🌤 Weather at Mirror Lake State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 22–69 °F | 56–82 °F | 26–73 °F | 8–32 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Wisconsin Dells, 3 mi away, elevation 835 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
🪞 Nature’s Reflection Near the Dells — A serene, motor-free lake surrounded by 2,180 acres of sandstone bluffs, 28 miles of hiking trails, a sandy swimming beach, kayak and canoe rentals, and the perfect natural escape just minutes from Wisconsin Dells
Just three miles southwest of the neon lights and waterpark crowds of Wisconsin Dells, a quiet transformation occurs. The tourist strip fades, the road narrows, and you enter a 2,180-acre state park wrapped around a small, serene lake that sits in a sandstone gorge so still on calm days that it perfectly mirrors the towering bluffs and pine forests along its shore. This is Mirror Lake State Park — and its name is not an exaggeration. The entire lake operates under a strict slow-no-wake policy, meaning no powerboats, no jet skis, no wake — just canoes, kayaks, and the occasional quiet fishing boat gliding across water so flat it doubles the sky above.
Mirror Lake itself was formed by a dam on Dell Creek (a tributary of the Wisconsin River), but the sandstone canyon that cradles it is pure geology — carved over millions of years by water working through the same Cambrian sandstone that created the famous Wisconsin Dells rock formations just a few miles north. The layered, honey-colored cliffs rise 50 feet above the water’s edge, their reflections creating the park’s signature visual effect. It is, in many ways, the quiet, natural side of the Dells experience — the place locals go when they want the beauty without the crowds.
Mirror Lake
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Size | 137 acres |
| Maximum Depth | 14 feet |
| Motor Policy | Slow-no-wake ONLY (entire lake) |
| Swimming Beach | 200-foot sandy beach, no lifeguards |
| Boat Rentals | Canoes, kayaks, SUP available at concession (summer) |
| Boat Launch | Available — electric motors only |
| Fishing | Panfish, bass, musky |
Hiking Trails
The park offers 28.4 miles of hiking trails through a mix of sandstone bluff forest, pine plantations, wetlands, and lake shoreline. In winter, 17.4 miles are groomed for cross-country skiing and 1.2 miles for snowshoeing.
| Trail | Distance | Difficulty | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Echo Rock Trail | 1.5 mi | Easy-Moderate | Sandstone bluffs, lake overlooks |
| Hastings Trail | 2.5 mi | Moderate | Pine forest, rolling terrain |
| Fern Dell Trail | 3.0 mi | Moderate | Fern-filled ravine, creek crossing |
| Northwest Loop | 5.0 mi | Moderate | Remote area, wildlife, solitude |
| Time Warp Trail | 2.0 mi | Easy | Pine plantations, beginner-friendly |
Camping
| Campground | Sites | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Bluewater Bay | ~50 | Wooded, near lake, electric available |
| Cliffwood | ~60 | Larger sites, shaded, RV-friendly |
| Sandstone Ridge | ~40 | More remote, tent-oriented |
Reservation Tips: Summer weekends fill weeks in advance. Reserve through the Wisconsin DNR reservation system as early as possible. Sites close to the lake (Bluewater Bay) are the most popular and first to book.
Essential Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | E10320 Fern Dell Rd, Baraboo, WI 53913 |
| Hours | 6 AM – 11 PM, year-round |
| Entrance Fee | WI vehicle admission sticker required ($8 daily / $28 annual resident) |
| Camping | $20-$35/night + reservation fee |
| Pets | Allowed on leash (not on beach) |
| Phone | (608) 254-2333 |
Getting There
- From Wisconsin Dells: 3 miles southwest (~5 minutes via Fern Dell Road)
- From Madison: 50 miles north (~55 minutes via I-90/94)
- From Milwaukee: 120 miles northwest (~2 hours via I-94)
- From Chicago: 195 miles north (~3.5 hours via I-90)
Best Time to Visit
| Season | Highlights | Crowd Level |
|---|---|---|
| Spring (Apr-May) | Wildflowers, migrant birds, quiet lake | Low |
| Summer (Jun-Aug) | Swimming, kayaking, camping, rentals | High |
| Fall (Sep-Oct) | Peak foliage reflecting on lake — iconic photos | Moderate |
| Winter (Dec-Mar) | Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, ice fishing | Low |
Nearby Attractions
- Wisconsin Dells: 3 miles — waterparks, boat tours, downtown attractions
- Devil’s Lake State Park: 15 miles south — 500-foot bluffs, premier hiking
- Natural Bridge State Park: 20 miles south — natural rock arch, Raddatz rockshelter
- International Crane Foundation: 10 miles south (Baraboo) — crane conservation, gardens
- Circus World Museum: 12 miles south (Baraboo) — historic Ringling Brothers site
Are motorboats allowed on Mirror Lake?
