Devil’s Lake State Park

This is a great park near Baraboo. It is actually much more than just the lake itself. The park itself stretches far beyond the lake into the surrounding countryside offering hiking opportunities in a surprisingly diverse set of environments. The lake is electric motor only, which keeps it peaceful. The best hikes are on the bluffs around the lake where along the way there are some stunning views. The trails (and roads) in the park provide challenging runs also. The only downsides to the park are:
1) As already mentioned numerous times its beauty, leads to popularity, which can lead to overcrowding.
2) Swimmers itch can be a problem in the lake during the summer.

Been camping here 2 years now and LOVE it. Beautiful clean park, Lake and campsites. Showers and bathrooms are super clean. Lots to do in the park and in the area.

Hands down my favorite Park in Wisconsin. I could hike their trails over and over again, never tiring of their beauty! South shore is my favorite entrance. Great place for a picnic. The water is pebbly on that side so entering and exiting the water is tricky.
The nature center is sweet and your kids can check out explorer packs with activities and GPS’s in them for geocaching. Pretty neat stuff!
We have also camped there and the facilities are so clean! Watch out for the raccoons though, they walked right up to our picnic table and stole an entire bag of food and ran into the woods with it. We had to forage to find our pudgie pie supplies in the woods with lanterns after they scattered.

Just plain magical. I went hiking for four hours with my husband and dog yesterday. This place was so breath taking gorgeous and it was the perfect place to celebrate our anniversary. I am happy we went on a week day because it was still rather busy. I will say the CCC trail was the most difficult we have attempted to date but it was so fun. The fall colors and perfect weather made for the best day. I love this place and will be back to try the other trails we did not have time for.

I took a 5 day camping trip with my husband recently and we had a ton of fun! The campgrounds are super clean and the bathrooms and outhouses are as clean as they can be. We visited the Nature Center and played a little game they had going on. They also have some cute little snakes and turtles inside. Check in was easy. We rented a canoe for $ 17 an hour and hiked almost every trail they had to offer. Can’t wait to come back again.

Still a favorite
I’ve had the opportunity to come here on and off over the last 40 years and still find it peaceful (even with the crowds) and amazing scenery. One of the best parks in Wisconsin

This place is really cool and probably offers some of the best scenery in the state of Wisconsin. I’ve been here about four times now — today was the first time I extensively hiked Devil’s Lake.
My one complaint — it gets really crowded on the weekends. That’s not the park’s fault — it just kind of makes it a little difficult to feel like you’ve escaped the hustle and bustle of the city.
The visitors are generally pretty friendly and respectful. I’ve talked to quite a few people and they seemed to be pretty nice. Watch out for rattlesnakes though — this is one of the few places in Wisconsin that is home to the Timber Rattler.
There are also a lot of snakes hiding in the boulders, so stick to the main trails. I almost stepped on once because I started climbing up boulders that were not on a marked trail. I guess — depending on your relationship with snakes, you could view it as either a good thing or a bad thing. I don’t like snakes so when I saw one slithering across my path, I Unilocaled (no pun intended) a little!
Have fun! This place is absolutely beautiful!

Beautiful state park with trails for all availability levels (including one along the shoreline that’s wheelchair accessible!)
It’s been a destination spot for day-​hikers, campers, swimmers, kayakers/​canoers, divers, and rock climbers since I moved to this part of Wisconsin almost two decades ago, and is still one of my favorite summer destinations. I even got married on the South Shore in 2005, and the park officials were lovely to work with in coordinating that as well!
Camping spots are at a premium in the summer, so plan for that. It’s also super-​close to a number of other smaller natural spaces that can be just as beautiful, and are worth checking out — Parfrey’s Glen, Pewitt’s Nest, Baxter’s Hollow, and more.

