Devil's Lake State Park wilderness guide
State Park · WI

Devil's Lake State Park

Devil's Lake State Park is Wisconsin's largest and most visited state park, renowned for its stunning quartzite bluffs and picturesque lake. It's a premier destination for hiking, climbing, and outdoor recreation year-round.

State Park9,2174+ Trails

Designation

State Park

Total Wilderness Area

9,217

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Devil's Lake State Park

Devil's Lake State Park is Wisconsin's largest and most visited state park, renowned for its stunning quartzite bluffs and picturesque lake. It's a premier destination for hiking, climbing, and outdoor recreation year-round.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Devil's Lake State Park, located near Baraboo, Wisconsin, covers an expansive 9,217 acres. The park is characterized by its impressive quartzite bluffs, which rise up to 500 feet above the 360-acre Devil's Lake, formed by glacier activity thousands of years ago. The park is a geological gem and offers a diverse range of activities, including hiking, rock climbing, camping, and water sports. The area is rich in natural beauty and ecological diversity, featuring oak forests, talus cliffs, and vibrant wildflower patches. Indigenous peoples visited this area for centuries, and the park's name derives from translations of Native American legends related to the lake. Visitors today are drawn to its natural and cultural history, as well as its expansive recreational opportunities. Lush landscapes attract about three million visitors each year, making it a vital hub for outdoor enthusiasts in the Midwest.

Field Guide · State Park
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Devil's Lake State Park

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 60 miles.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Balanced Rock Trail, offering views of a striking rock formation perched precariously on the bluffs✦ Rare species habitat, including Effigy Mounds and the endangered red-shouldered hawk✦ Devil's Doorway, a natural arch made of ancient quartzite and a popular subject for photography✦ The Ice Age National Scenic Trail, which runs through the park and presents a unique way to experience the region’s glacial history
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Devil's Lake State Park

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Devil's Lake State Park.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

State park admission sticker required for vehicle entry.

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Wilderness Stays

Camping & Overnight Stays in Devil's Lake State Park

Frontcountry developed campgrounds, backcountry wilderness permit guidelines, and starry-night camping advice.

Quartzite Campground

Located near the south shore, great for accessing hiking trails and lakefront activities.

Reserve on Recreation.gov

Ice Age Campground

Situated near the north shore with proximity to the Visitor Center and expansive trail access.

Reserve on Recreation.gov
Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Devil's Lake State Park

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Baraboo, Wisconsin
⌖ 3.49 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Baraboo, Wisconsin

Baraboo, WI is an adventure lover's haven with exceptional hiking, climbing, and paddling opportunities, especially around the iconic Devil's Lake State Park. A year-round destination with scenic charm.

Spring and Fall
Explore Town
Merrimac, Wisconsin
⌖ 6.58 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Merrimac, Wisconsin

Merrimac, WI offers a quiet escape for outdoor enthusiasts. With hiking at Devil’s Lake, kayaking the Wisconsin River, and biking scenic routes, it’s a haven for nature lovers.

Spring and Autumn
Explore Town
North Freedom, Wisconsin
⌖ 7.08 miles
Gateway Basecamp

North Freedom, Wisconsin

North Freedom offers a quiet retreat with access to Wisconsin's natural beauty. From hiking in the Baraboo Hills to paddling at Mirror Lake, it's perfect for outdoor adventures.

Spring and Fall
Explore Town
Prairie du Sac, Wisconsin
⌖ 8.85 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Prairie du Sac, Wisconsin

Prairie du Sac offers a peaceful outdoor escape with paddling on the Wisconsin River, accessible hiking and biking trails, and great bird watching. Nearby parks add winter snowshoeing options, making it a year-round base for nature lovers.

Spring through Fall for paddling and hiking; Winter for snowshoeing
Explore Town
Rock Springs, Wisconsin
⌖ 9.86 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Rock Springs, Wisconsin

Rock Springs offers a peaceful retreat with access to hiking at Devil's Lake, biking through scenic landscapes, and paddling on the Baraboo River, providing a perfect escape for nature enthusiasts.

Spring and Fall
Explore Town
Sauk City, Wisconsin
⌖ 10.28 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Sauk City, Wisconsin

Sauk City offers a peaceful outdoor escape with river paddling, easy cycling routes, and nearby hiking in protected areas. Ideal for travelers seeking a quiet basecamp along the Wisconsin River.

Late Spring through Early Fall for paddling and biking; Winter for cross-country skiing
Explore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Devil's Lake State Park

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

Three-Taste Loop: Wine, Orchards and Lavender Around Wisconsin Dells
ADVEXPEDITION
Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin
FarmADV Bookable

Three-Taste Loop: Wine, Orchards and Lavender Around Wisconsin Dells

A 3.5-hour trolley outing that pairs a glass of wine at Balanced Rock Winery with cider-and-donut stops at Ski-Hi Apple Orchard and a self-guided tour at New Life Lavender — useful for planning what’s included and the route timing.

FarmPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Pasture-Quiet: A Self-Guided Stroll Among Casacampo’s Alpacas
ADVEXPEDITION
Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin
AttractionADV Bookable

Pasture-Quiet: A Self-Guided Stroll Among Casacampo’s Alpacas

A short, unstructured visit that gives you 40 minutes of pasture access to meet and feed alpacas, llamas, and other ranch animals—this guide helps you arrive prepared and move through the ranch calmly and safely.

AttractionPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip