You will be able to see all the reviews of people like you who consume the services and products of Governor Dodge State Park (Park) in the state of Wisconsin.
At the moment the firm receives a rating of 4.7 stars out of 5 and the score is based on 1188 reviews.
As you can see its rating is nearly the highest, and it's founded on a large number of reviews, so we may think that the score is very credible. If many people have bothered to leave their score when they are satisfied, it works.
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This Park corresponds to the category of State park.
Beautiful and so scenic with hiking, boating, swimming, fishing there's always something to do. We've been coming at least once a year the past 40 years. The helpful ranger replaced a faulty circuit breaker on site minutes after my request. It's a popular park and needs to add more showers to meet demand of newly added additional electric sites otherwise I'd give 5 stars. I'll be back every year regardless!
Great hiking. Nice swimming beach. Nice, clean campsites.
Spent a day with my wife and kid. An amazing experience overall. The Stephens Falls trail is great for amatuer hikers with small kids and the falls itself is a nice place to spend a few minutes and take pictures. There are 2 small beaches, not too overcrowded. Plenty of benches to set up a picnic area. I thoroughly enjoyed my day here. Would definitely recommend it.
Reasonably dark for night sky viewing. However, there are darker spots in South Central Wisconsin.
Beautiful park with lots of trails and things to see and do.
This was my very first time at this area and I do have to say it was beautiful. The only down sideto the whole thing is the bathrooms were gross. I realize theres alot of people going in and out but I'm glad I had my own sanitizer and paper. Blowers don't cut it. The grounds and everything else is very well kepted. Would definitly return.
Absolutely loved it. My trip here was perfect in every single way. So peaceful, so beautiful you won’t regret coming here. Unless you have horrible taste.
Huge state park with great beaches for swimming and excellent camping!
Governor Dodge is a wonderfully preserved State Park filled with ancient unglaciated wonders. You can tell how untouched this place is. Highly recommend kayaking both lakes. Small beaches available too! Have fun, drink water :)
We have camped here several times this year and enjoyed every day here. Lake is fun, dog friendly beach area. Concession stand workers are excellent. Trails are well maintained.
Amazing park that has lots to offer and does not get as crowded as many other state parks. Nearby downtown Dodgeville has a great mainstreet to visit also.
Gorgeous. Worth visiting. We will be back!!!
This has been a favorite camping spot of my parents and I got to take my own son this year. He loved that there was a playground so close to the campsite. My dad and brother-in-law always enjoy the fishing here and we have fun kayaking and hiking. It's a pretty great place to camp
A great park to do lots of different things at. Good hiking loops, open fields, lakes, and waterfalls. Lots of space and changing terrain. Campsites are comfortable and you're not on top of the people next to you. There is a fire ring and a bench at each site. There are also backpacker sites as well.
Amazing park. SO many trails that you rarely see anyone else. I’ve gone countless times and I still haven’t been on every trail. I’ll continue to hike here til I die. My dogs love it too.
We had an amazing time at governor Dodge state park. This is probably one of the top five best state parks in Wisconsin and definitely one of my favorites. I have been coming here since I was a kid and it never disappoints. They have a nice beach, secluded campsites, rentable boats/kayaks/paddle board/ect, great hiking, waterfalls, and more! Will continue to come here forever!
We love coming here! Gorgeous views!
The beach was disgusting! There was dog poop everywhere in the grass, all over the sand area, and even leading into the water! Within seconds of me being in the water i picked up a plastic fork and watched a bird pick up a cigarette butt. I had to carry my toddler everywhere because the land mines were that bad and the one area of clear sand for her to play in was next to a sand mound with a random sock hanging out of it. We all left feeling gross.
Beautiful park! Great location and backdrop for the wedding at group site H!
Campground was very well organized, clean and wonderful to stay at.
A beautiful state park. Cant wait to go their again.
