Campgrounds and RV parks near Lena, WI

Water is the main draw. The Peshtigo River supports fly-fishing, canoeing, and whitewater rafting, and the Caldron Falls and High Falls flowages north of Lena are popular for boating, swimming, and walleye and smallmouth fishing. On land, Governor Thompson State Park has more than 16 miles of hiking trails, some of which are also used for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in winter. Recreation options include swimming at the beach on Woods Lake, hiking and cross-country skiing trails, and excellent fishing and paddling on both Caldron Falls Flowage and the adjacent Peshtigo River. ATV and UTV riders can connect to county trail networks that thread through northeastern Wisconsin. Families with kids can pick up a free Wisconsin Explorer booklet at the state park for nature activities and scavenger hunts.

The prime RV season runs from late May through mid-October. Daytime highs near Lena run mid-70s to low 80s Fahrenheit in summer, and the flowages warm enough for comfortable swimming by late June or July. All state park facilities operate during summer, including hot showers and on-site firewood sales, and weekends fill up with families while weekdays are quieter. Spring is cool and often wet, with black flies and ticks active by May. Visitors should be prepared for ticks, particularly in spring and early summer. Fall brings hardwood color from late September into mid-October and quieter sites. Weekdays and post-Labor Day periods are especially calm. Winter is cold and snowy. The park is open year-round from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., and a Wisconsin state park vehicle admission sticker is required for entry. Most private RV parks close for the season, and only backpack or boat-in sites remain readily usable at the state park in winter. Book summer weekends and any holiday period well in advance.

Sites in this part of Wisconsin lean wooded and private rather than open and manicured. Governor Thompson State Park Campground occupies a remote corner of northern Wisconsin where cellular service drops to minimal levels, and most sites are tucked into individual wooded pockets that provide natural screening between neighbors. RV renters should download maps and reservation confirmations before arrival. The campground has 100 sites that are all sized for a tent, camper or RV. The east loop has 30 sites, 16 are electric and two are fully accessible for the disabled. The north loop has 30 sites, all non-electric. The south loop has 40 non-electric campsites. There are vault toilets and water fountains throughout the campground and a centrally-located shower and flush toilet building. The sanitary dump and fill station is located on the road into the campground. Campers report hearing bears and coyotes at night, while ticks present a persistent challenge during warmer months, particularly for those exploring the hiking trails. Bring insect protection, bear-aware food storage habits, and layers for cool nights.