State Parks & Forests

Governor Dodge

Governor Dodge State Park Conditions

Conditions as of Thursday, July 3, 2008:

The park has recovered well from the recent flooding and excessive rains.

Picnic Areas and Concessions

The picnic areas have dried out from the recent flooding. The Cox Hollow Pet beach is still muddy and wet due to higher than normal lake levels. Until the lake level goes down, this area will be wet and muddy.

The Kiwanis Concession Stand is open daily for the summer.

Picnic shelters at Enee Point, Twin Valley picnic area, Twin Valley Beach and Cox Hollow Beach West may be reserved. Contact the park office for specific information on shelters and availability.

Fishing, Boating, and Swimming

Fishing and boating continues to be popular at both lakes. Lake levels are still higher than normal, but that hasn't kept anglers and canoers from enjoying the lakes. Both beaches are getting back to normal. Beach water testing has produced results well within normal limits.

Special size and bag limits exist on both Twin Valley and Cox Hollow lakes.  Check the current fishing regulations or ask at the park office, and note signs posted at both boat landings for lake-specific regulations.  Both lakes are restricted to electric motors only.

Governor Dodge is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year. See the Friends of Governor Dodge Web site for information about special events scheduled throughout the year.


The 60th anniversary pin depicts a bluff scene at the park.

Discover Governor Dodge in every season – pick up an activity log at the park office and enjoy participating in at least six of the activities listed. Many of the activities are to be completed on your own; other activities are planned with the Friends of Governor Dodge and/or the park naturalist. Record your activities by getting your log stamped at the park office. Completing six activities allows you to purchase a special anniversary pin at cost (only $3).

Join us as we celebrate 60 years of Governor Dodge State Park!

Trails

The horse, mountain bike, and hiking trails are open. Storm damage has been repaired but there are still soft and wet areas along the trails.

Due to changing weather conditions, please contact the park office for trail information/conditions before venturing out on park trails. See our trail map [PDF 136KB].

Pets: Pets are allowed on the hiking trails (but not on the Pine Cliff Nature Trail). Pets must always be on a leash not longer than 8 feet. Please clean up after your pet.

Camping

You can reserve a campsite for dates two days from now through October 30.

Campground map [PDF, 113KB]

To prevent the spread of harmful insects, Wisconsin state parks and forests prohibit firewood originating from anywhere more than 50 miles from the park or from anywhere outside the state of Wisconsin.

Hunting

Hunters with special permits may hunt turkey, deer, and small game in the park in season. Special regulations apply for each hunt. Contact the park office for permit and regulation information.

Due to efforts to eliminate chronic wasting disease (CWD) (the park is within the CWD Disease Eradication Zone), it is anticipated the gun deer season in the park will be from mid-October into the first part of January, 2009. Season dates are still not set so please contact the park office for specific dates later this year. See the Governor Dodge deer hunting map [PDF, 208KB].

2008 Annual Admission Stickers

The 2008 annual vehicle admission stickers are available now and are through December 31, 2008.

Visitor Center

The park office is open seven days a week. The visitor center has information about the park and area attractions and is where you should come to buy a vehicle admission sticker and register to camp.

Weather

Road Conditions [exit DNR]
Weather [exit DNR]

For more information, ask Governor Dodge State Park, (608) 935-2315.

Last Revised: Monday July 07 2008