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Governor Thompsons State Park
GOVERNOR THOMPSON STATE PARK
PHOTO CREDIT: M. KAILHOFER GOVERNOR THOMPSON STATE PARK & GOVERNOR EARL PESHTIGO RIVER STATE FOREST
The Governor Thompson State Park is located just 16 miles northwest of Crivitz off of Ranch Road and Paust Lane, in the picturesque "Twin Bridge" area of Marinette County. Along with the Governor Earl Peshtigo River State Forest, the property covers 15,000 acres of recreational land along Caldron, High and Johnson Falls Flowages.
The park has a spacious wooded 100-site campground with a modern shower building, a small 16-site rustic campground on Old Veteran’s Lake, 6 boat-in campsites on Caldron Falls Flowage and 4 boat-in sites on the islands on High Falls Flowage. The water sites are rustic but ideally located to take maximum advantage of the scenic surroundings. Camping reservations are already being accepted for next season at www.wi.parks.net.
Visitors may cruise through the park without charge, but to stop, get out of their vehicles, or use the facilities, visitors must first purchase vehicle admission (park sticker) to use the park. The state park is open daily from 6 am to11 pm; admission may be purchased at the park office.
We have 16 miles of mowed hiking trails to explore; the park includes giant granite rock outcroppings, birds, wild flowers, animals and the amazing fall colors of the area. In the winter, the park has 6 miles of groomed ski trails for both classic and skate skiers and 2.5 miles of packed snowshoe trails to enjoy. The state forest has another trail system at Spring Rapids off Kirby Lake Lane. Spring Rapids has 6 miles of hiking trail that is groomed in the winter for both classic and skate skiing.
Woods Lake is a popular area for family time activities in the park. The picnic area has a beach, changing rooms and restrooms, drinking water, tables, a fire ring and grills, as well as beautiful views of Woods Lake. Rentals of kayaks and paddleboards are available for use on the 48-acre non-motorized lake. The Woods Lake shelter building is open for picnics or to be used in winter as a warming shelter. The shelter is also available by reservation for social gatherings and meetings.
Shore fishing, ice fishing and non-motorized boating is permitted on Woods, Huber and Old Veteran’s Lakes.
The park and forest have 15 boat landings on Caldron/High/ Johnson Falls Flowages. South Bay (#13), Musky Point (#9), West Bay (#1), and Channel Landing (#5) all have restrooms, picnic tables and a boarding dock. All of these facilities of are ADA accessible. South Bay and Musky Point also have accessible fishing piers.
Every season brings another reason to make us one of your favorite destinations. For more information, call the park office at 715-757-3979.
