Governor Thompson State Park Guide

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Introduction

Governor Thompson State Park is a scenic forested park near Crivitz, Wisconsin. Campers can enjoy nearly 3,000 acres of stunning forest, inland lakes and ponds at this attractive park. With six miles of shoreline and 16 miles of hiking and ski trails to explore, it’s the perfect spot for an outdoor RV getaway.

Governor Thompson State Park is a camper’s paradise with a pretty 150 foot beach at Woods Lake, a boat ramp at Caldron Falls, and a picnic shelter. A pet-friendly family campground boasts 100 campsites, with three boat-in sites and limited sites offering electricity only. Once you’ve set up camp, set off on foot to enjoy exploring the hiking trails and keep an eye out for all sorts of wildlife from grouse and turkey to wild deer, or visit during the off season to make use of the cross-country ski trails groomed in the winter months.

As the park is popular, it’s recommended that you book early to grab a spot for a large RV or rig in the summer months. For those who wish to enjoy the wealth of winter activities that Wisconsin has to offer, the park stays open all year round.

RV Rentals in Governor Thompson State Park

$100 / Night

1994 Damon Challenger

New London, WI

$95 / Night

2010 Forest River R-Pod

Menasha, WI

$130 / Night

2018 Solaire Palomino, sleeps 6

2016 K-Z Manufacturing Sportsman Classic

Menasha, WI

$100 / Night

2018 Forest River Shasta Oasis

Greenleaf , WI

Transportation in Governor Thompson State Park

Driving

Governor Thompson State Park is located on Paust Lane, off County Highway X. The three mile road that leads into the campground is gravel which can be very dusty. A vehicle license sticker is required to enter the park which can be obtained from reception. Once inside the park, there are no driving restrictions and you should have no trouble getting around by car or RV.

Parking is available in a parking lot near Woods Lake and at the boat landing area. Once you’ve set up your RV, you can get around by bike, on foot (with 16 miles of hiking trails), or by boat using the nearby boat ramp.

Parking

Public Transport

Campgrounds and parking in Governor Thompson State Park

Campsites in Governor Thompson State Park

Reservations camping

Family Campground

Governor Thompson State Park has a family campground with a total of 100 campsites, including three boat-in campsites located on the northern side of the park near Caldron Falls.

The east loop has 30 sites, 16 of which are electric and two of which are ADA. The north loop has 30 non-electric sites. The south loop has 40 non-electric sites. All of the loops have vault toilets, a shower building and drinking fountains as well as access to a dump station. Each campsite has a picnic table and fire pit. Most of the campsites can be reserved up to 11 months in advance, but 10 of them are available on a first come, first served basis.

The three boat-in sites are open year-round. They have to be reserved in advance and are only accessible by boat or canoe. All sites have a canoe rack, a place to tie up the boat, a picnic table, fire put, tent area, bear-proof food box, and an outdoor toilet.

Generators are typically not allowed. Day visitors may be permitted to use generators only in places the property manager designates where the noise will not disrupt other guests.

Other facilities include a beach, boat ramp, recycling and garbage center, as well as a picnic area. There are 16 miles of hiking trails to explore, some of which are also used for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in the winter. The campsite is pet-friendly provided dogs are kept on a leash at all times. Top of Form

First-come first-served

Alternate camping

Seasonal activities in Governor Thompson State Park

In-Season

Picnics

Picnicking is a popular activity in the summer months at Governor Thompson State Park. A picnic area is available at Woods Lake and a picnic shelter is available for rent. Spend your day relaxing on the 150 sandy beach on the edge of the lake, hiring a kayak or paddle boat, or exploring the 16 miles of hiking trails.

Wisconsin Explorer Program

Kids will love taking part in the Wisconsin Explorer Program at Governor Thompson State Park. Pick up a free booklet and find all sorts of nature activities, scavenger hunts, games, hikes, arts and crafts to enjoy. Once you’ve completed the specific tasks, there are collectible badges to earn. There are three age levels to suit children of all ages from three to five, six to eight, and nine years and up. It’s a fun way to explore and learn about the surrounding environment.

Lake Activities

The Friends of Governor Thompson State Park have kayaks and paddleboards available to rent on Wood Lake during the summer months. It’s the perfect way to while away a warm summer’s day – splashing about in the cool waters or with a picnic on the 150 foot sandy beach.

Off-Season

Hunting

Governor Thompson State Park is open to gun and archery hunting and trapping during the fall and winter months. Hunting and trapping is allowed in the open areas from November to December, while hunting with legal archery methods is allowed until early January. Trapping is not permitted in closed areas or within 100 yards of any designated use space, including the trails. Please note that a hunting permit is required to hunt here.

Cross-Country Skiing

There are miles of groomed trails open to cross-country skiers at Governor Thompson State Park during the winter months. It’s a fantastic way to explore the park when the park is reasonably quiet. The trails are available to all levels of skiers.

Winter Hiking

The endless miles of hiking trails are open to hiking and snowshoeing in the winter months, even when the campground isn’t open. Take your time exploring the pathways through the woods, home to turkeys and wild deer.

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