Cox Hollow Campground

For Wisconsin families and outdoor enthusiasts, Cox Hollow Campground, nestled within the sprawling beauty of Governor Dodge State Park, offers an exceptional camping experience that blends natural serenity with convenient amenities. Governor Dodge State Park is a beloved destination in Wisconsin, celebrated for its unique Driftless Area topography featuring dramatic bluffs, deep valleys, and two picturesque lakes. Cox Hollow Campground, specifically, is a popular choice for its prime location near Cox Hollow Lake and its family-friendly atmosphere, making it a go-to spot for creating lasting memories in the Badger State.

Unlike some more rustic options, Cox Hollow Campground provides a comfortable and well-equipped environment, catering to both tent campers and RV enthusiasts. It’s a place where you can wake up to the sounds of nature, spend your days exploring miles of scenic trails or enjoying the refreshing waters of Cox Hollow Lake, and unwind by a campfire under a star-filled Wisconsin sky. For locals seeking a convenient yet immersive outdoor escape, Cox Hollow offers that perfect balance. This article will delve into the specifics of Cox Hollow Campground, highlighting its location, the essential services it provides, its unique features, and why it remains a top choice for Wisconsin residents year after year.

Cox Hollow Campground is prominently located within Governor Dodge State Park, with its address noted as 4175 State Road 23 N, Dodgeville, WI 53533, USA. This placement is incredibly advantageous for Wisconsin residents, as it puts the campground in the heart of the state’s renowned Driftless Area. This unique geological region, untouched by glaciers, boasts a stunning landscape of steep hills, impressive bluffs, and deep, lush valleys, providing a dramatically scenic backdrop for outdoor adventures. The campground's name itself highlights its close proximity to Cox Hollow Lake, a central feature of the park, offering easy access to water-based recreation.

Accessibility to Cox Hollow Campground is straightforward and convenient for travelers from across Wisconsin. The park is situated just three miles north of Dodgeville, a vibrant community that provides all necessary supplies and services, from grocery stores to local dining options. Major state highways, including Highway 23, lead directly to the park entrance from various parts of Wisconsin, making the journey from urban centers like Madison (approximately an hour's drive) or Milwaukee both manageable and scenic. Once inside Governor Dodge State Park, well-marked roads guide campers directly to the Cox Hollow Campground loops. The roads within the park are paved and well-maintained, ensuring easy navigation for all vehicle types, including large RVs. This combination of a picturesque natural setting with excellent road access and proximity to essential services makes Cox Hollow Campground an incredibly practical and desirable destination for any Wisconsin resident seeking a memorable outdoor getaway.

• Electric Campsites: Cox Hollow Campground offers a number of sites with electric hookups, suitable for both RVs and tent campers desiring power.
• Tent & RV/Trailer Sites: Accommodates both traditional tent camping and RVs/trailers up to 45 feet in length, providing flexibility for different camping styles.
• Flush Toilets & Showers: Clean restroom buildings equipped with flush toilets and showers are conveniently located within the campground loops.
• Vault Toilets: Additional vault toilets (pit toilets) are also available throughout the campground for quick access.
• Drinking Water: Water faucets are strategically placed throughout the campground, providing easy access to potable drinking water.
• Dump Station: A trailer dumping station is available within Governor Dodge State Park, accessible to all campers, including those at Cox Hollow.
• Picnic Tables & Fire Rings: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring for outdoor cooking and campfires.
• Concession Stand (Seasonal): A concession stand at Cox Hollow Beach offers limited foodstuffs, camping supplies, and boat rentals during the peak season (Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day).
• Firewood Sales: Firewood is sold daily in June through August, and on weekends in May, September, and October at the campground or park office, ensuring campers have access to burning materials.
• Playground: A playground is available on-site within the campground, providing recreation for children.
• Recycling & Refuse: Recycling centers and refuse containers are conveniently located within the campground.
• Accessible Campsites: Specific sites (e.g., sites 16 and 55) are designated as accessible for campers with disabilities, featuring electricity and paved driveways, with accessible toilet/shower facilities nearby.

