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Governor Dodge
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Governor Dodge State Park Conditions
Conditions as of Monday, November 2, 2009:
Mark your calendars and join us for Governor Dodge State Park's annual Candlelight Ski on Saturday January 16, 2010. Weather conditions permitting, there will be a trail lit through the woods and another lit trail on Cox Hollow Lake.
Trails
Please contact the park office, (608) 935-2315, for an update on current trail conditions. Note: Several trail segments have changed since last season. See our trail map [PDF 125KB].
Hiking trails are all open. Keep in mind, at this time of year, hikers 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.
Pets are allowed on the hiking trails until the snow flies must always be on a leash not longer than 8 feet. Please clean up after your pet.
Horse and mountain bike trails will close for the season on November 15 and reopen May 1, conditions permitting. For your safety, please remain on the designated trails.
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
Twin Valley campground (200 loop sites) remain open on a first-come, first-served basis. All other camping areas are closed for the season including Cox Hollow campground and the horse, backpack, and group camp areas. All campground shower/flush toilet facilities and water systems are shut down for the season. Pit toilets are available in the campground and water for jug filling is available from a faucet outside the park office.
Campground
map [PDF 163KB]
Photos of campsites [exit DNR] (Friends of Governor Dodge Web site)
Reservations are highly recommended for May through October, especially for weekends, holidays, and electrical sites on any dates, as they are the most popular. 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: Any firewood brought in from more than 50 miles away or from a quarantined area [PDF, 102KB] or from out of state will be confiscated due to the potential of carrying harmful emerald ash borers [exit DNR]. Help preserve our parks and forests; purchase your firewood at the park.
You must register at the park office before setting up camp. Campers arriving after the office has closed may set up on designated sites and must come to the office by 9 a.m. the next day to register and pay camping and vehicle admission fees. 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. No one may set up between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m.
Fishing, Boating, and Swimming
The game fish season is open through March 7, 2010. Musky season closes December 31, 2009. 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.
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.
Deer Hunting
The park is open for gun deer hunting November 21 – December 13, 2009 (regular hunting hours). Archery deer hunting runs continuously through January 3, 2010. See the map for areas were hunting is and is not allowed. Permits are required and available at the park office.
Small Game Hunting
Small Game Hunting Map [PDF, 752KB]
The park is open for small game hunting through December 15, 2009 (except where statewide or regional seasons end earlier for specific species). All small game hunting closes at noon each day. Species which may be hunted are limited to crow, pheasant, raccoon, red and gray fox, coyote, cottontail rabbit, gray and fox squirrel, duck, and Canada goose. Permits are required and available at the park office.
Turkey Hunting
Turkey hunting is not allowed until the spring turkey season. The application deadline for spring turkey permits is December 10.
More about hunting in Governor Dodge State Park
Picnic Areas and Concessions
The Kiwanis Concession is closed for the season.
Picnic and beach area water systems at both lakes have been shut down for the season.
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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