Governor Dodge State Park and surrounding areas offer elevated glamping options near Dodgeville, Wisconsin, at an altitude of about 1,200 feet in the Driftless Area. This unglaciated region creates unique camping conditions with steep hills, sandstone formations, and valleys that remain cooler in summer but can experience significant temperature swings between day and night. Local campgrounds typically open from April through October with peak season running from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
What to do
Waterfall hiking: 3 miles of trails at Governor Dodge State Park lead to scenic natural features. According to a camper, "Stevens Falls and Canyon Trails were the highlight of the trip- even in the rain! First you can explore the old spring house and read the informational signs about the family that used to farm there and other early settlers in the area."
Kayaking on calm waters: Mirror Lake provides ideal conditions for flat-water paddling. A visitor notes, "The lake is great for kayaking. Lots of sandstone cliffs. We only did 2 hiking trails but they were well maintained." Mirror Lake State Park offers rental equipment for those without their own.
Mississippi River views: Set aside time to enjoy panoramic vistas from bluffs. "Beautiful views of the Iowa and Wisconsin Mississippi River bluffs," mentions one camper about Nelson Dewey State Park. Sites C and D offer the most spectacular vantage points but require early reservations.
What campers like
Dog-friendly accommodations: Many glamping sites welcome pets with dedicated areas. "My boyfriend and I brought our two dogs here to camp. They had a dog beach for them to swim in which was a huge plus! Great hiking with some beautiful scenery," shares a Governor Dodge visitor.
Train sounds as white noise: Some campers enjoy the trains near certain sites. One reviewer at Grant River Recreation Area stated, "For me, it was the city noise I needed to fall asleep," though others note trains can be loud through midnight.
Off-grid experience options: For those seeking a break from connectivity, certain sites offer limited cell service. "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," mentions a camper at Wisconsin Riverside Resort.
What you should know
Raccoon-proof your site: Wildlife can be persistent at certain campgrounds. At Governor Dodge State Park, one camper warns, "Beware of raccoons at this campground they are BOLD! Perfect for a family get away - showers, flush toilets, lots of hiking (but trails aren't very challenging), swimming area and boat launch, playground."
Bug protection essential: Mosquitoes can be intense, especially near water. A camper at Blackhawk Memorial Park advises, "Great little off grid camping for people that aren't afraid of bugs! No trailers with yapping ankle biters, Glammpers stay away!"
Firewood availability varies: Some campgrounds sell wood on-site while others require purchasing elsewhere. At Lake Kegonsa State Park, a camper shared, "We ended up going about a half mile down the road to purchase wood from a house that had it bundled up in a self serve stand. Wood here was only $5 a bundle and was full of hardwood."
Tips for camping with families
Plan for temperature swings: Bring layers as temperatures can drop significantly at night. At Governor Dodge State Park's glamping sites, one visitor notes, "We stayed at a hike in site in May and had great hanging options for our hammocks, excellent privacy in the hike-in sites, and beautiful options for hiking, fishing, and photography."
Multiple bathroom options: Choose sites based on restroom priorities. "The bathrooms were nice for what I saw of them. I just wish the bathrooms were warmer as they were not much warmer than outside," reports a camper at Mirror Lake State Park's glamping facilities.
Educational opportunities: Use informational placards throughout parks to engage kids. At Grant River, a visitor found, "The whole park offers beautiful views and nice trails of varying ruggedness. I was hope to camp at one of the walk-in sites to enjoy the great views."
Tips from RVers
Bridge clearance awareness: Watch for low overhead obstacles. One camper at Lake Kegonsa State Park warns, "CAUTION for RVs: there is an oak tree near entry with low branches and it took the AC off our friend's fifth wheel. There is also a low hanging overpass and it took the roofs off TWO fifth wheels while we were staying there."
Pull-through site limitations: At Wisconsin Riverside Resort, an RVer cautions, "I think the pull-thru are more fit for travel trailers not more 31 feet. We had 5th wheel 40 feet it felt tight to get into to. They have more spacious campsites near the lagoon for bigger rigs."
Electric hookup options: Many glamping sites around Dodgeville offer various power connections. Eagle Cave Resort provides thirty-amp hookups, while other parks like Governor Dodge State Park have sites with electrical options for those who prefer more amenities during their glamping experience.