Photo: Wisconsin DNR
Governor Earl Peshtigo River State Forest is a long, linear state forest in northeast Wisconsin bordering some of the most beautiful and exciting sections of the Peshtigo River. Anglers know the river's free-flowing portion for its excellent fly-fishing; paddlers brave the Midwest's longest continuous whitewater rapids; and boaters can access more than 3,000 acres of flowage from 15 boat landings. The forest offers a family campground and several remote boat-in campsites along the river.
Quick answers
When is the best time to visit Governor Earl Peshtigo River State Forest?
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 Earl Peshtigo River State Forest in each season?
Winter (December–February): hiking, mountain & fat biking, snowmobiling and cross-country skiing. Spring (March–May): hiking, biking, mountain & fat biking, ATV / UTV / off-road and hunting. Summer (June–August): camping, hiking, swimming, boating & paddling, biking, mountain & fat biking, ATV / UTV / off-road and horseback riding. Fall (September–November): camping, hiking, fall color, boating & paddling, biking, mountain & fat biking, ATV / UTV / off-road, horseback riding and hunting.
Do you need a state park sticker at Governor Earl Peshtigo River State Forest?
Yes. Every motor vehicle that stops at Governor Earl Peshtigo River State Forest 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 Earl Peshtigo River State Forest in winter?
Camping here is seasonal, generally May–October. Located on Parkway Road approximately 3.5 miles north of County Road X, the Old Veteran's Lake family campground has 16 sites and is open from April 27 through the end of November.
What state parks and trails are near Governor Earl Peshtigo River State Forest?
The closest state properties, as the crow flies: Governor Thompson State Park (0 mi), Pike Wild River (19 mi) and Nicolet State Trail (21 mi).
Good for
- Biking
- Boating & paddling
- Camping
- Hiking
- Horseback riding
- Hunting
- Mountain & fat biking
- ATV / UTV / off-road
- Snowmobiling
- Swimming
- Cross-country skiing
Best months
January · February · 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: Forest headquarters N10008 Paust Lane Crivitz, WI 54114
- Phone: 715-757-3965
Accessibility
- Accessible campsite -- every developed campground here has at least one
- Accessible fishing pier
From the DNR's accessibility guide, reviewed October 2026. Call the property to confirm before you go.
Nearby
- Governor Thompson State Park (0 mi)
- Pike Wild River (19 mi)
- Nicolet State Trail (21 mi)
- Wolf River State Trail (30 mi)
- Menominee River State Recreation Area (30 mi)
Closures and alerts for Governor Earl Peshtigo River State Forest: 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.