Governor Dodge Group Campsite A

For Wisconsin residents planning a memorable group outdoor adventure, Governor Dodge Group Campsite A offers an unparalleled experience within one of the state's most cherished natural treasures, Governor Dodge State Park. This specific group campsite is designed to accommodate larger gatherings, providing ample space and dedicated amenities that make it an ideal choice for family reunions, scout troops, or friends looking to connect with nature together. As recent visitors have enthusiastically noted, even with ongoing enhancements, it's a "fantastic site with lots of space for tents, parking, eating, playing," featuring a "brand new outhouse there now, exclusively for your group."

Governor Dodge State Park itself is a sprawling landscape of over 5,000 acres, boasting steep hills, majestic bluffs, deep valleys, two serene lakes, and even a picturesque waterfall. Located in Wisconsin's unique Driftless Area, a region untouched by glaciers and celebrated for its rugged beauty, the park provides a stunning backdrop for any outdoor activity. Group Campsite A embodies this spirit, offering a quiet and spacious base from which to explore all that the park has to offer. This article will provide a detailed overview of what makes Governor Dodge Group Campsite A a prime choice for locals, covering its location, shared park services, specific campsite features, and why it's perfectly suited for your next collective Wisconsin outdoor adventure.

Governor Dodge Group Campsite A is located within Governor Dodge State Park, with the general park address being 4175 State Highway 23 N, Dodgeville, WI 53533, USA. The park is nestled in Iowa County, in the heart of Wisconsin's scenic Driftless Area, known for its unglaciated terrain of rolling hills, deep valleys, and dramatic sandstone bluffs.

The park's location makes it highly accessible for many Wisconsin residents. From Madison, the state capital, the drive is typically a convenient 45-50 minutes heading west on US-18 W/US-151 N, then north on Highway 23. For those traveling from Milwaukee, the journey usually takes around 1.5 to 2 hours, utilizing I-94 W and connecting to various state highways. Even from farther north in Wisconsin, the park remains a viable and rewarding destination for an extended trip. The park entrance is about 3 miles north of Highway 18 on Highway 23, with clear signage guiding visitors. Group Campsite A is specifically part of the Hickory Ridge Group Camp area, which contains 8 campsites designed for groups of 15 to 40 people. This well-marked and easily navigable location ensures that your group can arrive and set up camp without undue hassle, allowing you to quickly immerse yourselves in the natural beauty of southwestern Wisconsin.

While Group Campsite A provides exclusive amenities, campers also benefit from the broader services offered throughout Governor Dodge State Park, ensuring a comprehensive and comfortable experience for large groups.

• Dedicated Group Campsite Amenities: Group Campsite A (and other Hickory Ridge Group Camps) features a large tent area, multiple picnic tables, a sizable fire ring, and notably, a brand new, exclusive pit toilet (outhouse) for your group, as highlighted by recent visitors.
• Access to Shower Building: Showers and flush toilets are available at a central shower building located in the Hickory Ridge group camp area, a "fair walk around the bend, but not so far that's it's inconvenient at all."
• Drinking Water Access: Potable drinking water is available at the shower building, ensuring a fresh water supply for your group.
• Firewood Sales: Firewood is available for sale at the park office, making it easy to keep your campfire going for warmth, cooking, and ambiance.
• Waste and Recycling Facilities: Recycling centers and refuse containers are conveniently located at the Group Camp area, encouraging responsible waste management.
• Concession Stand: During the summer months (Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day), a concession stand near Cox Hollow Beach offers limited supplies, food, gifts, and basic camping gear.
• Boat and Paddle Boat Rentals: The concession stand also offers rentals for boats, canoes, and paddle boats on Cox Hollow Lake and Twin Valley Lake.
• Park Office Assistance: Knowledgeable staff at the park office are available to assist with inquiries, provide information, and address any needs during your stay.

Governor Dodge State Park is renowned for its diverse landscape and recreational opportunities, and Group Campsite A leverages these attributes to provide an outstanding experience for groups.

• Spacious Group Site: The campsite offers "lots of space for tents, parking, eating, playing," ensuring that even large groups of 15 to 40 people have ample room to spread out and enjoy their stay without feeling crowded.
• Exclusive Outbuilding: The presence of a "brand new outhouse... exclusively for your group" is a significant convenience, offering private toilet facilities directly at your site.
• Quiet and Secluded Atmosphere: Despite being part of a larger state park, reviewers emphasize that the group campsite area is "quiet," providing a peaceful environment conducive to relaxation and group bonding.
• Dramatic Landscape and Rock Formations: The park boasts "plenty of rocks and bluffs to climb," offering exciting opportunities for exploration and scenic views, particularly within the Driftless Area's unique geological features.
• Extensive Trail System: Governor Dodge State Park features over 40 miles of multi-use trails for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling, catering to all levels of outdoor enthusiasts.
• Two Beautiful Lakes: Cox Hollow Lake and Twin Valley Lake provide opportunities for swimming (with beaches), fishing (bass, panfish, northern pike), boating (electric motors only), kayaking, and canoeing.
• Waterfalls: The park is home to Stephens Falls and the seasonal Deer Spring Falls, both accessible via scenic hiking trails, adding a beautiful natural attraction to your visit.
• Family-Friendly: Beyond the specific group site amenities, the broader park offers playgrounds in family campgrounds, making it suitable for groups with children.
• Wildlife Viewing and Birdwatching: The diverse ecosystems of the park provide excellent opportunities for observing Wisconsin's native wildlife and a wide array of bird species.
• Year-Round Activities: While summer is popular, the park also offers winter camping with plowed sites and trails for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling, extending the season for outdoor enjoyment.

For inquiries specific to Governor Dodge Group Campsite A or general information about Governor Dodge State Park, prospective visitors and group leaders should utilize the following contact details. It is highly recommended to make reservations well in advance, especially for group sites, as they are very popular.

Address: Governor Dodge State Park, 4175 State Highway 23 N, Dodgeville, WI 53533, USA

Park Office Phone: (608) 935-2315

Reservations: Camping reservations, including for group sites, are required and can be made up to 11 months in advance through the Wisconsin DNR website (WIParks.net) or Recreation.gov.

Email: Governor Dodge State Park can also be contacted via email, typically found on the Wisconsin DNR's official park page.

Governor Dodge Group Campsite A presents an outstanding opportunity for Wisconsin locals to organize a memorable group outdoor experience within one of the state's most celebrated state parks. Its location in the breathtaking Driftless Area near Dodgeville ensures convenient access from various parts of the state, allowing groups to maximize their time enjoying nature rather than traveling.

What truly sets this campsite apart for local groups is its tailored design. The ample space for tents and activities, combined with the convenience of a brand new, private outhouse, makes group logistics smoother and more comfortable. Access to the park's central shower building and other amenities further enhances the experience. Beyond the campsite itself, the vast 5,000-acre park offers an incredible array of activities – from exploring unique rock formations and climbing bluffs to hiking miles of scenic trails, fishing or paddling on two beautiful lakes, and discovering hidden waterfalls. This diversity ensures that every member of the group, regardless of their interests, will find something to enjoy. Governor Dodge State Park encourages repeat visits, as hinted by the reviewer's intention to return "every chance we can." For Wisconsin residents looking to foster community, create lasting memories with friends and family, and fully immerse themselves in the state's remarkable natural beauty, Governor Dodge Group Campsite A is an ideal and highly recommended choice for your next group adventure.

Governor Dodge Group Campsite A

Dodgeville, WI 53533, USA