More business resources
- Governor Earl Peshtigo River State Forest
Outdoor adventures made easier for you at Go Wild!
- Subscribe to Governor Earl Peshtigo River State Forest News and receive future information regarding the forest.
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- Contact information
- Governor Earl Peshtigo River State Forest
Property Manager
N10008 Paust Lane
Crivitz, WI 54114
715-757-3979 (office)
715-929-0210 (cell)
Wisconsin State Parks and ForestsGovernor Earl Peshtigo River State Forest
Reserve a campsite at Governor Earl Peshtigo River State Forest.
In Sept. 2019, the Peshtigo River State Forest was renamed Governor Earl Peshtigo River State Forest in honor of former Governor Anthony S. (Tony) Earl and his record of 50 years of public service and commitment to conservation. Governor Earl served as DNR Secretary from Oct. 1975 through Nov. 1980, and influenced a host of accomplishments during his tenure. Prior to his appointment as DNR Secretary, Governor Earl had a distinguished public service career including time as a district attorney, city attorney, state legislator, and Dept. of Administration Secretary. In 1982, he was elected Governor of Wisconsin.
Property info
Twenty five miles of river, 3,200 acres of water and 9,200 acres of forest await you on the Governor Earl Peshtigo River State Forest, the natural gem of Marinette County. Established in 2001, the property is Wisconsin's newest state forest. It was purchased from the Wisconsin Public Service Corporation and includes the Potato Rapids Flowage, located 20 miles southeast of the main forest.
This long, linear state forest borders some of the most beautiful and exciting sections of the Peshtigo River. Anglers know the river's free-flowing portion for its excellent fly-fishing; paddlers brave the Midwest's longest continuous whitewater rapids; and boaters can access more than 3,000 acres of flowage from 15 boat landings.
Location
The Governor Earl Peshtigo River State Forest is located in northeastern Wisconsin in Marinette and Oconto Counties. The forest headquarters is located approximately 16 miles northwest of the village of Crivitz. The headquarters is found within Governor Thompson State Park which offers many additional recreational opportunities.
Fees
A vehicle admission sticker is required for the campground. Hunting and fishing licenses apply. Camping fees are updated annually.
Seasonal updates
Seasonal updates
Most of the state forest boat landings are now iced-in for the season. Old Veteran’s Lake campground is open until Dec. 1. Campers must register at the visitor center in Governor Thompson State Park.
Get outdoors!
Maps and publications
Publications
Campground maps and information
- Governor Earl Peshtigo River State Forest camping [PDF]
- Old Veterans campground [PDF]
- Remote campsites [PDF]
- Remote camping permits [PDF]
Trail maps and publications
Property map and publication
- Governor Earl Peshtigo River State Forest brochure [PDF]
- Governor Earl Peshtigo River State Forest map [PDF]
Road maps
Management and business
Annual Property Implementation Plans
Implementation plans are posted every year in March and contain:
- major planned and scheduled forest and habitat management treatments;
- recreation and infrastructure development projects; and
- other property management actions.
Planning documents
- 2018 work plan [PDF]
- 2018 proposed timber sales [PDF]
- 2018 property management meeting minutes [PDF]
Master plan
Completed in fall of 2007, the master plan reflects years of planning and public input. The final plan, maps, variances and amendments are included in the plan, as well as documents used during the plan's development.
Public involvement
Public involvement in state forest management, operations and monitoring is part of sustainable forestry. We seek public involvement because we believe people, communities, organizations and businesses realize the potential public benefits of state forests and are willing to work to further the goals of sustainable forestry.
Timber sale program
The state forests are managed sustainably for multiple uses. Active timber management is a part of that overall effort on many parts of each forest. Timber sales are advertised for sale typically from one to three times annually, depending on the size of the forest. Learn more about timber sales in Wisconsin.
Firewood permits
Firewood permits are for sale to the public. If you would like to purchase one, please print the firewood permit form [PDF], sign and return it to the office with payment ($10/cord) and information on the area you would like to cut. See our firewood cutting map [PDF] for areas on the state forest where you can cut. Permit is not valid until signed by the property manager and a permit number is issued. For more information, please contact the office.
In the area
DNR listings
Department of Tourism listings
- Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest [exit DNR]
- Governor Thompson State Park [exit DNR]
- Marinette County Waterfall Tour [exit DNR]
- Peshtigo Fire Museum [exit DNR]
