Devil's Lake
©

Devil's Lake

Quartzite bluffs rise above a clear lake, framing woodland trails and classic Wisconsin camping.

Arrival airport
MSN
Airport drive
1 h 11 min · estimate
Suggested stay
2–3 days
Reservation demand
Moderate · check entry notes
Vehicle notes
Passenger cars are suitable for all paved park roads; RVs should verify site lengths and overhang clearances at the specific campground loops.
Black Friday sale: save up to 35% off motorhome rentalsBlack Friday · ends 2 Dec — Cruise America & Cruise Canada up to 35% off. Selected dates & T&Cs apply.

Top tour

Most popular experience near Devil's Lake

Know before you go

Peak Demand

The North and South Shore lots often reach capacity by mid-morning on summer weekends. Arrive before 8 AM or consider visiting on a weekday to ensure access to your preferred trailhead.

Bluff Coverage

Cellular signal is generally reliable on the bluff tops but can be blocked by rock walls at the lake level. Carry a physical park map to navigate the intersecting trail systems accurately.

Local Services

Baraboo serves as the primary hub for fuel and groceries, located just minutes from the North Shore entrance. There are no retail fuel services within the park boundaries.

Hiking Safety

Allow at least three hours for a full bluff loop to avoid descending in fading light. High-traffic periods occur between 10 AM and 3 PM.

Rental Equipment

Kayak and canoe rentals are available seasonally at the North and South Shores; confirm current availability at the concession stands. Life jackets are required for all boaters.

Check current conditions:Wisconsin DNR Devil's Lake

2RVs, campervans & cars near MSN

Class C Motorhome — Sleeps 4

From $245/day · typical rate

Drive-and-sleep motorhome with kitchen and bathroom.

Motorhome · Motorhome RepublicFind campervans & RVs

Sleeps 2 campervans

Est. from $95/day · typical rate

Compact van-style camper that sleeps two, easier to park.

Sleeps 2 camper · Motorhome RepublicFind campervans & RVs
Airbus A220-300.jpg — illustrative photo, not partner inventory

Flights to MSN

Check on Aviasales
©
2024 Chevrolet Malibu sedan — illustrative photo, not partner inventory
  • ✓ Compare suppliers at MSN
  • ✓ Free cancellation on many rates

Standard car rentals at MSN

Est. from $45/day · typical rate

Pick your dates and vehicle class.

Compare rates at MSN
©
2018 Mazda CX-9 SUV on a Utah road trip — illustrative photo, not partner inventory
  • ✓ Compare suppliers at MSN
  • ✓ Free cancellation on many rates

SUV rentals at MSN

Est. from $55/day · typical rate

Pick your dates and vehicle class.

Compare rates at MSN
©

A little structure. Plenty of freedom.

3 days in Devil's Lake

  1. 01

    Quartzite Bluffs and Overlooks

    Suggested: 8 AM from Baraboo

    • East Bluff Trail

      Climb the stone stairs to view the Devil's Doorway rock formation and panoramic lake vistas.

    • Balanced Rock

      Observe this precarious geological feature while navigating the steep descent toward the South Shore.

    Allow 20–30 minutes for park transit; parking areas fill early.

    Quartzite steps can be slippery when wet; wear footwear with aggressive traction.

    Pick up your vehicle at MSN →
  2. 02

    Shoreline Perspectives

    Suggested: 9:30 AM from the North Shore

    • Tumbled Rocks Trail

      Walk the level path along the western shoreline beneath massive fallen boulders without the bluff climb.

    • North Shore Beach

      Utilize the beach and picnic areas for a relaxed afternoon by the clear glacial waters.

    Minimal driving; primarily walking between park facilities.

    Check water quality advisories at the park office before swimming.

    Tours for today's stops →
  3. 03

    Baraboo Hills Heritage

    Suggested: 9 AM from the South Shore

    • Circus World

      Visit the National Historic Landmark site in Baraboo to learn about the region's circus history.

    • International Crane Foundation

      Explore the outdoor exhibits dedicated to the world's crane species in a nearby wooded setting.

    Allow 40–60 minutes for regional travel between sites; roads are two-lane rural routes.

    Verify seasonal operating hours for museums, as they differ significantly from park hours.

    Find a place to stay →

Reservations · Moderate

Secure Wisconsin State Park Vehicle Admission

A Wisconsin State Park vehicle admission sticker is required for entry and should be purchased online or at the park office. Campsite reservations are handled through the central state system and typically fill months in advance for summer weekends; verify current booking windows on the official DNR site.

Check official reservation info

Fly in · nearest airport

MSNDevil's Lake

Dane County Regional Truax Field · 1 h 11 min drive

Find flights to MSN

Plan your road trip

From Dane County Regional Truax Field

1 h 11 min

about 47 miles by car · times vary with traffic and road closures

Get directions

Airport-to-destination drive; sightseeing stops are separate markers.

Stays near the end of your drive

3Where you'll want to sleep

RVs at Fishing Bridge RV Park (16714369882).jpg, illustrative accommodation photo©Outside the park · easier to bookWildParkRoutes's pick

RV parks near Devil's Lake on RoverPass

RV Park

Best for: RV travelers

Book RV parks and campgrounds online with full hookups near the park.

Est. from $150/day · estimateSee stays
Camping tent on tarp.jpg, illustrative accommodation photo©Outside the park · easier to book

Campsites near Devil's Lake on Campspot

Campground

Best for: Tent camping

Private campgrounds, cabins and glamping just outside the park, often with availability when park sites sell out.

Est. from $35/night · estimateSee stays
Broad view of Waterton RV Campground, Alberta.jpg, illustrative accommodation photo©Outside the park · easier to book

Harvest Hosts stays on the way to Devil's Lake

Stay overnight free at wineries, farms & breweries

5,000+ unique RV stops. WildParkRoutes readers get 20% off the first year.

RV Park

Best for: RV travelers

Membership for overnight RV stays at farms, wineries and other unique spots along your route.

Est. from $150/day · estimateGet 20% off

Vrbo

Cabins & vacation rentals near Devil's Lake

Est. from $120/night · typical rate

  • Whole-home cabins and lodges
  • Kitchens and room for the crew
Search cabins on Vrbo

Expedia

Hotels & lodges near Devil's Lake

Est. from $110/night · typical rate

  • Hotels in nearby gateway towns
  • Inns and last-minute rooms
Search hotels on Expedia

4The moments you came for

Curated Trip Essentials

Five picks for Devil's Lake

Optional picks, not a complete packing or safety list. Photos from the ROCKBROS and WILDGUARDER stores. Prices as of 2026-10-19 / 2026-10-20; price, stock and shipping may change.

Plan deeper

More destinations you'll love

All destinations