Campgrounds near Dodgeville, Wisconsin include established sites in Governor Dodge State Park, where both Cox Hollow and Twin Valley campgrounds offer tent, RV, and walk-in camping options. The area features several park-managed properties within a 20-mile radius, including Blue Mound State Park Campground and Yellowstone Lake State Park Campground, providing a mix of electric and non-electric sites. Private options like Tom's Campground and Wisconsin Riverside Resort complement the public facilities with additional amenities including cabin rentals and glamping accommodations, creating a diverse range of camping experiences in this scenic region of southwestern Wisconsin. With over 140 campgrounds to choose from, Dodgeville offers campers exceptional access to southwestern Wisconsin's natural beauty.
Many campgrounds in the area operate seasonally, with most state park facilities available from April through October or November, though some locations offer year-round access. "The park is beautiful, the campsites are very nice. There's lots to do including swimming and kayaking on the lake," noted one visitor about Governor Dodge State Park. The terrain consists primarily of wooded bluffs and lakeshores with varying levels of accessibility—some sites offer drive-up convenience while others require short walks to more secluded locations. Reservations are strongly recommended during summer weekends and holidays, when sites frequently reach capacity. Weather conditions can change rapidly in spring and fall, with occasional heavy rainfall affecting trail conditions and campsite drainage in low-lying areas.
Campers frequently highlight the hiking opportunities as a standout feature of the Dodgeville area, particularly at Governor Dodge State Park. The park's extensive trail network connects to waterfalls, bluffs, and two recreational lakes with swimming beaches and boat rentals. Walk-in sites receive especially positive reviews for their privacy and natural setting. One experienced camper shared that "sites 262, 263, and 264 are 40-75 steps from parking, right on the edge of the valley with personal bluff access." Wildlife encounters are common, with raccoons frequently mentioned in reviews as bold visitors to campgrounds. Families appreciate the mix of amenities like playgrounds, fishing opportunities, and clean bathroom facilities, though some reviewers note that popular campgrounds can be quite noisy during peak summer weekends, especially at developed sites with electrical hookups.
"Two good lakes for kayaking/canoeing/fishing/swimming. Lots of good hiking trails and they are working on a big improvement to the equestrian campground."
"We love to go kayaking here, the lakes are lovely. There are also lots of trails to explore. It can get busy, especially during the summer holidays."
"The flush toilets and showers were conveniently located a few sites down the road. We would choose this site again, and also found a handful of others for our “nice sites” list!"
"Lakes, trails, kayaking, boating, paddle boarding, fishing. Hidden gem of Wisconsin. The campsites are pretty private, nestled in trees. Some shaded, some have sun and shade."
"It has a large lake with three boat launches, a main one with a motor ramp, a canoe launch near the marshy end, and a fishing pier."
"The hiking is amazing , particularly the Oakgrove trail, plenty to see with beautiful views. There is boating, canoeing, etc."
$18 / night
"Overall, the park has well-maintained hiking and MTB biking trails, extraordinarily clean and well-kept vault toilets, and ample access to drinking water."
"Go to Blue Mounds Grocery on the way in. easy access to hiking, mountain biking, and running trails - including Military Ridge Trail. Camped here with 2 friends during a cross country road trip."
"Lots of access to pit toilets and water fountains from primary camping sites!"
"Great hike threw out the state park. 2 main lakes with great fishing is a plus. Lots to do for the whole family"
"We needed a place after visiting the House on the Rock and couldn't find anything with hookups nearby. We stumbled upon Tom's Campground hoping to find a site."
"The campground was higher up on the hill, it took a 5 minutes to hike down to the lake with lots of steep steps. Nice beach area. I spent two nights here with an RV. I had electric hookup."
"It's up on a hill, so there's good views of the driftless area of Wisconsin. Plenty of open walk up camp sites, but it might be more full in the summer."
"The dense tree cover and near-constant slight breeze help to both keep this campground cool and the mosquitos at bay.
- Well-kept vault toilets.
- Close to a many points of interest."
$32 - $170 / night
"There is also a man-made lake with a beach for swimming and bigger kids to enjoy the large inflatable slides and swim platforms."
"I’m a tent camper so tucked in the back was great. It’s a bit of a normal RV easy camping almost glamping with the amenities around."
TravelerStaying in the Deerfield (?) loop provided quiet sites, some good wooded walks in the campground, and clean bathrooms. The park itself offers pretty, remote hiking along the bluffs and in the forests. You won't get bored camping here, although Wyalusing is a little too big to be walkable. Summers can be very hot, and swimming at Wyalusing is iffy/nonexistent.
ScoutBrand new campground with a large Sandy beach swimming pond, fishing pond and a large lodge building with farm shop and excellent restrooms and showers. Planned activities on the weekends and a short drive to Devils Lake State Park and city of Baraboo.
GuideWyalusing State Park is a real gem, if you’re able to get a spot. The campsites along the ridge offer the best views, but do not have electricity. The inner campsites have electricity but no views. Definitely not the most private campground, with many sites being tight up against the campground road.
There are some very nice hiking trails here, as well as a few interesting things like the little “cave” you can check out. We came here in April and had a wonderful time, it was not too muddy and not too cold at night.
ScoutThe park has a peaceful, natural atmosphere and the wooded sites give a nice sense of privacy compared to many larger campgrounds. It’s a great spot if you’re looking for a quiet outdoor experience with simple amenities and access to scenic hiking and biking trails. Being close to the town of New Glarus is also a nice bonus if you want to explore the area during your stay.
speed run
TravelerWe were lucky enough to have this beautiful little gem all to ourselves. The campground is super quiet, clean and very well maintained. It’s located about 40 minutes away from the Wisconsin Dells and has easy access to the 400 State bike trail. We took the Dells boat tour and enjoyed biking through the beautiful surrounding countryside and sampling the delicious goods at Wonewoc’s farmer’s market. Everywhere we went, people were so kind and helpful. We look forward to stopping in again.
TravelerOne of my favorites. Right on the water. Nice shower house and close to bike trail that leads to Bellevue
Travelercost at end of september, sunday night was $76/night PLUS $16 parking fee so $92 for a night at a mediocre campground with no privacy. i rarely write negative reviews, but ive been camping for a while now, and never experienced this high of a cost for just a regular campground.
GuideA little cramped, nice people. We didn't use the pool but it had adults only after dark. Our site backed up to the forest, there's a short trail thru the trees. Most sites have FHU, most are back-in. We had one of the sites with only water and electric. There is a dump station, small concession, playground. A small creek runs around much of the outside of the property.
GuideThe lake is great for kayaking. Lots of sandstone cliffs. We only did 2 hiking trails but they were well maintained. The site was good. The 202 area has a parking lot for 4 sites and a very short walk to the sites. Fire pit and picnic table were in good shape. The highway noise is loud and some military jets kept flying overhead. The raccoons were brutal. They broke into our crates twice. Smart enough to figure out the clip mechanism. Overall good site but a little noisy.
Dodgeville, Wisconsin harbors a mixture of state park campgrounds and private camping areas across the driftless region landscape. Governor Dodge State Park stands as the centerpiece with its Twin Valley and Cox Hollow Campgrounds, featuring tent sites, RV spaces, and walk-in camping options. Nearby, visitors will find Blackhawk Lake Recreational Area and Blue Mound State Park Campground which also accommodate tent and RV campers. Private operations like Tom's Campground and Wisconsin Riverside Resort expand lodging options with cabin rentals and glamping facilities alongside traditional campsites. Most developed campgrounds in the area offer electric hookups, drinking water, fire rings, and picnic tables while maintaining wooded settings.
The camping season in the Dodgeville area generally runs from April through October, with some facilities extending into November. Reservations are strongly recommended, particularly for summer weekends and holidays when sites fill quickly. One camper noted, "October and November have less people, no bugs, and beautiful fall foliage, plus a fire feels good that time of year." Most campgrounds provide showers and flush toilets, though facilities vary by location. Campgrounds with lake access such as Governor Dodge State Park offer swimming beaches, boat rentals, and fishing opportunities. Cell service is generally available throughout the region, though signal strength may vary in more remote areas or deep valleys characteristic of the driftless region's topography.
Many visitors praise Governor Dodge State Park for its extensive trail network and scenic features. A review mentioned, "There are so many hiking trails that all have different views—cliffs, bluffs, caves, waterfalls, old architecture that displays the great history of the area." Several campgrounds offer waterfront options, with sites near Cox Hollow Lake being particularly sought after. Campers frequently mention wildlife encounters, particularly with raccoons that have grown accustomed to campers. Family groups appreciate the playground facilities and swimming areas, while those seeking more solitude gravitate toward walk-in sites which offer greater privacy. The park's two lakes provide no-wake boating options suitable for kayaking, canoeing, and fishing, with rental equipment available during peak season.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best campgrounds near Governor Dodge State Park?
Governor Dodge State Park itself offers excellent camping options. Twin Valley Campground — Governor Dodge State Park is highly rated by visitors who appreciate its spacious sites and natural setting. It can be challenging to back into some sites, but the campground provides a peaceful atmosphere. For group camping experiences, Hickory Ridge Group Camp — Governor Dodge State Park offers facilities for larger gatherings. Outside the park, Blackhawk Lake Recreational Area near Highland provides an alternative with lakeside camping opportunities. These campgrounds serve as excellent baselines for exploring the beautiful terrain and recreational opportunities throughout the Dodgeville region.
Are there year-round camping options available in Dodgeville, WI?
Most campgrounds in the Dodgeville area operate seasonally, typically from April/May through October. Cox Hollow Campground — Governor Dodge State Park closes during winter months but offers extended season camping in early spring and late fall, weather permitting. For winter camping options, consider Toms Campground near Dodgeville, which provides year-round accommodation for those equipped for cold-weather camping. Before planning a winter camping trip, check with the specific campground for current availability, as facilities may be limited and water systems winterized. Some privately owned campgrounds in the region may offer cabins or heated accommodations for winter visitors.
What amenities do campgrounds in the Dodgeville area offer?
Campgrounds around Dodgeville provide a range of amenities to enhance your outdoor experience. New Glarus State Park Campground offers drive-in sites with nice amenities, while their walk-in sites provide more solitude. For water recreation enthusiasts, Wyalusing State Park Campground features boat access to rivers, hiking trails connected to campgrounds, showers, and flush toilets. Many area campgrounds include swimming beaches, fishing opportunities, and hiking trails. Private campgrounds like Fox Hill RV Park & Campground offer additional amenities such as swimming pools, ponds, and services like firewood and ice delivery. Most public campgrounds provide basic facilities including water access, toilets, and reservable sites, with varying levels of electrical hookups depending on the specific campground.
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