My husband and I spent a day here in late July and loved it. We did three hikes and then spent some down time at the beach on the south shore. I almost gave five stars but I held one back because there were some downsides for me. They also lacked trashcans on the south shore. I can’t account for the north shore. We weren’t there long and I didn’t notice. That may seem like a little thing but there was trash everywhere and I immediately noticed there weren’t any trashcans. We finally saw two by the rental area/​store. There is a lot of beach and picnic area here, which is a PLUS, but they absolutely need to add more trashcans for peoples convenience. There will always be people that won’t use the trashcan even when it’s right next to them but I feel you have a better chance if there is at least one there.
Our first trail was Parfrey’s Glen. It’s a short drive away from Devil’s Lake. There is not good signage for it so be on the look out! This was a great hike. Paved at the beginning then becomes gravel and dirt. You follow a creek back to a canyon with a sign of the areas history. Once you get to the canyon area you are rock hopping in the now very wide creek. Some areas you can see the main path that people have made but some areas you are just trying to get through the best you can. Then you come to some boulders that you have to climb to get to the waterfall. This will not be the easiest of tasks for some people. You can really see the layers in the cliffs in this area. There are rocks that look like they will fall at anytime but are very much attached in the sand/​dirt from hundreds and thousands of years ago. Beautiful hike and would love to do this again to see how it changes over time.
Our second trail was Tumbled Rocks. We parked on the South Shore side and hiked to the north side. I loved this trail. It was unlike any hike I’ve done before. You wind through the boulders along the edge of Devil’s Lake. It’s part shade and part sun. It’s paved so you aren’t climbing the boulders, though some ventured off into the boulders. Even though it’s paved it is not wheelchair or stroller friendly. It’s just too narrow and winding in places. We saw some jumping into the water off the rocks towards the north end. We didn’t attempt this. We waded in the water at the beach on the North Shore before we headed back.
Our third trail was the West Bluffs. As the third trail of the day I may have underestimated the difficulty of this trail. Or they didn’t label it accurately. It says the north end climb is more gradual and thus should be easier. It was very difficult for me. I am glad that I did it but at a couple areas I wasn’t sure I was going to finish. I almost turned around. It’s pretty much an incline all the way up both sides to a point. Then you work your way straight back down. It was not an easy climb down the south end either. It was rough on the ankles and shins. Stunning views make it worth it! The point is a rescue area if it’s needed!
The end to our day was at the South Shore beach. It was quiet, clear water, natural sand and dog friendly. Loved it here. Next time I’d like to rent kayaks or canoes.

Devils lake is one our family’s favorite state parks. If it wasn’t everybody else’s favorite as well we would visit it more. Located near the Dells in Wisconsin it is a huge summer destination spot. A lake for swimming, kayaking, fishing and boating as well as numerous hiking trails and interesting sites to hike to. We have also seen many rock climbers here. Really neat to see. The park has camping and the campgrounds are well managed by camp hosts and the park staff. I will forewarn you That camping spots are hard to come by during busy peak season so prepare ahead of time! My favorite part of Devils lake is being so close to other beautiful land preserves and natural areas. Natural bridge state park, parfreys glen and man mound park are short drives from here.

It has been decades since we’ve been to DL so while back in Wisconsin visiting family we decided to make a weekday trip for some hiking. I forgot that there are some decent short but steep hikes up to the surrounding bluffs. We walked the 6 miles around the lake taking in the major rock formations. Given it was the week after July 4^th there were a fair number of people so we would never want to come on a summer weekend since it would be crazy busy. I was disappointed by the amount of trashed plastic bottles strewn all along the trails… a real shame.

Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous!!! An amazing state park! Lots of awesome hiking and swimming here. Be sure to check out the nature center for a little history lesson too!

Majestic. Trails for all abilities. The most challenging were also the most rewarding. Our favorite view was Devils Doorway. The funnest hike was the Balanced Rock Trail. Those 2 trails are not for novice hikers or those who lose footing easily. We took our kids (youngest strapped in a hiking backpack) & dog. We adored this park. We both hiked and camped here. Hiking, unmatched in the northern Midwest. Camping was ok. Although we were advised restrooms could be closed for winterization (or open weather permitting), we were disappointed the facilities were in fact closed on 70 degree days, and 50+ degree nights. It was inconvenient, but we had an overall great time none-​the-​less.

Hiking and outdoors. That’s my middle name… Just kidding.
People that know me know that I’m definitely an indoor activities kind of girl. The closest that I have come to camping is talking about glamping (glamorous camping).
But alas I started dating an outdoorsy guy who suggested going on a hike for our second date. I went, with very low expectations might I add, and I was blown away! This place is gorgeous. The lake is beautiful by itself, but the huge rocks surrounding the lake are breathtaking. Although I can say that I’m not the most outdoorsy girl, this was definitely one of the best locations for a date that I have ever experienced.
Not to sound too self-​aggrandizing or anything, but I have since hiked through the Arboretum. I’m on my way to becoming a certified glamper in no time!