WARNING! Some of the paths are on Google maps and DO NOT EXIST in real life. Be prepaid our 2 mile hike turned into 9. Also the signs say wear light color cloths to see ticks, yeah you can see them but the individual who had white on got 3 ticks because ticks are attracted to light colors so dont wear white the rest of us had dark cloths and nobody got ticks and we used my home made deep woods bug spray. Their trails remind me of Colorado oh your taking that 6 mile trail...oh yeah dont forget there is a 10 mile trail and then a 18 mile trail to the 6 mile trail lol (maybe that's a inside joke...). EMERGENCY! you will have way too much fun this is a great social park with a lot of neat diverse trails. The best is Stephen falls only went on cave trail falls and valley medow path (or something...I'm bad with names) you get instant gratification. We are going back in a month to explore better! Also little secret in my opinion this place isnt over populated we went on a saturday which felt like a weekday the camps were full but we only met a few handfuls of trail people and horses on a Saturday.
Lovely and expansive state park. Trails for every level of fitness. Camp, hike, swim, horseback riding, and two lakes. There is plenty to do here!
Beautiful Park, great trails and swimming area. I just wish dogs were allowed it more places!
Great state park. There are alot of great trails and the beaches are not bad. The only thing I would change is the sand. Idk how to explain it but it's fake sand. It doesn't mold the same way natural sand does ,so you will not be making sand castles. But it will still stick to you and get in your towel
Beautiful, lots of trails, great place to bring the kids. Even has a specific beach for dogs.
Not my favorite state park. Some good trails. Lots of visitors, noise, etc.
Governor Dodge state park is a nice state park nestled in the driftless area of Wisconsin. This park is complete with electric and non electric campsites in two locations as well as a horse campground and trails. This park has numerous trails including one leading to a small cave and another to a waterfall. Besides the trails and campgrounds this park is equipped with two lakes for swimming as well as boating. It also includes boat rentals. This park deserves my five star rating.
Beautiful park but some park employees that work the entrance here either need to adjust their attitude or find a new job where they don't have to talk to people.
Loved the trails, lakes are beautiful! It's a very popular spot, though, so expect it to be crowded on the weekends
Get out in nature, easy boat rentals, grills near beach, cheap and giant ice cream cones.
Great hiking trails! Beautiful scenery!
Good camp sites. Make sure you have all your food put away (in a car) before sundown, the raccoons are fearless and numerous!
It's beautiful with lots of opportunities for activities. The bathroom/shower was clean but tired. The showers have the push-button faucets that turn off automatically. They stay on about 45-50 seconds.
Me and my family always go here and live in the Stoughton area it takes about an hour to get there but it's completely worth it there's a water fall rentals for paddle boards boats and kyaks there's a mountian and trails also campgrounds a swimming area for dogs then humans to enjoy the pictures below I highly recommend
One of my favorite places to go camping... I've been going to Governor Dodge for 55 years....
Bath house is tarrible you have to leave your stuff out in common area and get undressed in the same area out in public. The DNR are going to give you a hard time they are there every day and are rude. The staff seem better but are helpless. From the camp sites the beaches are too far for kids to ride there bikes and for bikes you will have to buy a 15 dollar trail pass. If you have kayaks there are all these rules that are designed to make life miserable so you have to rent them . I am a local and was wondering why I didn't see more local people and when I got home heard all the horror stories and that's why the locals don't go there.
Nice hiking to hidden waterfall and huge rock formations with a rain forest feel. We visited on a hot day and it was cooler here in the shade.
Great place for diverse setting and activities.
Quiet. Dog friendly. Clean. Great place for vacation.
Great place to camp. Lots of good hiking trails. 2 good lakes and beaches.. Reserve a spot early fills up quickly. The shower houses could use an update. The trails should perhaps be rated on difficulty as there are some that would be very difficult if not properly prepared. We hiked all of the trails except the Driftless, we only hiked part of that. Overall one of my favorite places to go. This year marked our third visit and it won't be the last. We go to many different campgrounds in different states and Governor Dodge is high on our list.
Many memories as a child camping at Twin Valley and fishing always produces nice sized fish. Beautiful scenery from tall green pines rising from orange sandstone rock formations.
An absolutely beautiful park with fun things to do for all ages. The waterfall was beautiful, beach was clean and water was nice. Loved their options for getting a double site. We'll definitely be back!
Always a fantastic park to visit! Lost Canyon trail has to be my favorite!
Beautiful scenery, lots to do, wildlife galore! Will definitely be back. What could be improved upon is the rules seem to be too plentiful and are mentioned frequently by staff. I stay in mostly state parks and this is by far the most rules encountered. Also, state parks should have an adult only section or allow my generator as all the screaming kids are WAY louder than my generator ever will be.
