🏔️ Wisconsin’s #1 State Park — 500-foot quartzite bluffs, 30+ miles of trails, crystal-clear spring-fed lake, rock climbing, swimming beaches, and 3 million annual visitors
In the Baraboo Range of south-central Wisconsin — an hour north of Madison, two hours from Milwaukee — a spring-fed lake fills a gap between two 500-foot quartzite bluffs that are among the oldest exposed rock on Earth: 1.6 billion years old, remnants of an ancient mountain range that once rivaled the Himalayas. Devil’s Lake State Park is Wisconsin’s most popular state park by a wide margin, drawing over 3 million visitors per year with a combination that is genuinely hard to match: dramatic cliff-top trails with sweeping views, a pristine lake with two swimming beaches, world-class rock climbing on ancient quartzite, and camping that puts you in the heart of it all.
The park’s fame is earned. The East Bluff and West Bluff trails climb through boulder fields and along cliff edges to overlooks where the lake spreads out 500 feet below, ringed by forest, with the flat Wisconsin farmland visible beyond the bluffs in every direction. It’s a landscape that feels transplanted from the Appalachians into the Midwest — and geologically, it essentially is.
What to Do at Devil’s Lake
1. Hike the Bluff Trails
The bluff trails are the park’s signature experience. Both routes climb through boulder fields of Baraboo quartzite — massive, rounded boulders stacked like ancient ruins — to cliff-edge viewpoints overlooking the lake.
| Trail | Distance | Difficulty | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| East Bluff Trail | ~1.5 mi | Strenuous | Balanced Rock, Devil’s Doorway, lake panoramas |
| West Bluff Trail | ~1.5 mi | Strenuous | Cliff-edge views, quieter than East |
| Full Loop (CCC Trail) | ~4.0 mi | Strenuous | Both bluffs + lakeshore — the complete experience |
| Tumbled Rocks Trail | ~1.0 mi | Easy | Boulder field at base, lakeside walk |
| Grottos Trail | ~0.5 mi | Moderate | Rock formations, cave-like overhangs |
Devil’s Doorway — a natural rock formation on the East Bluff — is the park’s most iconic feature: a narrow window in the quartzite framing the lake and sky.
2. Swim at the Beaches
The North Shore and South Shore beaches offer swimming in the spring-fed lake, with clear, clean water that stays pleasantly cool even in summer. Both beaches have sand, changing facilities, and seasonal lifeguards. The lake has no motorized boats — only canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards — keeping the water calm and clean.
3. Rock Climb
Devil’s Lake is one of the premier outdoor rock climbing destinations in the Midwest. The Baraboo quartzite offers hundreds of routes ranging from beginner to expert across both bluffs. The rock is famously abrasive (good for grip, hard on skin) and the bouldering is world-class. No permits required for climbing — just skill and your own gear. Several guide services in Baraboo offer instruction for beginners.
4. Rent a Kayak or Canoe
The north and south shore concessions rent canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards for exploring the lake. Paddling the full lake loop provides stunning views of both bluffs from water level — a perspective most visitors miss. No motorized boats are allowed, so the water is always calm and quiet.
5. Camp in the Park
Multiple campgrounds offer tent and RV sites. Reserve well in advance — summer weekends sell out months ahead. The park’s campgrounds put you steps from the trails and lake. Northern Lights Campground is the largest; Quartzite Campground is smaller and quieter.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Hours | 6 AM – 11 PM, year-round |
| Daily Pass | WI residents $13 / Out-of-state $16 |
| Annual Pass | WI residents $28 / Out-of-state $50 |
| Trails | 30+ miles |
| Phone | (608) 356-8301 |
| Location | Baraboo, WI (1 hr N of Madison) |
⚠️ Parking Warning: Devil’s Lake is Wisconsin’s busiest park. On summer weekends and holidays, parking lots fill by mid-morning and the park may temporarily close to new entries. Arrive before 9 AM or visit on weekdays.
