Photo: Wisconsin DNR
Governor Dodge State Park is one of the state's largest parks, with over 5,000 acres of steep hills, bluffs and deep valleys plus two lakes and a waterfall. Located in Wisconsin's scenic driftless area, Governor Dodge offers camping, picnicking, hiking, canoeing, biking, hunting, fishing, off-road biking, cross-country skiing and horseback riding opportunities.
Quick answers
When is the best time to visit Governor Dodge State Park?
It depends on what you came for. Camping is best in June–September, fall color in October, swimming in July–August and boating & paddling in June–September.
What can you do at Governor Dodge State Park in each season?
Winter (December–February): winter camping, hiking, fishing, ice fishing, mountain & fat biking, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, waterfalls and sledding. Spring (March–May): camping, hiking, fishing, biking, mountain & fat biking, waterfalls and hunting. Summer (June–August): camping, hiking, swimming, boating & paddling, fishing, biking, mountain & fat biking, horseback riding, waterfalls and picnics & shelters. Fall (September–November): camping, hiking, fall color, boating & paddling, fishing, biking, mountain & fat biking, horseback riding, waterfalls, hunting and picnics & shelters.
Do you need a state park sticker at Governor Dodge State Park?
Yes. Every motor vehicle that stops at Governor Dodge State Park needs a Wisconsin State Park System vehicle admission sticker, daily or annual (from $13 a day with Wisconsin plates). Our Pass page has every price and which one to buy.
Can you camp at Governor Dodge State Park in winter?
Yes. Ten sites are plowed as staffing allows. The equestrian campground is open from May 1 through Nov.
What state parks and trails are near Governor Dodge State Park?
The closest state properties, as the crow flies: Tower Hill State Park (10 mi), Blue Mound State Park (15 mi) and Lower Wisconsin State Riverway (16 mi).
Good for
- Biking
- Boating & paddling
- Camping
- Waterfalls
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Horseback riding
- Hunting
- Ice fishing
- Mountain & fat biking
- Picnics & shelters
- Sledding
- Snowmobiling
- Snowshoeing
- Swimming
- Cross-country skiing
Best months
January · February · April · May · June · July · August · September · October · November
Visiting
- Admission: A vehicle admission sticker is required.
- Hours: Open 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. year-round.
- Address: 4175 Hwy 23 N Dodgeville, WI 53533
- Phone: 608-935-2315
Accessibility
- Accessible campsite -- every developed campground here has at least one
- Universal trail: Stephen's Falls Trail
From the DNR's accessibility guide, reviewed October 2026. Call the property to confirm before you go.
Nearby
- Tower Hill State Park (10 mi)
- Blue Mound State Park (15 mi)
- Lower Wisconsin State Riverway (16 mi)
- Military Ridge State Trail (17 mi)
- Yellowstone Lake State Park (19 mi)
Closures and alerts for Governor Dodge State Park: updates · RSS · JSON Feed
Text and park details on this page come from the property's DNR pages, checked every Monday; last change October 24, 2026. Closures and notices load live. Check current conditions before you go.