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Governor Dodge State Park
State Park

Governor Dodge State Park

Dodgeville, Wisconsin
4.7 (2837 reviews)

Photos shown are stock images and may not represent the actual campground.

About Governor Dodge State Park

Experience the great outdoors at Governor Dodge State Park, a well-regarded state park near Dodgeville, Wisconsin. With 267 available sites, it offers excellent camping opportunities for families and adventurers alike.

Nestled in the rolling hills of southwestern Wisconsin, Governor Dodge State Park offers RV campers an exceptional retreat into nature with rich history and outdoor recreation opportunities. Located near the charming town of Dodgeville, this seasonal destination welcomes visitors from May through October with 267 well-maintained camping sites that cater to various RV sizes and preferences.

The park's landscape tells the story of Wisconsin's mining heritage, featuring scenic bluffs, pristine lakes, and forested terrain that create a picturesque backdrop for your camping adventure. Two beautiful lakes within the park, Cox Hollow Lake and Twin Valley Lake, provide excellent opportunities for fishing enthusiasts and water lovers. Whether you're an avid angler seeking walleye, northern pike, and panfish, or simply want to launch your boat for a leisurely day on the water, the park's boat ramp facilities make water recreation easily accessible.

The camping experience here balances convenience with natural beauty. Modern amenities including full restroom facilities, hot showers, and dump stations ensure your RV stay is comfortable and hassle-free. Each site comes equipped with picnic tables and fire rings, creating the perfect setup for outdoor meals and evening gatherings under Wisconsin skies. The well-maintained grounds and friendly atmosphere make it an ideal destination for families, couples, and solo travelers alike.

Beyond the park boundaries, the surrounding area offers fascinating exploration opportunities. Dodgeville itself features local shops, restaurants, and the intriguing Cave of the Mounds nearby, a natural wonder that attracts curious visitors. The region's agricultural landscape and small-town charm provide a genuine Wisconsin experience. Hiking trails throughout the park system reward visitors with stunning vistas and wildlife viewing opportunities, while quieter moments can be spent at shaded picnic areas contemplating the peaceful surroundings.

This park appeals to those seeking a combination of water recreation, hiking, historical exploration, and quality time in nature without sacrificing modern camping comforts.
267

Total Sites

4.7

Rating

2,837

Reviews

Amenities & Features

Amenities

Dump Station
Boat Ramp
Fishing
Picnic Tables
Fire Rings
Showers
Restrooms

Park Details

Season May - October
Total Sites 267

Tips & Tricks

Book Early

Dodgeville is popular during peak season. Reserve 2-4 weeks in advance for weekends and holidays.

Check-in Time

Most parks have check-in after 1:00 PM and check-out by 11:00 AM. Call ahead if you'll arrive late.

Local Weather

Wisconsin weather can change quickly. Pack layers and check the forecast for Dodgeville.

Explore the Area

Don't miss local attractions near Dodgeville. Ask the camp host for hidden gems and trails.

Governor Dodge State Park Reviews

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Chris Freeman

Mar 23, 2026

4.0

Google Review by Chris Freeman

The Park is absolutely gorgeous. And the hikes within are great! We stayed two nights at the Cox hollow campground. I was very happy with our site and I did find other sites that I will like for next time. If I had any complaints it would be the water in the shower did not stay alarm for very long at all. And to make sure you get your wood before the park closes for the night. Most state parks tha... The Park is absolutely gorgeous. And the hikes within are great! We stayed two nights at the Cox hollow campground. I was very happy with our site and I did find other sites that I will like for next time. If I had any complaints it would be the water in the shower did not stay alarm for very long at all. And to make sure you get your wood before the park closes for the night. Most state parks that I've been to, have the wood open to it's campers all night long and you put money in the box.

