Overview
Devils Lake State Park sits in the Baraboo Hills of south-central Wisconsin, roughly 3 miles south of the city of Baraboo. It protects a spring-fed lake — about 360 acres — that was formed when glacial debris blocked the ends of an ancient river gorge, leaving steep quartzite bluffs rising more than 500 feet above the water on the north and south shores.
The park is consistently one of the most-visited state parks in the entire United States, drawing well over a million visitors most years. That popularity is earned: the combination of swimming beaches, challenging cliff-top trails, bouldering fields, and calm lake paddling is unusual to find in a single location in the Midwest.
Geologically, the bluffs are among the oldest exposed rock formations in North America, dating back roughly 1.6 billion years. The surrounding Baraboo Hills form a distinct ecological island, supporting plant and animal communities more typical of the Driftless Area that was never fully flattened by glaciation.
Because of its popularity, the park experiences significant crowding on summer weekends. Visitors who arrive mid-morning on a Saturday in July should be prepared for full parking lots and plan accordingly.
Before You Go
Park Vehicle Sticker
Entry to Devils Lake requires a Wisconsin State Park vehicle admission sticker. Day passes and annual stickers are both available. Verify current pricing at the Wisconsin DNR's official website (dnr.wisconsin.gov) before your visit, as fees are updated periodically.
Reservations
Campsites book up months in advance for summer weekends. Wisconsin state park camping reservations are made through the state reservation system — check the DNR site for the booking window. Day visitors cannot reserve parking but can use overflow lots when the main lots fill.
What to Pack
- Sturdy hiking boots with ankle support — trail surfaces are rocky and uneven
- Plenty of water; no reliable water fountains on the bluff trails
- Sunscreen; exposed ridgeline sections offer little shade
- A trail map, available at the park office or downloadable from the DNR site
- Cash or card for the entrance fee kiosk
Pets
Leashed pets are permitted on trails and in campgrounds but are not allowed on the swim beaches. Verify any updates on current pet policies locally.
Getting There
By Car
Devils Lake is the most practical way to arrive. From Madison, follow US-12 northwest approximately 50 miles to Baraboo, then take WI-123 south into the park. From Milwaukee, allow roughly 2 hours via I-94 west and US-12 north. Parking areas are located at both the North Shore and South Shore entrances.
By Bus / Shuttle
There is no scheduled public transit directly to the park. The nearest Amtrak service runs on the Empire Builder line, with the closest stop in Columbus or Wisconsin Dells, both requiring a car or ride-share to complete the trip. Verify current service with Amtrak.
Parking Tips
The South Shore lot fills fastest on summer weekends, often before 9 a.m. The North Shore lot and overflow areas on WI-123 are alternatives. The park does not currently offer a formal shuttle between lots, so arriving early or on a weekday substantially reduces stress.
Getting Around
Once inside, the park is navigated entirely on foot or by personal watercraft (for the lake). There is no internal park shuttle. The main trail network connects the North Shore and South Shore areas via ridge trails at the top of both the East Bluff and West Bluff.
The East Bluff Trail and West Bluff Trail loop routes are the park's primary hiking corridors and are generally 1.5–2.5 miles each depending on the variation taken. Talus slopes and scramble sections make portions of these trails unsuitable for young children or anyone with significant mobility limitations.
The lake itself allows non-motorized watercraft. Kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards are popular. Rentals have been available seasonally near the South Shore — verify current availability locally, as concession operators can change year to year.
Where to Stay
Camping in the Park
Devils Lake has several campgrounds offering electric and non-electric sites, including areas for RVs and tent campers. Reservations are strongly recommended for any visit between Memorial Day and Labor Day. The park also has a group camp area. Amenities include shower facilities and flush toilets in the main campgrounds — verify which loops have full facilities when booking.