Best Time to Visit
| Season | Weather | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Spring (Apr–May) | 45–70°F | Wildflowers, fewer crowds, waterfall runoff |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | 75–90°F | Swimming, full programming, peak season |
| Fall (Sep–Oct) | 45–70°F | Peak foliage, perfect hiking weather |
| Winter (Nov–Mar) | 10–35°F | Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, solitude |
💰 Trip Cost Estimator
| Expense | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle Pass | $13–16/day | WI resident / out-of-state |
| Camping | $20–35/night | Reserve months ahead |
| Kayak Rental | $15–25/hr | At north/south shore concessions |
| Food | $10–20 | Concessions at both shores; Baraboo nearby |
| Day Trip | $25–60 | Pass + kayak + lunch |
Nearby Attractions
Circus World Museum in Baraboo (10 min) preserves the original Ringling Brothers winter quarters. Mirror Lake State Park (15 min) offers no-motor lake paddling and quieter camping. Wisconsin Dells (20 min) is the “Waterpark Capital of the World.” Natural Bridge State Park (15 min) features Wisconsin’s largest natural rock bridge. Devil’s Lake is the anchor of the Baraboo Range — a geological and recreational region unlike anything else in the Midwest.
Frequently Asked Questions
How crowded does it get?
Very crowded on summer weekends. The park sees 3+ million visitors per year. Parking lots fill by mid-morning on peak days. Arrive early, visit on weekdays, or come in spring/fall for a better experience.
Can I swim in the lake?
Yes — two beaches (North Shore and South Shore) with seasonal lifeguards. The spring-fed lake is clean and clear. No motorized boats allowed.
Is Devil’s Doorway hard to reach?
Devil’s Doorway is at the top of the East Bluff Trail — about 500 feet of elevation gain over 1.5 miles with steep, rocky sections. It is strenuous but doesn’t require any technical climbing. Most reasonably fit hikers can reach it in 45–60 minutes.
Do I need climbing permits?
No — rock climbing is permitted without permits. Bring your own gear and assess your ability honestly. The quartzite is abrasive and the routes range from beginner to expert.
Nearby state parks: If you have extra time, Devils Lake State Park is a short drive away, and Mirror Lake State Park is a short drive away.
🏔️ Ready for Wisconsin’s Greatest State Park?
Ancient quartzite bluffs. A crystal-clear lake. 30 miles of trails. Devil’s Doorway. Wisconsin’s #1 park earned its reputation — come see why 3 million people visit every year.
How much is a Wisconsin state parks vehicle sticker?
An annual vehicle admission sticker costs $28 for residents and $38 for non-residents. A daily pass costs $8 for residents and $11 for non-residents. The sticker is required at all state parks and forests.
What are the best state parks in Wisconsin?
Top parks include Devil’s Lake (bluff trails and swimming), Peninsula (Door County charm), Governor Dodge (lakes and trails), Wildcat Mountain (Kickapoo Valley views), and Mirror Lake (sandstone formations).
Can I camp at Devil's Lake State Park?
Yes, Devil’s Lake offers multiple campgrounds with over 400 sites. It is the most visited state park in Wisconsin and campgrounds fill very quickly for summer weekends. Reserve as early as possible through the WI DNR.
Are there waterfalls at Wisconsin state parks?
Yes, several Wisconsin parks feature waterfalls including Amnicon Falls, Copper Falls, Pattison (Big Manitou Falls — tallest in WI at 165 feet), and Interstate. Most are in the northern part of the state.
Explore More Wisconsin State Parks
Exploring Devil’s Lake State Park: Wisconsin’s Outdoor Oasis is one of many outstanding state parks in Wisconsin. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Wisconsin guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
Wildlife & Nature
Devil’s Lake SP — Wisconsin’s #1 state park — with 1.6-billion-year-old quartzite bluffs, a pristine spring-fed lake, and effigy mounds. The park’s bluffs and talus fields support timber rattlesnakes, peregrine falcons, and bald eagles.