Arguably the Best state park in all of Wisconsin
Great hiking, especially after the tourist spots where they see the waterfall and turn around. Some nice hills and flat areas. Plenty of good photos with how the sun peaks through in areas.
Practically grew up here, tons of fond memories. A great place for the whole family!
Great hiking for all levels. Enough challenging hikes to keep active adults busy, but enough short/easy hikes to have a fun afternoon with our 4 year old who hikes on his own now.
Nice campground! Beautiful scenery. Nice beaches and plenty of walking trails.
Huge park, nice retreat from the city, tons of walking trails
Good hiking, pretty lake, less crowded then devil's lake, but a similar vibe
Great hiking! Definately one of my favorite state parks
Beautiful park with something for everyone! A gem!!
Great facilities. The beach is fun and the hikes to the cave and waterfall are great. A hidden treasure!
The staff at the entrance gate are extremely helpful and the park seemed well taken care of. The beach's and the water were all very clean as well.
Beautiful hiking trails! Great swimming for dogs on there own beach & picnic grounds & swimming great too! Awesome horseback riding trails! Alot of wildlife visable! Luv this place!
Beautiful spot for whole family, nice beach , restrooms/changing rooms on site and little shop with ice cream and snacks . Picnic tables in many areas, we also brought our blanket as it was very busy day.
A large, scenic park; probably one of Wisconsin's finest. Miles and miles of trails, some pretty springs, decent hills. Has a good sampling of the many features that make the Driftless so pretty. I was there in the winter after a fresh snow, but I am sure it is very nice year round.
We loved it. Trials were well marked and maintained and easy to navigate.
Beautiful park. Clean lakes. Awesome hiking.
Great park for camping hiking and horseback riding
Went for a 2 mile hike, luckily the trail we chose had trees that blocked the rain. We were damp but we were happy hikers!
Very scenic and peaceful. Lots of clean well maintained campsites. Close to Dodgeville if you need anything. It has dog friendly areas for beach and picnic areas. The cox lake areas are much better for pets than the twin valleys lake.
Had a great night camping. Very clean. Staff are super friendly and accommodating. Wood on site. Clean bathrooms and showers.
I love this place because it has so much to offer. From to lake to take a swim/kayak to climbing, hiking, camping. And, who doesn't love Stephen's Falls and Pine Cliff, and the lost canyon trail! This place has so much to offer.
The scenery is amazing. It's an easy drive from our home and has everything we like to do outdoors available; plus a concession stand with Cedar Crest ice cream!
Great place to hang out when it's hot.
It was beautiful and calming. I even see a baby turtle and a bird.
This is one of the best state parks close to Madison. It has a decent amount of trails too, so there's a lot of variety.
Super easy hike in to see the beautiful waterfall and valley below it!
Great park (as most state parks) hiking and nice views but trails could be a little wider some places
Fun place to enjoy the outdoors with kids . We had fun fishing today but lots more to do besides that.
We really like this state park. There's plenty of great hiking, good fishing, and well kept campsites. There's also a really nice concession stand that had the best ice cream... and boat rentals.
Great sites, great trails, great atmosphere. Highly recommend, we drive 3 hours at least once a year to camp here.
Governor Dodge State Park is a gem! I have been going there since 5th grade, and now I have teenagers that come with me. Our favorite location in the park is the beach at Cox Hollow Lake, where you can purchase mammoth ice cream cones. The staff at this park are always fabulous, helpful and knowledgeable. I would have no problem with the sticker cost being raised to get into the park so there would be more funds for running and maintaining this State Park.
It was a good solid campground. Bathrooms were better than most places.
Park is popular but I always have fun there and rarely get skunked. Only state park that I know of with 2 lakes in it. Wildlife galore and you near a town 6 miles from Dodgeville but you don't feel like it's close to civilization which I enjoy.
Great park lots of beach space at both lakes
Really nice place to camp/fish/hike!
Stephen falls and lost canyon trail is my favourite hike. We camp here every summer.
What an awesome and huge park! The, beaches, playgrounds, oh my!
Wish they had bathrooms and trashcans closer to the dog beach but all in all very well maintained and clean. Helpful staff as well.
