Within Governor Dodge State Park, the backpack campsites require a half-mile to one-mile hike from the parking area, creating a walk-in camping experience managed by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. These sites provide drinking water access, restrooms, and shower facilities despite their backcountry-style setup.
The hiking trail to reach the campsites winds through varied terrain across the state park's landscape. Two main lakes within the park boundaries support fishing opportunities, while the trail system connects to broader recreational areas throughout the property. Site 806 offers elevated views according to recent campers, with adequate spacing between individual sites for privacy.
"Lots of access to pit toilets and water fountains from primary camping sites," reports AC S., highlighting the infrastructure available despite the walk-in format. The sites accommodate pets and allow campfires, with picnic tables provided at each location. Water hookups are available, though the walk-in access limits RV compatibility to smaller units that can navigate the trail system.
Campers seeking drive-up convenience might consider Twin Valley Campground — Governor Dodge State Park, which sits just two-tenths of a mile east with standard vehicle access.
Description
There are six backpack campsites near Hickory Ridge. All sites are about 0.5 miles from the parking lot. Water and pit toilets are near the parking lot. Please note that coordinates listed on The Dyrt are for the entry to the State Park. Please call to gather detailed instructions on how to access these walk-in sites.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsGovernor Dodge State Park Backpack Campsites is located in Wisconsin near Dodgeville
Directions
https://maps.google.com?daddr=43.0184,-90.1395
Address
4175 State Highway 23 N
Dodgeville, WI 53533
Coordinates
43.0248604 N
90.1075324 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 6/19/26
VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 7/17/26- AT&TNo CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 7/13/26
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 6/19/26
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 7/17/26
- AT&TNo CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 7/13/26
Access
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Tent Cabin
Features
For Campers
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Reservable
- Showers
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Water Hookups
Drive Time
- 48 min from Madison, WI
- 55 min from Dubuque, IA
- 1 hr 15 min from Janesville, WI
- 1 hr 46 min from Rockford, IL