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Helen Glasner

Mar 23, 2026

5.0

Google Review by Helen Glasner

Beautiful state park. We went to see Stephen’s Falls. The climb down to the bottom is very steep, but has a railing. There are no actual steps, but just stones and rocks, so watching your footing is essential. The trail here is dirt, mud and rocks. You cannot bring a stroller or wheelchair down/up this waterfall trail. The meadows and all around scenery is spectacular. I love the two beaches we sa... Beautiful state park. We went to see Stephen’s Falls. The climb down to the bottom is very steep, but has a railing. There are no actual steps, but just stones and rocks, so watching your footing is essential. The trail here is dirt, mud and rocks. You cannot bring a stroller or wheelchair down/up this waterfall trail. The meadows and all around scenery is spectacular. I love the two beaches we saw there. The campgrounds looked well maintained with large wooded sites and large grassy sites as well.

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Emily Wakefield

Mar 23, 2026

5.0

Google Review by Emily Wakefield

Amazing location with plenty of options for hiking. Haven't been there in years but we'll worth the visit. Plenty of parking and picnic areas available throughout. Love the Stephen's Falls trail and scenery. The pups loved the walk and taking in all the new places to explore.

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DeathofBelief

Mar 23, 2026

5.0

Google Review by DeathofBelief

Loved in the area for years and just recently got to Governor Dodge State Park. I only went on the Lost Canyon Trail and back around to my vehicle on parts of a couple of other trails. Restrooms are very clean and well kept. The trails themselves are well maintained and spacious. The Lost Canyon Trail has wonderful rock formations all along the trail. It also leads to a little waterfall at one... Loved in the area for years and just recently got to Governor Dodge State Park. I only went on the Lost Canyon Trail and back around to my vehicle on parts of a couple of other trails. Restrooms are very clean and well kept. The trails themselves are well maintained and spacious. The Lost Canyon Trail has wonderful rock formations all along the trail. It also leads to a little waterfall at one end. Went by the beach while I was there as well. It was very packed but looks like a nice place to relax. Driving around the same lake, there are multiple spots to fish and grill. All in all, I'd love to go back and try some of the other trails.

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John Rindfleisch

Mar 23, 2026

4.0

Google Review by John Rindfleisch

Had a good and bad time this week at Governor Dodge State Park. The good was the campsites were nice, quiet and great for star gazing on Tuesday night. We saw a few shooting stars. Bugs were not a problem at the campsite, but when we went kayaking on Twin Valley Lake, they ate me alive while tying the kayaks down after dark. It was my fault since the bugs never bothered us after dark at our campsi... Had a good and bad time this week at Governor Dodge State Park. The good was the campsites were nice, quiet and great for star gazing on Tuesday night. We saw a few shooting stars. Bugs were not a problem at the campsite, but when we went kayaking on Twin Valley Lake, they ate me alive while tying the kayaks down after dark. It was my fault since the bugs never bothered us after dark at our campsite, so I had not sprayed. Everyone who sprayed had no bites. Our kayaking trip on Twin Valley was due to a sign on Cox Hollow for high ecoli in the water at the dog beach. Although there were a lot of people swimming at the swim beach which is right next to it. I'm not sure how the high level of ecoli is contained to just the dog beach. Twin Valley water was not what I would have swam in lots of floating scum and very green water, but that beach was also full. Ran into locals at the launch and said the local paper had both beaches closed due to ecoli. Now for my complaint. I am all for multi use trails and have hiked them all over the state. The issue that I am complaining about is from the only trail that allows you to access the Cave Trail. That trail is a multi use trail, and I feel if I have to pick up after my dog, it's about time that horse riders pick up after their horses. I know there are ways for riders to take care of this, and I think it's time the DNR starts enforcing it in all the parks that allow horses. I love riding horses, and I'm not looking to start an argument. I just don't want to have to walk around a huge pile in the middle or all over a trail. Also, the park needs to address the wet areas on these multi use trails since it doesn't take long for it to be torn up by horses or mountain bikes. It didn't take long, and there was ankle deep mud. We needed to walk in the bushes to get through. Picture shows the large pile of horse 💩. I hope everyone can work together to keep these trails for multi use by doing their part.

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