From website:

Camping at Devil’s Lake State Park is extremely popular. Plan ahead, explore your options and make your camping or other lodging reservations well before you arrive.

Devil’s Lake State Park has three campgrounds with a total of 423 sites that each accommodate a family (One to six individuals). There are no longer any first-come-first-serve campsites offered at the park. There are also nine group campsites that can accommodate a total of 240 campers. Group campsites are on the south side. Each campground has different qualities that have made each of them popular with annual campers. There are no campgrounds near or on the shoreline of Devil’s Lake itself.

Only the Quartzite campground is open for winter camping.

Ice Age Campground — Devils Lake State Park

We happened to have a very private site completely surrounded by trees but a lot of the sites are small not well covered and very close to neighbors. However, regardless of where you are the campground can get really loud and busy and no one seems to care. There was a pack of kids screaming by our site on electric scooters all night, with people shouting and playing music. Even though the site and park were really nice. This seems more like a place to come with family and friends and have a big party.

Sites are a mixed bag

One of the most beautiful places. But it ends there. The place is loved to death by people. Way, way to many people visit here. Place has a real bad litter problem. Also, some times you are not hiking the trails, but waiting in line on the trails. State Park system needs to fix the severe crowd problems here. Would give zero stars if it would have allowed it.

Ruined Beauty

The variety of shaded vs open sites is pretty large.  There is only one shower/bathroom building for each half of the campground, so it can be a decent walk from certain areas.  Younger forest, so there isn't as much shade or space between the trees.



Large mix of sites

I have stayed at Devil's Lake many times. I always try to get into the Ice Age Campground whenever possible. It is up and away from the rest of the park a bit and typically almost every site has full shade. This is important in the summer months. When it's 85° in Wisconsin it can be brutal with the humidity, but it is always cooler under the canopy. The sites are well groomed and it usually doesn't get too loud up there. Some of the sites have impressive views as you are up in a bluff. The Ice Age National Scenic Trail runs through the campground and there are too many hiking trails till list. The views from the bluffs will take your breath away. There is a reason that Devil's Lake is the most popular Wisconsin state park. The trails around the lake will give you vistas like nowhere else in the midwest. A note of caution: It can get crowded around the lake in the summer months. The trails further out aren't bad though. Devil's Lake is the biggest of the state parks, including beautiful Parfrey's Glen, but the congestion is the lake. If you plan on the lake, try for during the week if you wish to see more wildlife. Also this park fills very fast with reservations so reserve early. However, if you don't mind a game of chance, there are about 50 non-reservable sites that are first-come first-served and I have scored this way. If you choose this, get there when the office opens at 8am, because these don't typically last an hour. If you fish, be prepared for some of the best fishing you've ever experienced. If you're not sure of the how or where, plenty of people in the lodge will give you pointers. I have caught more fish I. a day there than anywhere else ever. Bee ready for enormous Brown Trout, nice Large and Small Mouth Bass, Northern Pike, some of the biggest Yellow Perch I've ever seen, as well as the occasional Walleye and Rainbow Trout. Devil's Lake Ice Age Campground, in my opinion, it's about as good as it gets.

The Best in car camping

I absolutely love Devil's Lake. For being a popular destination for a lot of people in Wisconsin and neighboring states, the trails don't seem to be overcrowded and everything is very well maintained and clean. The beaches can get to be pretty busy at times, but otherwise it's great. There are great views on all the hiking trails and some amazing fishing as well. You can rent canoes and paddleboards at the beaches, which is an added bonus. 

Beautiful Park

Beautiful, but crowded area. Campsites were pretty close to one another, and not many trees to separate the sites. There is a lot of things to do from hiking, biking, swimming, kayaking and the list could go on and on..

Hiking

This is a great location to relax in the woods or do some hiking, bouldering or rock climbing. The views are also a plus.

One of the best in Wisconsin 

There is so much to do at this park. Being as big as it is though, it can get crowded and loud at times. The sites are pretty spacious in most places. Even in the crowded areas. The lake is really nice. They don't allow motor boats and have rentals for canoes, kayaks, and paddle boards. They have numerous trails to hike in to the bluffs. There are stores at both lake shores and they both sell food. It did storm hard while we were there and the shore store had everyone in the store for the storm. The storm came in really fast too. It's a great place to stay for a short while.

Nice Park with lots to do

Campsites in the Ice Age Campground were decent sized with individual fire pits and picnic tables. The sites had plenty of trees for shade, but were close together. 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. There are other sites that are a bit more secluded, and offer less noisy conditions.

Note: if you plan to camp here in the summer, reservations are a must. This is a busy park as it has lots to offer in the way of outdoor activities. We tent camped for two nights and three days. We fished on the lake and hiked a portion of the Ice Age Trail, specifically to the Devil's Doorway and Balanced Rock. Highly recommend the hike; it's worth the view at the top. We also utilized the boardwalk along the lake as a spot to stop and bank fish.

The park offers two visitors centers; one on the north shore and one on the south shore. The south shore center was well-maintained and had lots of merchandise and touristy items for sale, along with a small dining area. All in all, it was a scenic park to camp and hike in.

Devil's Lake State Park 

what can i say about this place i was invited there as a friend and now i have been taking my kids and grand-kids there for years lost count of how many times i been there always get a good camp spot never complain about it.

Nature at its best

Beautiful campground, trails and lake!!!

Visited this park with a friend while doing a summer internship in WI. The park allows camping, hiking, swimming, fishing, boating, climbing, riding, etc. We were there mainly for the hiking and were not disappointed! The trails are fun with impressive rock formations and a gorgeous view of the lake from some parts. The lake itself provides a perfect place to relax and cool off after a long day of hiking!