• Proximity to Cox Hollow Lake & Beach: The campground's main highlight is its direct access to Cox Hollow Lake, featuring a popular swimming beach, ideal for families and water enthusiasts.
• Spacious & Private Campsites: Many campsites are noted for being large, fairly private, and tree-lined, offering a sense of seclusion despite being in a popular park.
• Extensive Hiking Trails: Direct access to Governor Dodge State Park's vast network of over 20 miles of hiking trails, including scenic routes to waterfalls (like Stephens Falls) and old farm homesteads.
• Water Activities: Opportunities for swimming, fishing (largemouth bass, bluegill, northern pike, trout), kayaking, canoeing, and non-motorized boating (electric motors only) on Cox Hollow Lake.
• Family-Friendly Atmosphere: With playgrounds and a focus on easy access to the beach, it's particularly well-suited for families with children.
• Natural Beauty of the Driftless Area: Immerse yourself in the unique landscape of bluffs, valleys, and forests, providing stunning views and excellent wildlife viewing opportunities.
• Concession & Rental Access: The nearby Cox Hollow Beach concession stand offers convenience for snacks, supplies, and rentals (boats, canoes).
• Clean & Well-Maintained Facilities: Campers consistently praise the cleanliness and upkeep of the bathrooms and showers.
• Pet-Friendly: Pets are welcome in the campground and park, adhering to leash and control guidelines.
• Year-Round Park Access: While Cox Hollow Campground has specific operating seasons for full amenities, Governor Dodge State Park itself is open year-round, allowing for off-season exploration.

As Cox Hollow Campground is part of the Wisconsin State Park system and managed by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR), specific promotions or offers are generally aligned with state park policies. These might include seasonal discounts, off-peak rates, or special programs. For the most accurate and current information on camping fees, reservation charges, and any potential special offers, it is highly recommended that Wisconsin residents consult the official Wisconsin DNR website for Governor Dodge State Park. You can also utilize their centralized reservation system for state parks, which provides real-time information on availability and applicable rates. Keep in mind that a Wisconsin State Park admission sticker is required for vehicles entering the park, which can be purchased annually or daily. Checking the official park resources is always the best way to secure the latest deals and book your spot at Cox Hollow Campground.

For reservations, inquiries about availability, or specific questions regarding Cox Hollow Campground within Governor Dodge State Park, you will primarily interact with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reservation system and the main park office. Direct phone numbers for individual campsites are not typically provided. Here’s how to get in touch:

Address: 4175 State Road 23 N, Dodgeville, WI 53533, USA

For general park inquiries and assistance during operational hours, you can reach the Governor Dodge State Park office:

Phone: (608) 935-2315 (This is the general park office number for Governor Dodge State Park, available during operational hours for inquiries and assistance.)

For making reservations for Cox Hollow Campground, it is highly recommended to use the Wisconsin State Parks centralized reservation system:

Wisconsin State Park Reservation System Phone: 1-888-WI-PARKS (1-888-947-2757)

Alternatively, the Wisconsin DNR’s official website for Governor Dodge State Park is an excellent resource for detailed information, campground maps, and online reservation portals. This direct communication ensures you get the most accurate and current details for planning your camping trip.

For Wisconsin locals, Cox Hollow Campground stands out as an exceptionally suitable and highly desirable destination for a memorable camping experience. Its location within Governor Dodge State Park offers immediate access to one of the state's most diverse and naturally stunning landscapes, providing a perfect blend of rugged beauty and family-friendly amenities that appeals to a wide range of outdoor enthusiasts. The convenience of being just a short drive from Dodgeville means easy access to supplies and services, minimizing the logistical hassles often associated with outdoor adventures.

What makes Cox Hollow particularly appealing for Wisconsin families is its direct proximity to Cox Hollow Lake and its inviting swimming beach. This feature alone makes it a prime spot for summer fun, allowing for easy transitions between campsite relaxation and water-based activities. The well-maintained facilities, including clean showers and flush toilets, enhance comfort, while the spacious, often private campsites provide a tranquil retreat after a day of exploration. For those who love to hike, fish, or simply enjoy the serene beauty of the Driftless Area, Cox Hollow offers endless opportunities right at their doorstep. It's a place where children can play safely at the playground, families can gather around a campfire, and everyone can reconnect with nature. Ultimately, Cox Hollow Campground embodies the best of Wisconsin outdoor recreation, providing a convenient, beautiful, and amenity-rich setting for locals to create cherished camping memories for years to come.