Camping sites near Baraboo, Wisconsin primarily cluster around Devils Lake State Park and Mirror Lake State Park, with sites positioned within varying proximacy to the lakes and surrounding bluffs. The area sits within the Baraboo Hills, an ancient quartzite mountain range dating back 1.6 billion years, with campgrounds positioned at elevations ranging from 850 to 1,200 feet. Summer temperatures typically reach 75-85°F during peak camping months, with nighttime temperatures dropping to 55-65°F.
What to do
Paddling on Mirror Lake: The no-wake lake provides a calm environment for water activities. At Bluewater Bay Campground, campers can explore the lake's sandstone cliffs. A reviewer noted, "The lake is great for kayaking. Lots of sandstone cliffs."
Hiking Ice Age Trail segments: Access segments of this National Scenic Trail directly from Ice Age Campground. A camper explains, "The Ice Age trail passes right through this camp loop. We followed it out and back after setting up camp. The ranger said the east and west bluff trails are the most popular."
Disc golf and trail exploration: Beyond just the lakes, Fox Hill RV Park offers additional outdoor recreation with "nature trails, disc golf, and a good size dog run" according to reviewers.
What campers like
Large, wooded campsites: Many campgrounds offer spacious sites with natural shade. A visitor to Cliffwood Campground praised site #138 which features "a private trail behind the campsite that leads to a view of the lake."
Clean facilities despite high usage: Despite being heavily trafficked, campgrounds maintain clean facilities. At Wisconsin Dells KOA, a reviewer appreciated that "the facilities were very clean, and we appreciated that the showers each had separate entrance doors - you don't see that often."
Proximity to attractions while maintaining natural settings: Campers value being close to both natural and commercial attractions. As one camper at Skillet Creek Campground said, "This was such an incredible experience, and the campground is really close to everything...it's a very quick drive to Devil's Lake, and the area it's in (Baraboo) is really adorable with plenty of things to do."
What you should know
Highway noise impacts certain sites: Several campgrounds, particularly at Mirror Lake State Park, experience road noise. A camper at Sandstone Ridge Campground warned, "The traffic noise is loud and some military jets kept flying overhead."
Site selection matters for privacy: Many campgrounds have a mix of secluded and exposed sites. A Northern Lights Campground visitor advised, "If you want privacy, some spots are better than others. There are a lot of wide open sites with no trees or vegetation, so it's like staying on someone's yard with a bunch of strangers."
Reservation timing is critical: Most campgrounds fill quickly, especially during summer. A reviewer at Quartzite Campground observed, "The sites here are large but get reserved quickly! You need to book 11 months in advance, especially for holiday weekends."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly programming: Some campgrounds offer organized activities. At Yogi Bear Camp-Resort, a family enjoyed their Halloween-themed weekend: "There was trick or treating, a haunted house, dance party... lots of stuff. My fav thing as an adult is the 'Hey ride!' They pile people onto a trailer turned wagon and drive around the park."
Playground proximity considerations: When booking sites, consider proximity to play areas. A Wisconsin Dells KOA camper recommended their experience: "We stayed at site 61...and it was across the road from a wonderful bathhouse/restroom. The kids loved the pool and splash pad as well."
Quieter alternatives during peak times: For families seeking less crowded experiences near Devils Lake, consider alternative campgrounds. A camper at Skillet Creek Campground shared, "We stayed at this campground because the reviews were good...Located one mile from Devil's Lake State Park, this campground is your best base camp."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many campsites require significant leveling. One RVer at Mirror Lake noted, "Our site was very unlevel side to side. It took two 2x6 and a 1x6 under the camp side to be level."
Utility positioning considerations: The placement of hookups varies between campgrounds. At Fox Hill RV Park, "All site are pretty level with gravel pad and logically positioned utilities," while another campground had hookups "on the wrong side so we had to back in sideways to make it work."
Water access protocols: Some campgrounds have specific water filling procedures. A camper at Northern Lights Campground mentioned, "You have to fill your camper with water after you enter there's many hoses."
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