⛺ Camping at Devil’s Lake State Park: Campgrounds & Cabins
| Campsites | 423 family sites (3 campgrounds) + 9 rustic group sites (460-camper total capacity) — Quartzite: 75 electric, 1 accessible. Northern Lights: 71 electric (only campground with wooded electric sites), 2 accessible. Ice Age: non-electric only, 3 accessible. Group sites: 3 sites, 40-camper capacity each. |
|---|---|
| Reservations | wisconsin.goingtocamp.com or 1-888-947-2757; reservations required, up to 11 months in advance. |
| Special sites | Rustic group camping (3 sites, 40 campers each). No boat-in/equestrian sites stated. |
| Season notes | Quartzite campground open year-round. Northern Lights and Ice Age campgrounds typically close in October, reopen around April. |
Camping questions about Devil’s Lake State Park
Can you camp at Devil’s Lake State Park?
Yes. Devil’s Lake State Park has 423 family sites (3 campgrounds) + 9 rustic group sites (460-camper total capacity). Quartzite: 75 electric, 1 accessible. Northern Lights: 71 electric (only campground with wooded electric sites), 2 accessible. Ice Age: non-electric only, 3 accessible. Group sites: 3 sites, 40-camper capacity each.
How do you reserve a campsite at Devil’s Lake State Park?
wisconsin.goingtocamp.com or 1-888-947-2757; reservations required, up to 11 months in advance.
Source: dnr.wisconsin.gov (verified July 2026). Details change seasonally — confirm when booking.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Devil’s Lake State Park
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Pets are welcome in most Wisconsin state park campgrounds, trails, roads and outlying areas, but must be leashed and under control at all times.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- 8 ft maximum physical leash required at all times (except in designated pet swim areas while the pet is in the water)
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Pets are not allowed on public beaches, but over 30 properties (e.g. Devil's Lake, Governor Dodge, Point Beach) have designated pet swim areas
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Pets are not allowed in buildings, picnic shelters or other structures unless specifically signed as open to pets
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Pets prohibited entirely at Copper Culture, Heritage Hill and Hoffman Hills State Recreation Areas; designated pet picnic areas exist at many properties
Are dogs allowed at Devil’s Lake State Park?
Pets are welcome in most Wisconsin state park campgrounds, trails, roads and outlying areas, but must be leashed and under control at all times. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via dnr.wisconsin.gov. More: Wisconsin state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
🐻 Wildlife at Devil’s Lake State Park: What to Watch For — and Watch Out For
Worth watching for: Wisconsin DNR counts nearly 100 nesting bird species inside Devil's Lake State Park - close to half of Wisconsin's total - along with 880 plant species spread across the 500-foot quartzite bluffs, the talus fields and the 360-acre lake. The easy Steinke Basin loop (2.4 miles, level and partly grassy) crosses small streams with visible beaver work, and the East Bluff State Natural Area grades from open talus slope to dry prairie and bedrock glade with a stunted 'pygmy forest' of shagbark hickory and white ash on top. The Nature Center in the old golf clubhouse keeps live Wisconsin reptile and amphibian terrariums and runs naturalist-led wildlife programs and guided hikes year-round; Parfrey's Glen, Wisconsin's oldest State Natural Area, sits in the park's southeast corner and requires you to stay on the designated trail.
Watch out for: Wisconsin DNR does not publish a rattlesnake advisory on any of its Devil's Lake pages, so the usable behavior is DNR's statewide guidance (publication PUB-ER-083, Avoiding and Treating Rattlesnake Bites in Wisconsin), which frames the timber rattlesnake as shy, secretive, extremely rare and a Protected Wild Animal, notes that timber rattlesnake bites have averaged one every four years statewide, and lists the do's and don'ts: stay on marked trails and paths, do not reach into crevices you cannot see into, and never handle, harass or try to kill a snake, since that is how most bites happen. The park's own documented hazard is the rock itself: DNR states Devil's Lake is not maintained for rock climbing and that you climb at your own risk, that climbers may encounter loose rocks, and that every year there are accidents and injuries, most involving inexperienced people or people who have been drinking.
Wildlife information verified July 2026 via dnr.wisconsin.gov.
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