Devils Lake State Park camping offers access to over 29 miles of hiking trails across three campgrounds—Quartzite, Ice Age, and Northern Lights. Situated in the terminal moraine of the last glacial advance, the park sits at elevations ranging from 984 to 1,476 feet. While summer temperatures often reach 80-90°F, the forested campsites provide natural shade and cooler sleeping conditions than exposed sites in nearby areas.
What to do
Rock climbing with guided instruction: The park's quartzite cliffs attract climbers of all skill levels. According to visitor Mike T. at Quartzite Campground, "Devils lake state park is a busy place. Over 2 million visitors a year! Climbing is popular and there are people to help teach you."
Kayak on Mirror Lake's calm waters: The no-wake lake provides peaceful paddling experiences away from motorized boat traffic. "The lake is great for kayaking. Lots of sandstone cliffs," notes Julia B. from Sandstone Ridge Campground, making it ideal for nature photography opportunities.
Tackle the challenging bluff trails: The Ice Age Trail passes through the campgrounds with rewarding views. Art S. from Ice Age Campground explains, "We headed out early on Monday and did an 8 mile loop right from our campsite. We saw beautiful overlooks and only encountered 1 person on the trail."
Visit Ishnala Supper Club: Connected to Mirror Lake State Park via a hiking trail, this historic restaurant offers lake views. "Ishnala supper club is a short walk away," mentions Lula L., providing a unique dining opportunity without needing to drive.
What campers like
Large, wooded campsites: Sites at Bluewater Bay Campground offer natural separation. "The campsites were very large. We came in a group with multiple cars and tents, but the sites easily accommodated us. The pine trees were gorgeous!" reports Sarah D.
Clean facilities and staff enforcement: Campers appreciate well-maintained bathrooms and rule enforcement. Nicole T. at Quartzite Campground notes, "Shower facilities are nice and clean. Hiking is great and strenuous around the lake but the views are worth it!"
Midweek camping for solitude: Weekday visits offer a completely different experience from crowded weekends. Art S. shares, "This is a great park that was great to visit midweek instead of on a crowded weekend."
Multiple state park options: The area offers several state parks within short driving distances. "Mirror lake is just up the road from Devil's Lake, so if it's too busy there - make sure to go check out Mirror Lake!" suggests Katie G., highlighting the benefit of having backup camping options.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Summer camping requires advance planning. "The sites here are large but get reserved quickly! Yiu need to book the 11 months in advance, especially for holiday weekends," warns Nicole T. about Northern Lights Campground.
Cost considerations: State park fees can add up. One camper noted, "Cost at end of september, sunday night was $76/night PLUS $16 parking fee so $92 for a night at a mediocre campground with no privacy."
Highway noise at Mirror Lake: While beautiful, some campgrounds experience traffic noise. Kelly B. at Cliffwood Campground reports, "Beautiful facility but the traffic noise was atrocious."
Wildlife awareness: Properly secure food and supplies. Julia B. warns, "The raccoons were brutal. They broke into our crates twice. Smart enough to figure out the clip mechanism."
Tips for camping with families
Select campgrounds with playground access: Wisconsin Dells KOA offers family-friendly amenities. "Nice little pool and splash pad. Camp store and polite staff," notes Jeff G., adding that it's "Nearly no privacy, but you're probably not here for the nature."
Consider dog-friendly options near water access: Many dog-friendly campgrounds near Baraboo offer water features where pets can cool off. Jo ann V. at Quartzite Campground explains, "They also have several doggy swimming areas, but only on the south side could she be in the water without a leash."
Plan for bathroom proximity: Sites near facilities make family camping easier. Jessica H. shares, "Our site was right across the road from the restrooms on one side, and the water pump on the other side, which meant lots of foot traffic in our area."
Schedule hiking for morning hours: Early starts avoid crowds and heat. "The trail system surrounding Devils Lake provides excellent opportunities for hiking with dogs, particularly the less crowded paths during weekday mornings," making it ideal for families with pets.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger RVs: Skillet Creek Campground accommodates various RV sizes. "Sites are pretty spacious in most places. Even in the crowded areas," notes Melissa K. about Devils Lake camping areas, though site privacy varies considerably.
Seasonal considerations: Spring and fall camping offers less crowded experiences at dog-friendly campgrounds near Baraboo. "Mirror lake really wowed me. The park was beautiful and quiet. The campsites were very large," shares Sarah D. about off-peak season camping.
Leveling preparations: Some sites require additional equipment. Jennifer K. advises, "Sites are pretty level sandy fine gravel. We are in site 37 and didn't need to level at all," but notes other sites may require blocks.
Utility positioning knowledge: Check hookup locations before choosing sites. "The hook ups are on the wrong side so we had to back in sideways to make it work," warns Kelly W. about a challenging setup at Skillet Creek Campground.
