Photo: Wisconsin DNR
With more than 2,800 acres of woods, a family campground, picnic and beach area on Woods Lake, hiking and skiing trails, and 6 miles of shoreline on Caldron Falls Flowage, visitors will find an atmosphere perfect for relaxation and recreation. The park is adjacent to the Peshtigo River, a popular free-flowing river for fly-fishing and canoeing.
Quick answers
When is the best time to visit Governor Thompson 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 Thompson State Park in each season?
Winter (December–February): winter camping, hiking, fishing, ice fishing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and sledding. Spring (March–May): camping, hiking, fishing and hunting. Summer (June–August): camping, hiking, swimming, boating & paddling, fishing and picnics & shelters. Fall (September–November): camping, hiking, fall color, boating & paddling, fishing, hunting and picnics & shelters.
Do you need a state park sticker at Governor Thompson State Park?
Yes. Every motor vehicle that stops at Governor Thompson 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 Thompson State Park in winter?
Yes. These sites are open year-round for backpack camping.
What state parks and trails are near Governor Thompson State Park?
The closest state properties, as the crow flies: Governor Earl Peshtigo River State Forest (0 mi), Pike Wild River (19 mi) and Nicolet State Trail (21 mi).
Good for
- Boating & paddling
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Hunting
- Ice fishing
- Picnics & shelters
- Sledding
- Snowshoeing
- Swimming
- Cross-country skiing
Best months
January · February · 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: N10008 Paust Lane Crivitz, WI 54114
- Phone: 715-757-3979
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 Earl Peshtigo River State Forest (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 Thompson 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.