I really enjoy going to this state park over devil's lake. It does not have as much in terms of swimming & water activities since the lake/pond is not close in size. It is a great spot for hiking with enough trails to get in a good workout without the overcrowding that comes with devil's lake due to its popularity.
Been coming here for the past few years for my family reunion. Never disappointed.
One of the Best State parks I have ever been to, Staff and Rangers are super freindly and are willing to help you. The trails are very well maintained and the Attractions like the Waterfall are amazing. This park is one of the best in South Central Wisconsin.
Having a great time. Lots of things to do and trails to walk/bike. Beautiful.
I can't get enough of this park! Beautiful place to kayak on either of their two lakes OR go hiking on their trails.
Great hiking, so many different types of trails. We also spent a morning kayaking on cox hollow lake. Most campsites are spacious. Beautiful views.
Great state park that offers tons to do. Fishing, hiking, camping, swimming, grilling, ice cream, spots for dogs, boating...it really does have it all. Highly recommend.
Iots to do . 2 clean lakes , lots of trails , nice campground. Beautiful park .
Loved the scenery and loved the waterfall, even though I have seen bigger. The trail was great and well maintained and the beauty of mother nature was evident all around. I wish I had gotten pictures, but too bad I forgot. Will take more pictures when I get a chance for sure.
Pretty good natural space, lots of trails and even a lake area. I believe this place is more suitable for campers than somebody just going on a recreational hike - I'd say there's better natural parks around Madison for hiking. This park was well maintained, a good time but pretty average when it comes to flora or fauna. However, for a casual hike, still a good bet if you want to try a new place out.
Huge park, well kept, tons of awesome scenery. Mountain Bike trails are not technical, but tons of climbing and speeding downhills. Be cautious on bike trails, lots of loose surface. Plenty to do at this park, hiking trails could keep a person busy for a few days!
Two days camping was fun. But the staff/workers of the park made it unpleasant. Had to deal with them at least 5 times while staying there. Workers and along with Park Rangers were very RUDE. Completely ruined our moods.
What a beautiful park! We camped here for the week, and our campsite (Cox Hollow #35) was great: private and an easy walk to the bathrooms. The bathrooms were well maintained and always clean. This site is also very near the Lake. The hiking trails were gorgeous as was the rest of this park. I think the highlight of the trails was Stephens Falls, but all of the trails are quite picturesque. The bugs were the only downside while we were here, specifically the gnats which were swarming for what felt like the whole time we were there, but the campfire does take care of keeping them away. Can't wait to go back.
We had a terrible experience there last night. The wardens there are very rude and demeaning. They told us that we were not aloud to drive after curfew and after some research there was absolutely no rule posted stating that you aren’t allowed to. There were other cars driving around after the warden stopped us as well. I have stayed at many other state parks and have never had a problem and usually enjoy my experience. I will never stay here again.
Are family loves gov Dodge awesome hiking trails the water fall is by far the best though make sure to check it out it's maybe 10 min from the parking area (depends on how busy they are) there's really something for anyone to do camping, fishing, hiking, horse riding trails boating no wake lake great place to spend a weekend.
Nice trails, scenic, convenient places to rest during hike, and pretty water features.
Been to the lake twice now and just love it! Will come back again. This is a trolling motor only lake so it's very peaceful and the water is clean and fish are healthy.
A little pricey for out of state residents, but our group of 10 had a blast
Beautiful park with many scenic trails. Both electric and non-electric camp sites.
Lots of quiet places to hike.
Great state park to visit for a day or camp for a week. Lots of trails, a couple small lakes, horseback riding...
Cought some fish and s buddy cought a big snapping turtle. The turtle climbed right out of the boat.
Favorite state park so far and I have visited quite a few. The lakes were amazing!
Somewhat poorly maintained. For $44 (site + entrance fee) the least they could do is rake the leaves from the campsites. It may still be early in the season, but the fees aren't adjusted accordingly.
Nice scenic park. The trails are great! Close to House on the Rock and Bobs Bitchin BBQ!
This was my first visit to the park. It had 2 beaches, many trails you can walk, ride horses, or ski in the winter. While they don't allow dogs at the main beach areas, you can have them nearby, and they have an a small dog beach area. They have bathrooms, and concession stands, and allow fishing. It also had a waterfall and several caves you can walk too.
