Devils Lake State Park maintains three campground options within 15 miles of Briggsville, Wisconsin. The park rises 500 feet above the surrounding terrain with 500-million-year-old quartzite bluffs surrounding a 360-acre lake. Wisconsin camping conditions vary significantly by season, with summer highs reaching 85°F while spring and fall nights often drop below 45°F, requiring appropriate gear.
What to do
Hiking trails around Devils Lake: The Ice Age Trail passes through Ice Age Campground — Devils Lake State Park, offering access to challenging climbs and scenic overlooks. "The hiking is great and strenuous around the lake but the views are worth it! This park does get very busy with outside visitors on the weekends as well," notes a visitor.
Non-motorized water activities: Mirror Lake restricts motor boats and provides rentals for various water equipment. "The lake is great for kayaking. Lots of sandstone cliffs," explains a camper at Bluewater Bay Campground — Mirror Lake State Park. For those with their own equipment, "The campground has an easy access boat launch for power boats and paddle boats."
Day trips to wildlife attractions: Located near Fox Hill RV Park & Campground, the International Crane Foundation offers educational experiences. "We went to the crane foundation that was nice, beautiful birds they are," reports one visitor. The area also supports birdwatching, with multiple campgrounds reporting sightings of eagles, herons, and migratory birds.
What campers like
Peaceful alternatives to Wisconsin Dells: Mirror Lake State Park offers a quieter experience just minutes from tourist areas. "Considering the proximity to Wisconsin Dells and all the hotels, outlet malls and distractions this little piece of nature was calm, cool and relaxing," says a camper at Cliffwood Campground — Mirror Lake State Park.
Wooded, private sites: Many campgrounds feature secluded spots with natural screening. At Northern Lights Campground, campers appreciate the privacy: "We found the site to be exceptionally wooded, and very private. It was a little difficult to find a level spot for our 10X10 tent, and all options were directly under the trees."
Clean facilities throughout the region: Shower buildings and restrooms at most campgrounds receive consistent maintenance. At Wisconsin Dells KOA, a visitor noted, "Our site was level and had everything we needed (fire ring, picnic table, electric), and was across the road from a wonderful bathhouse / restroom. The facilities were very clean, and we appreciated that the showers each had separate entrance doors."
What you should know
Reserve well ahead for summer months: Campgrounds near Briggsville fill extremely early, especially for weekends and holidays. "You need to book the 11 months in advance, especially for holiday weekends," advises a camper at Northern Lights Campground.
Highway noise affects some campgrounds: Interstate proximity creates background noise at specific sites. "The highway noise affects some campgrounds: Interstate proximity creates background noise at specific sites. At Rocky Arbor State Park Campground, a visitor warned, "The closer you get to the interstate the louder it gets and one of the loops backs right up to the interstate. So be aware if you are booking the loop it will be a constant hum."
Wildlife interactions require precautions: Food storage protocols help prevent problems with local wildlife. "The raccoons were brutal. They broke into our crates twice. Smart enough to figure out the clip mechanism," reports a camper at Mirror Lake State Park. Multiple campgrounds report similar issues, making proper food storage essential.
Tips for camping with families
Pool and water features for kids: Family-oriented campgrounds often include dedicated children's areas. "Nice pool, awesome aqua pad for the kids and game room. No child will be disappointed here!" states a visitor to Wisconsin Dells KOA.
Playgrounds and organized activities: Several campgrounds provide structured entertainment options. At Yogi Bear TM Camp-Resort & Waterplayground, "It was Halloween theme weekend so 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."
Nature education opportunities: Several state parks offer junior ranger programs and interpretive trails. "We saw beautiful overlooks and only encountered 1 person on the trail," noted a camper at Ice Age Campground when hiking with children. Local wildlife sightings often include "toads, snakes, bunnies" according to visitors exploring the trails.
Tips from RVers
Site selection based on size and needs: RV sites vary significantly between campgrounds. "We are 50 feet with truck and camper and still have a good 15-20 feet to the road. Slightly tight backing in but not too much trouble the road is narrow and one way only," shares an RV owner at Bluewater Bay Campground.
Utilities and hookup planning: Electric availability varies by campground and loop. A Fox Hill RV Park visitor advises, "Depending on a camper's needs, there were many more level and even open, grassy sites that simultaneously offered less privacy." Some campers note that water pressure and electrical capacity can vary between sites within the same campground.
Seasonal accessibility considerations: Several campgrounds maintain limited operating seasons. Rocky Arbor operates only from Memorial Day through Labor Day, while others have limited services in spring and fall. Water systems at many campgrounds are winterized by mid-October, affecting water hookup availability for late-season camping near Briggsville.