EPIC. What more can I say about the most popular Wisconsin state park? Devil’s Lake is gorgeous in all regards and the various trails and treks range from «easy» to «challenging.» We spent a full afternoon here and had perfect weather for hikes up the East and West Bluff trails. Devil’s Doorway is the iconic rock formation, but don’t sleep on Balanced Rock or the longer trails which stretch to include part of the Ice Age Scenic National Trail.
I have never camped at DLSP but that changes next summer — get your reservations in early!

Breathtaking.
Went hiking here on a Wednesday in September and it couldn’t have been more enjoyable. We did the full loop around the lake, including the east and west bluff trails, devils door, balanced rock, and the potholes trails. We’re both reasonably fit, and it took us about 4-​hours or so to make our way around the entire loop.
Word to the wise — the bluff trails feature a fair amount of climbing on uneven surfaces, so make sure you’ve got some decent footwear and are able to ascend and descend on some moderately challenging surfaces. If you can handle climbing 400 – 500 feet of grade, you’ll be rewarded with views that can only be described as amazing.
The main trails are well marked and easy to follow; the off-​shoot trails are fairly obvious and will afford truly spectacular results.
Plenty of parking, great amenities (restrooms, concessions), and two beautiful beaches. You can’t ask for anything more.

I love hiking. I’m going to be honest… I underestimated hiking here… I was thinking it would be a nature walk because Wisconsin is mostly flat. I was very wrong.
The boy and I started off with the East Bluff trail. The quick elevation change had me re-​think this as an easy hike. There were many boulders and rock steps as we continued to make our way up. There were sections you could stop along at to get beautiful views of the lake (more on that later). We then checked out Devils Doorway (after several breaks and photos). Very cool. We had gone so far up the hike that the way back down to the lake was also a quick elevation change. We took the Pot Holes trail down. It was nothing but rocks and more rocks to climb down. I absolutely loved how technical this trail was. We tried to make our way to the West Bluff trail to fully circle the lake but ended up on the Grottos trail and then the train tracks going back the way we came (but along flat land instead so we made it back quick).
We really liked this park so we came back the next day to check out the lake. Of course the weather had dropped 10 degrees from the day before so we were met be frigid waters. We then walked along the trail on the other side of the lake (I’m thinking it was West Bluff). That trail had its elevation changes but it was nothing like the other side of the lake.
I do recommend checking out this park. Very beautiful and so much to do. When I come back I want to rent a kayak.

This was my «home park» as a kid and growing up; considering trips since, it might be the most overrated trip in the Wisconsin State Parks system.
Don’t get me wrong. I do like Devil’s Lake. I’m giving it four stars after all. The park is definitely beautiful, it allows leashed dogs (in contrast to many state parks), it’s got a big and relatively diverse footprint, it’s the perfect place for herping (amphibian/​reptile watching) in Wisconsin, there are usually some cool geocaches around, and it offers plenty of hiking options (including routes with various difficulties) or biking.
So what’s the deal?
It’s (almost) always too damn busy!
There have been times when a hike out here has felt a lot like waiting in a line. There are so often people everywhere out here. The parking lots will be full, you’ll get stuck behind somebody who needs to take a picture every two steps on a narrow bit of trail, or there’ll be a wait for the bathroom.
The park staff here also has a larger presence than at most of the other parks I’ve been too. I actually don’t mind this, because they’re necessary for keeping order at such a busy park.

This is a really beautiful and clean lake within short driving distance of Chicago and Milwaukee.
We had a great time hanging out at the swimming beaches. No weeds, algae or trash to be found. For a Sunday in August, the place wasn’t crowded.
The camp site was just OK. Our site was lacking any level ground to pitch our tent, save for the area directly next to the fire pit. Navigating down a hill to the bathrooms in the middle of the night was a little precarious.
Overall we had a good visit. Since we aren’t hikers/​climbers, I don’t think there’s enough here to spend a whole weekend, but we’ll certainly return for a day trip.

What a great place. Truly a gem. Must experience. Fantastic hiking and swimming. You must book early to camp here. Devils doorway. Balanced rock. And the best is the rock jump into the lake. Very refreshing. Love this place. Best memories with my kids.