We've camped in many state parks and this is the best maintained. Nice flat sites (except where noted in reservation system comments). Clean bathrooms. Roomy campsites well separated from neighbors. Lots of trails although as seniors we would prefer a couple more short&easy. 2 beaches. Waterfall (watch your kids on this trail), trail to view from top is paved but the trail to bottom steep and stones might be tough for some seniors. A bit of historic (150 year old spring house). Nice youth group campsites with the parking lot a bit away from campsite so no cars in camp.
Huge, calm. Went on a weekday during school year. Well marked hiking trails, and we looked at the camping areas, they're so well set up, can't wait to return with tents!
It is a beautiful area, and kayak, canoe, and tow boat rentals are inexpensive. They also have great hiking trails with gorgeous rolling hills, and many natural attractions. Always a relaxing trip!
Beautiful park nonetheless, no complaints there. However the couple that work the gate, Older lady and younger guy with glasses, pitiful customer service. I wouldn't be surprised if people dont return for this sole reason. Absolutely rude
We love the seclusion and relaxation you feel while enjoying the beach and water. Always clean!! Thank you for another relaxing day.
Beauriful waterfall. Interesting history. Great beaches. Quiet camping.
Made an online reservation in advance while talking to a customer service rep on the phone. Found out the day before the trip that the reservation was not made due to a known issue on their website where it has been accepting payments without making the reservation. There was no warning of this on the website and the customer service rep on the phone did not mention it. Now they are telling us the night before our trip that we cam not make a reservation because it is no longer at least 2 days in advance, even though we paid days ago. Now we are without a campsite the day before leaving for a trip. Horrible experience and horrible customer service.
The caves were closed (they don't want people to disturb the bats during the colder months) and it was muddy when I went, but the hiking was good.
Great hiking trails. The camping ground spots are close so best for group camping where privacy/quiet is not a big concern. Walk in locations are about 50ft from car
Just a great place, good hiking nice beaches. VERY BUSY!!!
The camp sites were clean. The beach area is great for the kids. Really nice and wooded park.
Nice park, camp sites are great but all the flush bathrooms are in serious need of maintenance and upgrades. Bathrooms don't appear to be cleaned regularly, come on its summer and there are a lot of people using them. They should be cleaned 2wice per day and use like a bleach solution. Won't return until upgrades are made..
Great trails in the forest and prairie. Nice camping facilities.
Fantastic area! We had a great time. Nice trails. Good parking. The site we got was perfect.
Always a great camping trip and trails to walk
Governor dodge is a unique state park with lots of amazing hiking trails! It is also a good place for skiing.
This is my favorite state park to hike in so far in Wisconsin! I love that you can choose the length of your hike by connecting trails. The Stephan's Falls is such a serene and peaceful place to visit at the end of a long hike. I would recommend this park to anyone!
Great state park tucked away in rural Wisconsin. Hiking for kids was great fun and we got to share the trail with horses which they also loved interacting.
Scenic. Water was nice. Separate beach for you dogs . Very dog friendly . Has concession stand near beach. Showers . Some flush toilets.
This place is huge and beautiful and it's pretty pressure how well maintained it is. Just hiked, can't comment on the camping or concessions. There are just so many trails and ways to go. Looks of directions. Most important is that you can just download a map and keep it with you on your phone. Very handy.
Its amazing here! I have been here years after years, and never been disappointed. What makes this place great is the amount of beautiful hiking trails. The beach is also nice, however there are not many things to do while in the water. Every year it rains for us, but thats just the normal when ever you visit. If camping, this place is much easier to take kids (though still a challenge) the campsites are not near any busy roads. I had a great experience.
Oh Man where do I start? This Park is beyond AWESOME! First of all there are two nice lakes, Cox Hollow Lake and Twin Valley Lake! They are Beautiful Lakes pretty clear! They are man made and also they are No Wake! That means that boats can not go fast so as a swimmer I love that!! The beaches are gorgeous and super soft sand! Second The campsites are awesome and huge! They feel very homey except if you sleep in a tent the Gravel is not really that comfortable. But other than that Nice huge fire pits! Finally This park also has really awesome concessions stands at Cox Hollow Lake! The food is Awesome yummy!! ~ Lakegirl Crystal
Went here solely for rock climbing, specifically the bouldering. It exceeded my expectations in that regard. Tons of routes to do. Spent the whole day near Plan B and Backbone Ridge. Definitely could come back for multiple visits.
