Famously known as “Circus City” for being the hometown of the Ringling Brothers, Baraboo, WI, is a historic town that attracts numerous visitors every year.
Another claim to fame this small town boasts is the International Crane Foundation featuring 15 different species of cranes.
The well-maintained Victorian homes, the winery, museums, restaurants, and farms as well as its vicinity to various state parks are just a few more reasons to visit this splendid town.
If you’re thinking of going camping, this list of 10 stunning state parks near Baraboo, WI, full of natural beauty and breathtaking views, are terrific places to start.
Map of State Parks Near Baraboo, WI
Here is a map of the state parks in Wisconsin covered by this post:
List of State Parks Near Baraboo
When you are ready to explore the great outdoors in the Baraboo area, there are plenty of options to get close to nature, and these Wisconsin state parks are an excellent place to start.
1. Devil’s Lake State Park
Distance from Baraboo: about 3 miles south of Baraboo (straight-line).
Location: Exploring Devil’s Lake State Park: Wisconsin’s Outdoor Oasis, WI
Discover the allure of Devil’s Lake State Park in Wisconsin! From hiking trails to wildlife, history and camping options, uncover why it’s a top outdoor oasis.
Highlights associated with Devil’s Lake State Park include waterfall scenery, beach access, and lake recreation.
See our full Devil’s Lake State Park guide for fees, hours, and what to expect.
2. Mirror Lake State Park
Distance from Baraboo: about 8 miles northwest of Baraboo (straight-line).
Location: E10320 Fern Dell Rd, Baraboo, WI 53913
Mirror Lake State Park is a 2,179-acre (882 ha) Wisconsin state park in the Wisconsin Dells region.
Highlights associated with Mirror Lake State Park include beach access, lake recreation, and river access.
Visitor facilities listed for the park include a campground, rental cabins, hiking trails, and a designated swimming area.
See our full Mirror Lake State Park guide for fees, hours, and what to expect.
3. Rocky Arbor State Park
Distance from Baraboo: about 12 miles north of Baraboo (straight-line).
Location: Wisconsin Dells, WI
Rocky Arbor State Park is a 244-acre (99 ha) Wisconsin state park in the Wisconsin Dells region.
Highlights associated with Rocky Arbor State Park include waterfall scenery, beach access, and lake recreation.
Visitor facilities listed for the park include a campground.
See our full Rocky Arbor State Park guide for fees, hours, and what to expect.
4. Governor Nelson State Park
Distance from Baraboo: about 28 miles southeast of Baraboo (straight-line).
Location: Madison, WI
Governor Nelson State Park is a 422-acre (171 ha) Wisconsin state park located outside of Waunakee, Wisconsin in the town of Westport on the north shore of Lake Mendota.
Highlights associated with Governor Nelson State Park include waterfall scenery, beach access, and lake recreation.
See our full Governor Nelson State Park guide for fees, hours, and what to expect.
5. Tower Hill State Park
Distance from Baraboo: about 30 miles southwest of Baraboo (straight-line).
Location: Spring Green, WI 53588
Tower Hill State Park is a state park of Wisconsin, United States, which contains the reconstructed Helena Shot Tower.
Highlights associated with Tower Hill State Park include waterfall scenery, lake recreation, and river access.
See our full Tower Hill State Park guide for fees, hours, and what to expect.
6. Blue Mound State Park
Distance from Baraboo: about 31 miles south of Baraboo (straight-line).
Location: 4350 Mounds Park Road
Blue Mounds, WI 53517
Blue Mound State Park is a state park in Wisconsin, United States, located atop the largest hill in the southern half of the state, near the village of Blue Mounds.
Highlights associated with Blue Mound State Park include waterfall scenery, lake recreation, and river access.
See our full Blue Mound State Park guide for fees, hours, and what to expect.
7. Capital Springs State Recreation Area
Distance from Baraboo: about 37 miles southeast of Baraboo (straight-line).
Location: Lower Yahara River Trail, Madison, Wisconsin 53708
Capital Springs State Recreation Area is a state park unit of Wisconsin, United States, in development just south of Madison.
Highlights associated with Capital Springs State Recreation Area include lake recreation, wooded landscapes, and wetland habitat.
See our full Capital Springs State Recreation Area guide for fees, hours, and what to expect.
8. Roche-a-Cri State Park
Distance from Baraboo: about 37 miles north of Baraboo (straight-line).
Location: Friendship, WI
Roche-a-Cri State Park (most commonly translated from French as Screaming Rock) is a state park north of Adams and Friendship in central Wisconsin.
Highlights associated with Roche-a-Cri State Park include waterfall scenery, beach access, and lake recreation.
See our full Roche-a-Cri State Park guide for fees, hours, and what to expect.
9. Buckhorn State Park
Distance from Baraboo: about 42 miles north of Baraboo (straight-line).
Location: 8450 Buckhorn Park Ave, Necedah, WI 54646
Buckhorn State Park is a 6,990-acre (2,829 ha) Wisconsin state park southeast of Necedah.
Highlights associated with Buckhorn State Park include waterfall scenery, beach access, and lake recreation.
Visitor facilities listed for the park include a campground, rental cabins, hiking trails, and a boat launch.
See our full Buckhorn State Park guide for fees, hours, and what to expect.
10. Hartman Creek State Park
Distance from Baraboo: about 64 miles northeast of Baraboo (straight-line).
Location: N2480 Hartman Creek Rd, Waupaca, WI 54981
About 88 miles from Baraboo is Hartman Creek State Park, spanning an area of 1,417 acres, that provides plenty of recreational opportunities.
The park has approximately 12 miles of off-road biking tracks, of which 10 miles are suitable for hiking. It also boasts over 7 kilometers of bridle trails with picturesque woodland views.
Hunting and trapping are permitted in certain areas of the park. There are also winter activities such as cross-country skiing, fat tire bicycling, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling to offer visitors a year-round experience.
Hartman Lake, with its 300-foot sand beach and large swimming area, is ideal for those who prefer to kick back and relax. You may also go boating, canoeing, or kayaking in the lake’s crystal clear waters, or fish for largemouth bass, bluegill, and other panfish from the ADA-accessible fishing pier.
There are 103 family campsites and five group campsites in the park. Showers and flush toilets are available at some of these locations. The park also has a picnic area with picnic tables, grills, drinking water, restrooms, and parking, along with three shelter buildings available for rent.
Hartman Creek State Park is a 1,417-acre (573 ha) Wisconsin state park near Waupaca, Wisconsin, United States.
Highlights associated with Hartman Creek State Park include waterfall scenery, beach access, and lake recreation.
See our full Hartman Creek State Park guide for fees, hours, and what to expect.
Wrapping It Up
All of the state parks listed here are located only about a few hours’ drive from Baraboo, offering convenient options for quick weekend trips. These state parks are not only brimming with exquisite views but also offer various recreational activities.
Keep in mind that you’ll need a fishing and hunting license to participate in some of these activities, as well as a state trail pass to hike the parks’ various trails. Make sure to read the parks’ websites to learn more about the parks so you can have a fun and comfortable camping or day-trip experience.
