Waterfront day trips
10L Beach Bag
Keep day-trip items together near the shore; do not assume submersion protection.
Fly & Drive guide
Fly into MSN, drive to Devil's Lake
1 h 11 min drive47 milesReservations: moderate
Trip snapshot
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.
Your route
MSN
Dane County Regional Truax Field
Devil's Lake
About 1 h 11 min · 47 mi by car, no stops. Estimate only.
Your arrival plan
Step 1Flights to MSN
Compare fares into Dane County Regional Truax Field.
Find flights
Step 2Standard car at MSN
Pick up at the airport and drive straight to Devil's Lake. Compare rental companies in one search. Est. from $45/day · typical rate.
Compare rentals
Step 2SUV at MSN
Select an SUV, pickup location and dates on Airport Rentals. Est. from $55/day · typical rate.
Compare SUVs
Before you goStore extra bags
Early arrival or late flight home? Drop luggage nearby and keep the car light for the park.
Find storage
03 · First night near Devil's Lake
Sleep close after the drive so day one starts in the park.
Before you land
Reservations
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.
Official reservation infoBest time to fly in
May – October
Your route
Day 1 · Quartzite Bluffs and Overlooks
East Bluff Trail → Balanced Rock
Day 2 · Shoreline Perspectives
Tumbled Rocks Trail → North Shore Beach
Day 3 · Baraboo Hills Heritage
Circus World → International Crane Foundation
Viator
Tours & experiences near Devil's Lake
Explore guided activities around Devil's Lake. Check the meeting point, dates and availability on Viator before booking.
Open tour listings separatelyCurated Trip Essentials
Five picks for Devil's Lake
Water on walking days
2L Hydration Pack
Carry drinking water on longer walks; refill before leaving services.
Campsite evenings
Folding Camping Chair · Adult
For an outdoor sitting area at camp; check packed size against your vehicle storage.
Eye protection
Polarized Cycling Sunglasses
Wrap-around cycling sunglasses with polarized lenses and a lightweight TR90 frame, according to the listing.
Wildlife & night viewing
Hawknite 1 4K Night Vision Binoculars
52MP photo · 1,200m range · full color at night. Check park rules before using lights at night.
$299.99 USD · store price
Shop at WILDGUARDEROptional 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.
Quick answers
What is the closest airport to Devil's Lake?
Dane County Regional Truax Field (MSN) is the nearest commercial airport we route from.
How long is the drive from MSN to Devil's Lake?
Roughly 1 h 11 min (about 47 miles) by car, without stops. Times are estimates.
Do I need a reservation to visit Devil's Lake?
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.