Absolutely beautiful park with swimming, hiking, a waterfall and boating!
It was an awesome experience, we hiked the Lost Canyon Trail (3 miles) and ended our visit with the Stephens Falls! Great place for a weekend day trip from Madison
This place is beautiful. One of the many gems of wisconsin. Lots of great trails and a very scenic waterfall. Campsites are nice and the concession stand at the beach is convenient and great for families. Pretty busy on the weekends. The racoons have no fear so keep all garbage, food, and coolers in your vehicle. One jumped on the table rummaged through my purse and stole my daughters markers and ran off into the woods when we were 5 feet away.
The best place in the hole wordl
Governor Dodge State Park is a large and beautiful State Park. It has many amenities including beaches hiking and multiple campgrounds. The beaches are on clean Lakes and offer canoe rentals in addition to picnic areas and clean sand beaches. There is one hiking trail that leads past a waterfall that is definitely worth seeing. There are also horse trails and biking trails around the park.
This place was nice and the lake where clean. The bathroom were not ,but i recommend this place to anyone.
Great place to hang out with friends
Great scenery and trails for hiking. Good place for family outing, dog friendly
Love it. Inspite of mosquitoes loving me they dont seem to ever be a serious problem here. Prices for snacks at the kiosks are reasonable. A Walmart is just 10min away if you forget supplies.... like a bottle of rum.
Beautiful park. Clean, wonderful trails and beaches. Plenty of activities to do. To many acres to explore in a weekend... BUT... staff/park rangers rude and condescending. Camp sites quite small and in close proximity to each other. Not much privacy even with the trees all around. Burn pits are not equipped with a grate so come prepared! Jumping Jupiter general store down the road were very friendly and inviting!
Great place to camp with kids
Beautiful Cox Hollow Lake with beautiful hiking trails and the sand is nice and fine, good for walking barefoot on :)
Swam from the beach to the pine bluff and back. Amazing
Great park, decent sites. Clean bathrooms. The showers could have an area to change in. And not hooks inside the shower to hang your belongings. No door separating the showers from toilets, which the outside door is there so you can be seen. This is in the twin valley campground. Checking in was great. The lady on staff on Friday was somewhat rude when my husband came back in a shuttle from a dealership because our truck needed work and could not be driven home w our camper if not fixed. All in all a beautiful, relaxing place to camp and hike.
Beautiful. The Staff was adequate.
Lost valley trail with stephen waterfall was very cool great hike
Beautiful park, well worth a stop if you're in the area
The beach bathroom (Ladies) was in urgent need of a cleaning. Toilet paper everywhere. Garbage was full and odor was unbearable. Stalls were dirty. All in all a real deterrent to coming back to enjoy the beach
Awesome Sandy Beach, water clean and safe to swim in, and kid friendly hiking.
Great hike, more on the moderate side. Well maintained paths.
Nice camp sites and a good range of climbing/bouldering
Bathroom facilities smelled like urine and had an septic smell that could make you puke. The Wi State Wardens conduct radar speed enforcement while in the Park so watch your speed! $189.00 fine. Park is beautiful and camp sites were clean. Firewood is 5 bucks per bundle and must be purchased within the service desk. Parking fee for your vehicle on site 11 bucks daily. 28 bucks for camp site rental per day plus WI registration fee. Try an indoor water park.. more fun and cheaper. Unfortunatly I wont be returning to a WI state pk for a very long time. Ill keep my donation to an IL State Pk. next yr.
One of my favorite state park for camping or just a day hike.
It's a fun place to go and they have good fishing. The staff are friendly and knowledgeable.
My Wife my son (7yrs) and my self hiked the cave trail, the search of the cave! This trail is not for the mild mannered hiker! It has steep sandy grades and many obstacles we turned back before finding Thomas Cave, for fear of sustaining great bodily harm to ourselves and our son! Don't bring your grandma on this hikeing trail!
One of the best state parks in Wisconsin. Lovely campground. Beautiful scenery. Recommend giving it a visit.