Governor Thompson State Park Campground

For Wisconsin residents seeking an authentic and well-equipped camping experience amidst the natural splendor of the Northwoods, Governor Thompson State Park Campground near Crivitz offers an inviting destination. As one of Wisconsin's newer state parks, established in 2000, it provides a blend of modern amenities within a pristine natural setting, making it a popular choice for families, outdoor enthusiasts, and those simply looking to unwind.

Governor Thompson State Park encompasses over 2,800 acres, including significant shoreline on the vast Caldron Falls Flowage and two smaller kettle lakes. The campground itself is thoughtfully designed, offering a variety of campsite types to accommodate both RVs and tents. Visitors can expect spacious sites, often with a good degree of privacy, allowing for a comfortable and immersive experience in the forest.

The park is a haven for outdoor activities. With more than 16 miles of hiking trails, opportunities for boating, fishing, and swimming, there's no shortage of ways to explore and enjoy the natural environment. While the main campground is set back from the entrance, this distance contributes to the tranquility and a deeper sense of being "away from it all," a quality highly valued by many campers.

For locals in Wisconsin, having a state park campground like Governor Thompson within a reasonable drive is a true asset. It provides an accessible option for weekend getaways, longer family vacations, or simply a quick escape into the beautiful Northwoods. The park’s commitment to providing clean facilities and a variety of recreational opportunities ensures a fulfilling experience for a wide range of visitors, from those seeking adventure to those desiring peaceful relaxation.

Beyond the natural attractions, the convenience of nearby services in Crivitz adds to the park's appeal. While you might be tucked away in nature, essential supplies and local dining options are never too far, offering a balanced camping experience that combines rustic charm with practical accessibility. Governor Thompson State Park Campground truly embodies the spirit of Wisconsin's outdoor recreation, providing a welcoming and well-prepared environment for your next adventure.

Governor Thompson State Park Campground is located on Campground Rd, Crivitz, WI 54114, USA. This address places it approximately 15 miles northwest of Crivitz, a well-known community in Marinette County, Wisconsin. Marinette County is a prime Northwoods destination, celebrated for its extensive forests, numerous waterways, and abundant outdoor recreational opportunities.

The campground's location within Governor Thompson State Park offers direct access to its expansive natural features. The park boasts 6.5 miles of shoreline on the massive Caldron Falls Flowage, which is part of the Peshtigo River system, and an additional 5,300 feet of shoreline on two smaller kettle lakes (Huber Lake and Woods Lake). This proximity to significant bodies of water makes it an excellent base for boating, fishing, and swimming.

Access to the park and campground is generally straightforward via well-maintained roads. While the campsites are noted by one reviewer as being "a long way from the entrance," this distance contributes to the secluded and peaceful atmosphere of the camping loops, enhancing the feeling of immersion in nature. The drive through the state park lands to reach the campground is often scenic, setting the tone for a relaxing retreat.

For Wisconsin residents, the park's location offers convenient access from major population centers. For instance, it's approximately 1 hour and 14 minutes from Green Bay, 1 hour and 34 minutes from Appleton, and about 2 hours from both Wausau and Oshkosh. This manageable drive time makes it an ideal spot for weekend trips or longer vacations without requiring excessive travel planning.

Furthermore, the park's adjacency to the Peshtigo River State Forest means that campers have even more public land to explore, expanding the range of hiking, hunting, and other outdoor activities available. Local amenities in Crivitz, including a dollar store and various pubs and restaurants, are within a short drive, providing conveniences when needed.

• 100 family campsites (103 total sites including group).
• Variety of site types: electric (20 and 30 amp service), non-electric, and three boat-in sites.
• Flush toilets and individual tiled showers in a centrally-located building (open seasonally, typically May through October).
• Vault toilets available throughout the campground loops (year-round access at boat-in sites).
• Sanitary dump and fill station located on the road into the campground (open seasonally, May through October).
• Potable water available via fountains throughout the campground.
• Firewood and ice available for purchase at the park office/camp store.
• Picnic table and fire ring with metal grate at each campsite.
• Bear-proof food boxes at boat-in sites.
• Canoe rack at boat-in sites.
• ADA accessible campsites available.
• Group sites available (some with electric hookups).
• Designated pet-friendly areas, including most campgrounds, trails, and roads (pets must be leashed, supervised, and waste picked up).

Governor Thompson State Park Campground offers a robust array of services designed to provide a comfortable and convenient camping experience. The campground features 100 family campsites, which are sized to accommodate tents, campers, or RVs. These are divided into loops, with electric sites (offering both 20 and 30 amp service) available in the East Loop and non-electric sites in the North and South loops. Additionally, there are three unique boat-in campsites on the south shore of Caldron Falls Flowage, accessible only by watercraft, providing a more secluded experience.

For personal hygiene, the park provides clean and well-maintained facilities. There is a centrally-located shower and flush toilet building, which is typically open from May through October. For year-round access and convenience within the loops, vault toilets are strategically placed throughout the campground. A sanitary dump and fill station is also available near the campground entrance during the warmer months, allowing RVers to manage their waste efficiently.

