I have been to Gov. Dodge a few times and have always greatly enjoyed the time spent! I have never stayed overnight, but love to go there for a day trip. We always have a great time and have never had any issues. The daily rate (as of May 2014) is $7 for WI plates and $10 for out of state plates. There a numerous trials that vary in length and technicality- some are paved, but most are not. The beach is nice and clean and there is a separate beach for dogs (which I LOVE!). You can rent canoes or paddle boats, too. All in all this is a great park and has a lot to offer. I would also highly recommend Bob's BBQ in downtown Dodgeville for lunch or dinner after a day at the park!
Clean lakes. Nice trails. The staff is the most informed and friendliest u could ask for the park is beautiful i camp here 2 or more weeks a year the fishing is spectacular and the kids and i love to swim in cox hollow lake
We have stayed at a number of Wisconsin State Parks over the years. This park had jumped to the top of our list. From the talks, to the lakes, to the rock formations, and caves... This is a great park to visit. Value? Heck yes! Governor Dodge State Park offers 2 lakes for swimming, boating, fishing as well as a boat rental service that you can't beat. They have row boats, canoes, and kayaks for rent on both lakes. All of the prices were incredible, however we chose to go with the 24 hour rental for $40 (and a refundable $5 deposit) which we were able to use a boat on both lakes. We also rented the boat at noon which have us till noon the next day. Allowing for equal use on both lakes, which was great. I'm a fisherman, and although I'm told there are plenty of fish in both lakes, such add musky, walleye, bass, as well as an assortment of pan fish, I was only able to find 1 bass, but the kids loved pulling a number of blue gills on wax worms. The camp sites were clean, they offered firewood till 10PM, and although quiet time stayed at 10, there was little ranger presence around the sites. But that we were doing anything that a ranger would frown upon, and all our neighbors were quiet anyways. Only negative I can think of is... We always like to go out for a true Wisconsin walleye fish fry on Fridays when we camp. We asked around town for a good place and only got Country Kitchen as a response... We ended up going to a place called Bar 23, which was decent, but the did service was lack luster. It took over an hour and a half to get our food, and the hostess blamed it on them having an unexpected large party. I highly suggest walking the trails. As well as wall some of the rock formations. There is a 2 mile tail which ends at a cave that is perfect for children (we have an 8 yr old and a 5 yr old) and it was perfect fire them. Also beware! There are hundreds of bats at this campsite. But don't worry! They are busy eating the mosquitos which allow you to enjoy your time comfortably in the woods without swatting them away. Also make sure to never leave coolers of food or food bins outside. The raccoons are very resourceful and your marshmallows will be fine quicker than you can say marshmallows. Also, watch out for the bunnies on the road... They are all around and we accidentally hit one that we couldn't avoid. There were a number of others that we saw hit as well in the park. All in all this is a great place to camp. Plenty of activities and just a great all around experience. We will be coming back soon!
As a repeat visitor to Governor Dodge State Park I can share that their camping layout and facilities are as good as they come.You can choose one of several group camping grounds or you can choose the individual camping grounds. My experience is with the group sites. They were clean and each had a fire pit that was cleaned out before we arrived.If you choose to do the group sites and you enjoy the evening fires as much as I do, you'll want to call ahead to find someone willing to deliver wood to your site. The people at the front office should be able to help you find someone willing to do so.The swimming area is nice and mostly sandy. Rent a canoe for a good self guided tour of the lake.We did a little rock climbing as well as there are some nice little outcroppings next to a few of the group sites.There is a common area just a short walk from the group sites where you can get a hot shower in a half dozen little lockable rooms. This was a pleasant surprise and made for a great trip.
We love going here to swim, walk and run. They have many trails in differing lengths. You can also rent paddle boats and canoes. There are two different beaches. We live near by so we do not camp there but I hear it is a great place to camp. We love being so close to Governor Dodge Park.
This location is really awesome place to stay at this is my second time here in two years. Love the lake and pkenty of sites to choose from...just need to book early some sites are prime realestate for the camping world. It cost me 20 dollars for two days camping with family reserving a site non electric but they do have electeic sites too. The staff here is friendly and courteous.. they have maby activities to do on your stay or visit. Check it out and you will have a great time like we have had and that we are having tonight.
Wonderful park and great rangers! The trails are maintained really well and are easily followed. Our site was wonderful and the other campers very considerate. The warm showers made the stay complete. Would visit again and again!
We couldn't find anything wrong with this. Peaceful, park personnel very helpful and VERY,VERY CLEAN.
Booked walk in site 269 awhile back. Wanted 263, but as it's the most popular site, you need to reserve far in advance. 269 ended up working out great. We had 6 people, 3 tents, & two dogs. It was a little tight, the tents were 2-3 person tent, but we fit fine. Cox Hollow Lake is beautiful! The no motor rule is nice. Rented a Kayak, totally worth it. Dog friendly beach was clean & nice for the dog lover, but it has a nice beach for people who prefer not to be around the fuzzy K-9 buddies. I checked out some other walk-in sites that were abandoned before we left: 262 - Small, but cute. right on a cliff, nice view. One tent camping or two small tents right next to one another. 263 - a little bigger with a great view. This, in my opinion was the best site. You could fit two tents comfortably. No grate on the fire pit though. 264- was taken, but you could see if from the road, nice size. 269 - Small, but private. Pretty even. It shares a path with 270, which was occupied, so I couldn't get a good look at it. I would reserve it again.
We buy the yearly state park sticker so when we travel the state we get to experience new places. This is another Wisconsin gem that is worth the visit. Unfortunately, two recent tornado's closed a few of the trails (Fall 2014). We will definitely return....This time with our Trek bikes!