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Governor Dodge
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Governor Dodge State Park Conditions
Conditions as of Friday, July 23, 2010:
Roads and Trails
All trails are open. See our trail map [PDF]. You may encounter almost any condition on the trails from dirt and rocks to mud and water. Even a short shower can cause slippery, muddy conditions. Be prepared to encounter all types of conditions on the trails and plan accordingly. For your safety, please remain on the designated trails.
Attention: Roads and trails in Governor Dodge will be part of two upcoming bike races. Hundreds of bicyclists will be riding through the park on these days. Please take extra caution on the roads and trails.
Saturday, August 14 - Dairyland Dare Bike Event. Bicyclists will enter and ride to Cox Hollow Beach, past Twin Valley campground and out past the park office from 7 a.m. until 1 p.m. Then bicyclists will enter and ride to Cox Hollow Beach, exiting the park on the Military Ridge Access Trail from 5-7 p.m.
Saturday, August 28 - Bike Event. Bicyclists will be riding at Governor Dodge during the day. The horse trails will be closed until 1 p.m.
Pets are allowed on the hiking trails and must be on a leash no longer than 8 feet. Please be considerate of others and clean up after your pet.
A state trail pass is required for anyone ages 16 and older to use the mountain bike or bridle trails. Passes are available at the park office.
Camping
All campgrounds and facilities are open for the season.
Campground
map [PDF 163KB]
Photos of campsites [exit DNR] (Friends of Governor Dodge Web site)
All campers, including those with reservations, must register/check in at the park office before setting up camp. Remember, no one may set up between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. Campers with reservations who will not arrive on their scheduled arrival date should contact the park office to ensure their site will be held for late arrival.
Reservations are highly recommended, especially for weekends, holidays, and for electrical sites from May through October. Reservations may be made up to 11 months before your arrival date. Call the toll free reservation line, (888) 947-2757, or use the Web.
Firewood Notice: Due to the potential of carrying harmful emerald ash borers [exit DNR], firewood from out of state or from more than 25 miles away is not allowed on Wisconsin State Park or Forest properties. Also, firewood that has been in the Wisconsin emerald ash borer quarantined area [PDF 102KB] is not allowed on properties outside of the quarantined area. Please buy firewood at or near the park or forest where you are going. Call the DNR toll-free Firewood Hotline, (877) 303-WOOD ((877) 303-9663) for information before packing for a trip. Help preserve our parks and forests; purchase your firewood at the park.
Fishing
The game season is open. 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 lake-specific regulations on signs at boat landings. Remember, both lakes are restricted to electric motors only.
Hunting
Hunters with special permits may hunt turkey (spring only), deer and small game in designated areas of the park in season. Special regulations apply for each hunt. Contact the park office for permit and regulation information. Deer permits will be available about the middle of September.
More about hunting in Governor Dodge State Park
Picnic Areas and Concessions
The Kiwanis Concession is open daily through Labor Day from 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays; and 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Call (608) 935-7501 for canoe, rowboat, and kayak rental information.
Bathhouses at both Twin Valley and Cox Hollow beaches are open.
Picnic shelter reservations are available for Enee Point, Twin Valley Picnic Area, Twin Valley Beach and Cox Hollow Beach West shelters. Contact the park office for specific information on shelters and availability.
Visitor Center
The park office and visitor center is open seven days a week. It has information about the park and area attractions and is where you should come to buy a vehicle admission sticker and register to camp. Camping information and park maps are available at the park office door.
More Information
Friends of Governor Dodge
Web site [exit DNR]
Road Conditions [exit DNR]
Weather
[exit DNR]
For more information, ask Governor Dodge State Park, (608) 935-2315.
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