Lodging Outside the Park
Baraboo offers motels, bed-and-breakfasts, and vacation rentals within a short drive of the park entrance. Wisconsin Dells, roughly 12 miles east, has a much larger hotel inventory ranging from budget chains to large resort properties. If visiting during peak summer season, book accommodation several weeks or months in advance.
Vacation Rentals
Platforms such as Airbnb and VRBO list private rentals in the Baraboo Hills area. Some properties offer direct lake or bluff views. Verify distance to the park entrance before booking, as some listings use the park's name loosely.
Things to See & Do
Hiking
The park maintains more than 20 miles of trails ranging from flat lakeshore paths to steep bluff scrambles. The East Bluff Loop is among the most popular, offering panoramic views over the lake and the Baraboo Valley beyond. The Grottos Trail on the north shore follows a quieter shoreline. Trail difficulty ratings are posted on park maps.
Rock Climbing and Bouldering
The quartzite bluffs are a legitimate climbing destination with a long history. Both top-rope and lead routes exist across multiple areas. Bouldering is concentrated in the talus fields at the base of the bluffs. Climbers should review the DNR's current regulations for fixed hardware and seasonal raptor nesting closures before heading out.
Swimming
Two staffed swim beaches — one at the North Shore, one at the South Shore — are open during summer. Lifeguard coverage is seasonal; verify hours and dates with the park. The lake water is cold even in July.
Fishing
Devils Lake supports northern pike, bass, panfish, and other species. A valid Wisconsin fishing license is required. Obtain one through the Wisconsin DNR licensing portal.
Nature Programs
The park naturalist staff offers interpretive programs during summer months. Topics vary seasonally and may include geology, glacial history, and local wildlife. Check the DNR events page or the park office for a current schedule.
Food & Drink
There is a seasonal concession stand at the South Shore that serves basic food and beverages during summer. Hours and menu vary; do not rely on it as your only food source, especially in shoulder season.
Most visitors pack their own food. Picnic areas with tables are available at both the North and South Shore, and the park has charcoal grills in designated areas — bring your own charcoal.
For a fuller range of dining options, the city of Baraboo (about 3 miles north) has restaurants, cafés, and grocery stores. Baraboo's downtown area is compact and walkable, with options ranging from casual American fare to local bakeries. Wisconsin Dells, about 12 miles east, has a much larger commercial dining scene if you are staying in that area.
Practical Information
Cell Service
Cell coverage inside the park is inconsistent. Download trail maps and any other needed information before leaving your car. The DNR provides downloadable PDFs of park maps on their website.
Facilities
Restrooms are available at both the North and South Shore areas and at the campgrounds. The park office near the South Shore entrance stocks maps and can answer questions.
Accessibility
A paved loop near the South Shore provides accessible lake access and flat walking. The bluff trails are not accessible to wheelchairs or those with significant mobility limitations. Confirm current accessible facilities with the park office.
Emergency Contacts
For general emergencies, call 911. The park office can be reached through the Wisconsin DNR contact system — verify the current direct number on dnr.wisconsin.gov before travel.
Safety
The bluff trails carry real fall risk. The quartzite rock becomes slippery when wet, and trail edges in many sections have no railings. Several serious injuries have occurred over the years from falls on the East and West Bluff trails. Stay on marked paths, keep children within arm's reach near exposed edges, and turn back if weather deteriorates.
Rattlesnakes (Timber Rattlesnakes) are present in the park — this is one of the few places in Wisconsin where they remain. They are not aggressive and bites are rare, but hikers should watch where they place hands and feet when scrambling on rocks and talus. Do not attempt to handle or harass them; they are a protected species in Wisconsin.
Heat and sun exposure on the open ridgelines can be significant in summer. Carry more water than you think you need — a minimum of 2 liters per person for a full bluff hike is a reasonable baseline. Watch for signs of heat exhaustion, particularly in children and older adults.
The lake can produce strong winds and sudden wave action; use appropriate caution with watercraft, particularly for inexperienced paddlers.