wisconsin’s Driftless Region. Apple orchards, Vineyards, Cheese factories, National Brewery Museum, Mississippi River, all within 10-40 minutes. 4 great parks within 30 miles. Wildlife abound including deer, turkey, fox, coyote, beaver, muskrat, river otter, raccoons, squirrels, eagles, swans, yep fish of all varieties, etc. We do have chickens that may visit the campsite. Please be aware: the rooster crows around 0500. The coop is across the creek, and approximately 300’ away on the opposite side of the main house. Audible but hopefully not annoying. That said we are happy to have fresh eggs available for your enjoyment. Add them in the “extras” at checkout or mention when you arrive. Also 3 Guinea fowl who may visit. They are the Intensive Insect Control as well as excellent watch birds. We have one nice medium dogs who won’t likely visit.

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Linden Camprground

9 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents12 acres · Apple River, IL

We bought the farmette with much work outside and home interior remodel to complete. We slowly turned the property into our family oasis. We neighbor a pasture with cows. There are free range chickens running around during the day. Geese greet us every evening and morning at the pond...as do the many bullfrogs. Occasionally you'll hear the coyotes, but then keep their distance. The stars shine peacefully and the sunsets are picturesque (most afternoons). The pond is a great place to swim and fish. The hillside is a nice walk for exercise or take the easier route and sit under the great oak tree in the other pasture. Campsites are off the road, behind our main home. You won't find a sign...we keep it simple.

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Grateful Farms

4 sites · RVs, Tents65 acres · Plain, WI

An historic Wisconsin dairy, now home to a family of nature-loving outdoors people who farm slightly, take life as a big adventure and love deeply. We have the long view to the west, a fantastic hill to climb and a creek to play in for days. You can venture into the gardens, play with the farm creatures or simply hide away at your campsite and give us a wave as you gather water from the spring, wander into the nearby public hunting and fishing land or grab an armload of firewood. We love to share our space so get out here, see the stars in their full glory and revel in the melodies of nature and relative silence of our little valley. Reset and find all the remedies that rural life has to offer. Learn more about this land:Join our little farm crew by pitching your tent along the flat near the creek. We have a couple great spots that are just right for privacy, scenery and relaxation. Take a walk to the ridge top or along the water and explore some of the Midwest's beautiful Driftless region. A fire ring and wifi nearby -- just ask. Let us tell you where to go in one of our sweet small towns nearby. Make your way to a little slice of heaven here in Wisconsin.

The best camping near Governor Dodge State Park guide

Overview

About

Bike, hike, spike, okay now we’re just rhyming. But at Governor Dodge State Park you can find the first two; or all three if you start a volleyball game. For other non-rhyming activities, hit the horse trails with your favorite four-legged-friend or captain your own boat or canoe. The fun isn’t done when the weather gets cold; cross-country skiing, sledding, ice-fishing, there’s no excuse for staying indoors!

Notable campgrounds

Twin Valley Campground – Set against a backdrop of steep valleys, this campground is perfect for a serene retreat.
Cox Hollow Campground – Ideal for families, this site offers easy access to the park's lakes and trails.
Group Camp – Large groups can enjoy the park's natural beauty together at this spacious campground.

Tips for snagging a campsite

Book early to secure your spot, as campgrounds fill up quickly, especially during peak season.
Consider visiting during the weekdays for better availability and a quieter experience.
Keep an eye on cancellations to snag a last-minute reservation.
Explore nearby camping options if the park's campgrounds are fully booked.

When to go

The best time to visit Governor Dodge State Park is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild and the natural scenery is at its most vibrant. Summer offers warm days perfect for water activities, though it's also the busiest season. Winters are quiet and offer a snowy wonderland for cross-country skiing, but be prepared for cold temperatures.

Know before you go

Ensure your vehicle has a valid admission sticker before entering the park.
Check the park's official website for any property notices or closures before your visit.
Remember that the park is open from 6am to 11pm year-round, offering ample time for exploration.
Volunteering opportunities are available for those who wish to contribute to the park's upkeep.
Accessibility information can be obtained by contacting the park directly to ensure a comfortable visit for all.