Only electric motors. Mirror Lake operates under a strict slow-no-wake policy across the entire lake. Gas-powered motorboats, jet skis, and any wake-producing watercraft are not permitted. This is what makes the lake so peaceful — canoes, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and small electric-motor boats are the only watercraft allowed, which preserves the mirror-like surface conditions that give the park its name.
How far is Mirror Lake State Park from Wisconsin Dells?
Just 3 miles (about 5 minutes by car). Mirror Lake State Park is located just southwest of Wisconsin Dells, making it the perfect natural escape from the Dells’ tourist attractions. Many visitors use the park’s campground as a base camp for exploring both the natural beauty and the entertainment options of the Dells area.
Nearby state parks: If you have extra time, Rocky Arbor State Park is a short drive away, and Exploring Devil’s Lake State Park: Wisconsin’s Outdoor Oasis is a short drive away.
⛺ Camping at Mirror Lake State Park: Campgrounds & Cabins
| Campsites | 151 family sites across 3 campgrounds + 7 group sites — Sandstone Ridge: 68 sites (electric sites 58-83, plus 86,88,90,92,94,97), 4 walk-in sites (201-204), 1 accessible (#63). Cliffwood: 35 sites, 29 electric, 1 accessible (#132), open May 1-Oct 31; double sites 106-121,127-128,130-131,135-136. Bluewater Bay: 63 non-electric sites (4 loops), open approx. May 15-Oct 15. Group camp: 7 tent-only walk-in sites, up to 20 people each, open April 1-first Sunday in November. |
|---|---|
| Cabins & Lodging | "Cabin in the Woods" accessible cabin in Cliffwood (between sites 131-135), up to 6 people, max 4 nights/year, available approx May 15-Oct 15; described as first barrier-free cabin in WI State Park System. Frank Lloyd Wright Cottage also rentable (details on separate page). |
| Reservations | wisconsin.goingtocamp.com or 1-888-947-2757; reservations required year-round, same-day up to 11 months in advance. Vehicle admission pass required. |
| Special sites | 7 walk-in group tent sites (up to 20 people each). |
| Season notes | Winter camping only at Sandstone Ridge sites 58-65 (electric, plowed); other campgrounds and shower buildings closed; vault toilet behind site 59; water at park entrance station in winter. |
Camping questions about Mirror Lake State Park
Can you camp at Mirror Lake State Park?
Yes. Mirror Lake State Park has 151 family sites across 3 campgrounds + 7 group sites. Sandstone Ridge: 68 sites (electric sites 58-83, plus 86,88,90,92,94,97), 4 walk-in sites (201-204), 1 accessible (#63). Cliffwood: 35 sites, 29 electric, 1 accessible (#132), open May 1-Oct 31; double sites 106-121,127-128,130-131,135-136. Bluewater Bay: 63 non-electric sites (4 loops), open approx. May 15-Oct 15. Group camp: 7 tent-only walk-in sites, up to 20 people each, open April 1-first Sunday in November.
How do you reserve a campsite at Mirror Lake State Park?
wisconsin.goingtocamp.com or 1-888-947-2757; reservations required year-round, same-day up to 11 months in advance. Vehicle admission pass required.
Are there cabins at Mirror Lake State Park?
"Cabin in the Woods" accessible cabin in Cliffwood (between sites 131-135), up to 6 people, max 4 nights/year, available approx May 15-Oct 15; described as first barrier-free cabin in WI State Park System. Frank Lloyd Wright Cottage also rentable (details on separate page).
Source: dnr.wisconsin.gov (verified July 2026). Details change seasonally — confirm when booking.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Mirror 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 Mirror 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
Park Location
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