Over An Hour Away From Green Bay Is Wisconsin's Wooded State Park With Camping, Hiking, And Lake Recreation

The Wisconsin Northwoods region beckons outdoor lovers with its dense forests, home to a network of more than 3,200 lakes, rivers, and other waterways. You can bask in the serenity of its verdant landscapes without having to drive too far from Green Bay. And one destination within easy driving distance of that city offers those peaceful and classic Northwoods vibes. Governor Thompson State Park has a remote feel, where you can reconnect with nature among 2,800-plus acres of upland forests, wetlands, and lakefront. The woodlands range from pines and mixed conifers to rich northern and hemlock-hardwood ecosystems. With so much greenery all around, this is "a great place to visit any season," wrote one past visitor on Google Reviews.

Established in 2000, Governor Thompson State Park boasts a variety of outdoor activities. The lush forests are full of hiking trails that take you to open fields, lakes, and rock formations. With a 16-plus-mile trail system, you can go on both effortless walks and moderate hikes. When it comes to lake recreation, the state park provides access to several bodies of water. You can admire the views of Huber Lake or take a dip in Woods Lake. Visitors can explore 6.5 miles of Caldron Falls Reservoir shoreline from the park — which covers 1,063 acres of water surface. From boating to fishing opportunities, splashing in the water is a given.

Come nightfall, and you can set up camp at the state park. With a large family campground and a couple of boat-in sites, you can reserve an electric hookup or a primitive spot for multiple days of adventure. Governor Thompson State Park is located in Crivitz, and you can get there from Green Bay in a little over an hour.

Camping at Governor Thompson State Park can be a rewarding experience, with one past visitor writing on Google Reviews, "When the Northern Lights are in our area, you most definitely can see them here!" The main campground caters to both tents and RVs. With a total of 100 campsites, the campground consists of three areas — North, South, and East loops. The North loop is equipped with 30 primitive sites, while the South camping zone has 40. For electric hookups, reserve a spot in the East Loop, which has 16 sites with electric service. Two ADA-accessible sites, both located in the East Loop, are available for guests requiring mobility or disability accommodations. Campers have access to vault toilets, showers, drinking water, and a dump station.

You can also opt for boat-in camping at the park. The south shore of Caldron Falls Reservoir (sometimes referred to as Caldron Falls Flowage) has three of these, open for bookings all year. You can take a kayak, canoe, or motorboat to the sites, which are equipped with a spot to moor two boats as well as a canoe rack. There are basic camping amenities, too, such as a picnic table, fire ring, and toilet. Campers of each boat-in site may moor no more than two motorboats overnight.

Boat-in camping isn't the only way to enjoy the lakes at Governor Thompson State Park. You have 6.5 miles of the Caldron Falls Reservoir shoreline to enjoy, allowing you to swim, fish, and boat. There are multiple launches and piers dotting the lake, so bring your portable (and affordable) Plusinno telescopic fishing rod to catch muskie, northern pike, and largemouth bass. You might also reel in walleye and panfish. Woods Lake, on the other hand, is open for human-powered watercraft like canoes, kayaks, and rowboats. Pack your swimwear as well to lounge on the 150-foot sandy beach and sunbathe on the grassy lawn.

With hardwoods and evergreen forests thriving in the state park, you can traverse more than 16 miles of easy-to-moderate hiking trails that wind through the scenic landscapes. Despite most of the trails being relatively easy jaunts, it's never a bad idea to read up on safety tips you should keep in mind for your first solo hike. Start with Otter Trail, which is only a mile long. The mostly flat path makes a loop near Woods Lake, taking you toward the beach area and back to the woods. You might even come across swans lounging by the shore and water lilies covering parts of the lake.

Those who wish to marvel at the scenery around Huber Lake can reach it via Flowage Trail. Normally a 2-mile hike, you can extend it to just under 4 miles via a loop that takes around 1.5 hours to complete. You'll hike past tree-lined sections before arriving at the lake. Note that the trail can get very muddy, and proper hiking shoes are necessary. During the winter, this route is shared by cross-country skiers, snowshoers, and snowmobilers.

For a moderate challenge, combine parts of the Flowage Trail and the Thunder Mountain Trail to take on the Flowage and Thunder Mountain Loop. Featuring an elevation gain of 111 feet, this 2.5-mile forest hike is a top choice for birdwatching enthusiasts. Bring your binoculars to view species like red-shouldered hawks, wood thrushes, golden-winged warblers, and more — deer sightings are common, too. Finally, you can check out the Forest View Trail, offering an easy 3.5-mile walk among the foliage, starting near Woods Lake. Keep in mind that Wisconsin has a large tick population, so make sure to check yourself after the trek; here are some clever tips to avoid ticks on your hikes.