Devil's Lake State Park
4.8(13K)google
4.6(238)yelp
LakeRock FormationForestHiking TrailClimbingCampingScenic LookoutMust-See
Overview
As Wisconsin's most popular state park, Devil's Lake offers breathtaking views from 500-foot quartzite bluffs overlooking a pristine 360-acre lake formed by glaciers thousands of years ago. The park features over 29 miles of scenic hiking trails, including the challenging Balanced Rock and Devil's Doorway segments. It is a premier destination for rock climbing, kayaking, sandy beach swimming, and year-round outdoor photography.
Practical Info
Every day6:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Suggested Duration0.5-1 day
Best TimeMid-October during peak autumn foliage is the absolute best time to visit, when the bluffs are ablaze with vibrant reds and golds. Arriving between 6:00 AM and 9:00 AM is highly recommended; the morning light on the East Bluff Trail is spectacular for photography, crowds are thin, and you can capture the morning mist over the lake from Balanced Rock or Devil's Doorway.
Getting ThereDriving is highly recommended due to limited public transit options. From downtown Baraboo, drive south for about 3 miles along South Boulevard, then merge onto County Road DL (Devil's Lake Road), which leads directly to the North Shore Entrance. During peak summer weekends, navigating to the South Shore parking lot instead can save time spent in traffic queues.
Travel Tips
- An official Wisconsin State Park vehicle admission sticker is mandatory for entry. To bypass massive lines at manual stations, use the self-service credit card kiosks located outside the North Shore Visitor Center or purchase online. Federal National Parks passes are fully honored here as the National Ice Age Trail traverses the park.
- Campsites are strictly reservation-only via the official DNR portal and sell out months ahead; walk-in camping is forbidden. Kayak and canoe rentals are available on-site but see high demand by midday in summer. Secure your watercraft rentals before 11 AM, or opt for the West Shore to find a quieter area for picnicking and fishing away from the crowds.
Photo Tips
Best LightWeekends and holidays between 10 AM and 4 PM trigger extreme congestion; lots fill early. Arrive by 6 AM or late afternoon. To shoot the iconic 'Devil's Doorway' and 'Balanced Rock', hike the East Bluff Trail. This route is steeply graded with uneven, unraveled stone steps—sturdy hiking shoes are non-negotiable, and it is entirely unsuited for strollers or wheelchairs.
Reviews
Positive
- The scenery is absolutely breathtaking, especially from the top of the bluffs like East Bluff Trail, offering stunning panoramic lake views.
- The trail system is diverse and well-marked, perfectly catering to challenging rock climbing, hiking, sandy beach strolls, or kayaking.
- Great facilities with visitor centers on both sides of the lake, clean restrooms, food concessions, and convenient watercraft rentals.
- Very dog-friendly with designated pet areas, and the sandy beaches and shaded picnic spots are kept pristine for families.
Heads up
- The tourist density on weekends and holidays is massive; popular trails get so crowded it feels like waiting in line, losing all natural tranquility.
- Parking can be a nightmare; core lots fill up instantly during peak hours, forcing you to park far away and walk a long distance.
- Campsites are very tough to book, and most standard loops are located far from the lake, requiring you to drive to the trailheads daily.
- Certain steep talus trails like Balanced Rock are quite hazardous for elderly guests and kids, lacking proper handrails or multilingual warning signs.