Each campsite is equipped with essential outdoor amenities, including a picnic table and a fire ring with a metal grate for cooking. Firewood is conveniently sold at the park office, adhering to Wisconsin's regulations against moving firewood to prevent the spread of pests and diseases. Water fountains providing potable water are accessible throughout the campground.

The park is committed to accessibility, offering ADA accessible campsites. For those camping in groups, specific group sites are available, some of which include electric hookups. Importantly, Governor Thompson State Park is pet-friendly in most areas, allowing leashed and supervised pets in campgrounds, trails, and roads, provided owners adhere to waste disposal rules. This comprehensive suite of services ensures a comfortable and well-supported camping trip for diverse needs.

• Spacious campsites, some offering privacy, suitable for tents, campers, and RVs.
• Located within a 2,800-acre state park with significant natural beauty.
• Extensive shoreline on Caldron Falls Flowage and two kettle lakes for water recreation.
• Over 16 miles of hiking trails of varying lengths and difficulty, exploring diverse landscapes.
• Opportunities for fishing (walleye, bass, pike, panfish), boating, canoeing, kayaking, and swimming.
• Unique boat-in campsites for a secluded water-access experience.
• Modern facilities: clean flush toilets, individual tiled showers, and a dump station.
• Availability of electric and non-electric sites, plus group camping options.
• ADA accessible campsites for visitors with disabilities.
• On-site firewood sales and potable water.
• Adjacent to Peshtigo River State Forest, expanding recreational opportunities.
• Pet-friendly policies in most park areas.
• Proximity to local amenities in Crivitz (dollar store, pubs, restaurants).
• Known for a generally quiet and relaxing atmosphere.

One of the most appealing features of Governor Thompson State Park Campground is its vast natural setting. Situated within a 2,800-acre state park, campers are immersed in the beauty of Wisconsin's Northwoods. The campsites themselves are often spacious, providing a sense of privacy and seclusion, which many visitors highly value for a true outdoor escape.

The park boasts extensive water access, with significant shoreline on the Caldron Falls Flowage and two smaller kettle lakes. This provides ample opportunities for a wide range of water-based activities, including fishing for walleye, bass, northern pike, and panfish, as well as boating, canoeing, kayaking, and swimming. The unique boat-in campsites offer a particularly secluded experience for those who prefer water access to their site.

For land-based adventurers, the park features over 16 miles of hiking trails. These trails vary in length and terrain, taking hikers through diverse landscapes and past interesting geological formations, ensuring there's something for every skill level. The South Bay trail conveniently links the campground to Boat Landing 13 Road, offering easy access to the water.

Campers benefit from modern and well-maintained facilities, including clean flush toilets and individual tiled showers in a central building, along with vault toilets in the loops. The availability of electric hookups (20 and 30 amp) at many sites, along with a dump station, caters to the needs of RVers. The park also offers ADA accessible campsites, demonstrating its commitment to inclusivity.

Despite being a state park campground, it maintains a generally quiet and relaxing atmosphere, allowing visitors to truly unwind. The option to purchase firewood on-site and the nearby amenities in Crivitz add to the convenience, ensuring that campers have access to necessities while still enjoying a wilder environment. Governor Thompson State Park truly offers a comprehensive and enjoyable Northwoods camping experience.

Address: Campground Rd, Crivitz, WI 54114, USA

For reservations, visitors can typically book online via the Wisconsin State Parks reservation website or call the statewide reservation line (e.g., 1-888-947-2757). Direct park phone numbers are usually available through the Wisconsin DNR website.

For Wisconsin residents, Governor Thompson State Park Campground stands out as an exceptional destination for a memorable outdoor getaway. Its prime location in the Northwoods, near Crivitz, offers convenient accessibility from many parts of the state, allowing locals to maximize their leisure time rather than spending it on lengthy drives. This makes it an ideal spot for weekend trips or extended family vacations, providing a true escape into nature without being too remote.

The park’s robust offerings cater to a wide array of outdoor interests popular among Wisconsinites. With miles of shoreline on Caldron Falls Flowage, it’s a haven for boating, swimming, and especially fishing, a beloved pastime in the state. The extensive network of over 16 miles of hiking trails provides ample opportunity for exploration, catering to casual strollers and avid trekkers alike. For those seeking a unique experience, the boat-in campsites offer a secluded adventure right on the water.

Furthermore, the well-maintained facilities, including clean flush toilets, individual showers, and full-service hookups for RVs, ensure a comfortable stay that balances rustic charm with modern convenience. The availability of both electric and non-electric sites, along with group camping options, makes it versatile for different camping preferences and group sizes. Being a pet-friendly park (with responsible pet owner guidelines) also means that four-legged family members can join in the fun, a common desire for many Wisconsin families.

Ultimately, Governor Thompson State Park Campground offers a comprehensive, enjoyable, and accessible Northwoods experience. It provides the perfect blend of natural beauty, diverse recreational activities, and essential amenities, making it a highly suitable and highly recommended choice for Wisconsin locals looking to create lasting outdoor memories in their home state.

Governor Thompson State Park Campground

Campground Rd, Crivitz, WI 54114, USA