Governor Dodge

Chris Freeman

The Park is absolutely gorgeous. And the hikes within are great! We stayed two nights at the Cox hollow campground. I was very happy with our site and I did find other sites that I will like for next time. If I had any complaints it would be the water in the shower did not stay alarm for very long at all. And to make sure you get your wood before the park closes for the night. Most state parks that I've been to, have the wood open to it's campers all night long and you put money in the box.

Emily Wakefield

Amazing location with plenty of options for hiking. Haven't been there in years but we'll worth the visit. Plenty of parking and picnic areas available throughout. Love the Stephen's Falls trail and scenery. The pups loved the walk and taking in all the new places to explore.

John Rindfleisch

Had a good and bad time this week at Governor Dodge State Park. The good was the campsites were nice, quiet and great for star gazing on Tuesday night. We saw a few shooting stars. Bugs were not a problem at the campsite, but when we went kayaking on Twin Valley Lake, they ate me alive while tying the kayaks down after dark. It was my fault since the bugs never bothered us after dark at our campsite, so I had not sprayed. Everyone who sprayed had no bites. Our kayaking trip on Twin Valley was due to a sign on Cox Hollow for high ecoli in the water at the dog beach. Although there were a lot of people swimming at the swim beach which is right next to it. I'm not sure how the high level of ecoli is contained to just the dog beach. Twin Valley water was not what I would have swam in lots of floating scum and very green water, but that beach was also full. Ran into locals at the launch and said the local paper had both beaches closed due to ecoli. Now for my complaint. I am all for multi use trails and have hiked them all over the state. The issue that I am complaining about is from the only trail that allows you to access the Cave Trail. That trail is a multi use trail, and I feel if I have to pick up after my dog, it's about time that horse riders pick up after their horses. I know there are ways for riders to take care of this, and I think it's time the DNR starts enforcing it in all the parks that allow horses. I love riding horses, and I'm not looking to start an argument. I just don't want to have to walk around a huge pile in the middle or all over a trail. Also, the park needs to address the wet areas on these multi use trails since it doesn't take long for it to be torn up by horses or mountain bikes. It didn't take long, and there was ankle deep mud. We needed to walk in the bushes to get through. Picture shows the large pile of horse 💩. I hope everyone can work together to keep these trails for multi use by doing their part.

Helen Glasner

Beautiful state park. We went to see Stephen’s Falls. The climb down to the bottom is very steep, but has a railing. There are no actual steps, but just stones and rocks, so watching your footing is essential. The trail here is dirt, mud and rocks. You cannot bring a stroller or wheelchair down/up this waterfall trail. The meadows and all around scenery is spectacular. I love the two beaches we saw there. The campgrounds looked well maintained with large wooded sites and large grassy sites as well.

DeathofBelief

Loved in the area for years and just recently got to Governor Dodge State Park. I only went on the Lost Canyon Trail and back around to my vehicle on parts of a couple of other trails. Restrooms are very clean and well kept. The trails themselves are well maintained and spacious. The Lost Canyon Trail has wonderful rock formations all along the trail. It also leads to a little waterfall at one end. Went by the beach while I was there as well. It was very packed but looks like a nice place to relax. Driving around the same lake, there are multiple spots to fish and grill. All in all, I'd love to go back and try some of the other trails.