Devils Lake

Devil’s Lake State Park has 3 public campgrounds to handle over 3 million visitors a year. This means it’s packed. I made reservations to be sure and get a spot. I was surprised to find many non-electric sites empty. Other Dyrt Rangers suggested we come here so I’m following their advice. 

The local Ho-Chunk named the lake, Tawacunchukdah, which roughly translates into “Spirit or Holy” Lake. Some translation errors to the early trappers and the name Devil’s Lake caught on (it also markets better with a more sinister name). 

There are requirements for various passes to use the state park and trails. Daily passes or annual ones - the choice depends on your usage. 3 nights here means it’s cheaper to get the annual pass.

To get to the non-electric sites, you drive through much of the park. Signs showed the way and it was easy to follow along. We passed the camp store in the middle. We camped at site 401 which is near the bathroom. There are plenty of trees between sites so others are heard more than seen. The site is large enough for my teardrop camper and a screen room (trying to keep the mosquitoes at bay) and still have plenty more room. The showers are clean and refreshing. 

The main draw for us is the hiking. 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. 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. Tuesday found us on the tumbled rocks trail and returning on the west bluff. 3 school buses of children filled the trail. It was still enjoyable with the crowds. 

The only negative is that some trails are hard to follow when they use the roads in the park. It’s not often and understandable once you do your first hike. This is a great park that was great to visit midweek instead of on a crowded weekend.

Popular spot with beautiful hiking 

Quiet, pet friendly spot with nice bathrooms and plenty of tree lined spots for some privacy. Great spot to spend a weekend. 

Dog friendly, tent friendly spot

This park has some fabulous things too offer There is are 2 great (but a bit rocky) swimming beaches, AMAZING hiking with stunning views, the campgrounds are mostly kept up very nicely, and many sights to see around the area. Baraboo is close by for shopping and supplies. I have been going to this park since I was a child. It makes me sad to see it so crowded and such careless people damaging things and leaving their trash, not following rules. Still love the park, just not the crowds.....

Extremely overcrowded

Much to do at Devil's Lake and surrounding area. features multiple campgrounds and multiple areas for swimming. A beach at the North and South of the lake. Both beachs have store, restaurant, and concession as well as rentals for canoe, kayak, paddle boats and boards, etc… The North features a large eat in restaurant compared to the South concession style, and the store is also larger on the North end. A LOT of hiking trails as part of the Wisconsin Ice Age Trail (this trail covers over 1200 miles across the state and the hike up to Balanced Rock is a must!!) crosses through the the park and the State of Wisconsin's only railroad tracks that you can leagaly walk on. The railroad is still active! This park sits close to the city of Baraboo and about 15 miles from the famous Wisconsin Dells/Lake Dalton area of your feeling touristsy, but you will have plenty to do at the park for a full week whether hiking, biking, swimming, or just taking in some of the most beautiful views just lying on the beach. This is Wisconsin's largest and bussiest State Park but for good reason. I am not a crowd person but this place shouldn't be missed. Get there early if you want a spot on the beach during the summer months on weekends!

One of the Best!

came in on Labor Day after 10 day road trip. was fine but nothing to take home just stood overnight 


Last Day of road trip 

One day isn't enough time to see everything the park has, so plan on it taking 2 or 3 days to really explore the park.

There's no shortage of things to do from paddle boarding, hanging out on the beach, hiking, and just enjoying nature. The view of the lake from any of the trails is beautiful. Keep cash on hand if you visit. The camping store and all restaurants are cash only.

The showers and bathrooms are clean and recently renovated. Weekdays are quiet compared to weekend (Can get a little crowded during peak times). There are three separate campgrounds on the North end of the lake, plus a group Campground on the south end of the lake.

A very popular state park in Wisconsin

What a gem in central Wisconsin. Clean campground with wooded sites, great hiking trails and crystal clear lake with great beach area. This is the nicest park I’ve been to in a long time. Highly recommend. The balanced rock trail is not for the faint of heart but worth it for the views on the way up.

Clean with Beautiful views from the trails

The views are great and has a nice beach. Clean park

Awesome hiking

Open pad sites for tent camping under tree canopy, great hiking over looking swimming and boating lake.  Requires WI St Park pass to get in plus camping fees.   Has both vault and flush toilets w showers.  Close to town for other activities, near Wi Dells Water park 21 ,miles not a bad drive. 

  

Part of the ice age trail system maintained hiking trails are great.

Great hiking on lake

Beautiful grounds and a spacious campsite (472)— fire pit and picnic table were good. Not super great for hammocks. Quiet and wooded. Pretty far from the south shore walking. Boat rentals, camp store, and welcome center, etc. were closed because of COVID-19 restrictions. Lots of beautiful hiking. Decent facilities— can only by a year parking pass not by the day. Highly recommend and we will be back!

Beautiful park with TOO much to do!

Very well maintained facilities and lots of hiking trails available. The lake is a beautiful lake with lots of space for grilling out or swimming

Very clean, well maintained campgrounds. Lots of hiking available 

May family tent camped here for the first time this year, 2020. The site (514) was spacious enough for a 10 person, and a 6 person tent. There were enough trees to mostly block out your neighbors, and it’s up on a slight hill so if it does rain the water would drain away from your tent(s). 

The state park itself has several trails with varying degrees of difficulty. My son and I opted to take the 4 mile loop around the lake that included the 900 foot assent, and crown back down the face of the ‘mountain’??  The landscape surrounding Devils Lake is gorgeous, and the lake is large, and offers plenty of things to do. 

Unfortunately during these COVID-19 times the boat rental was not open, but there was plenty of beach to hang out on. 

We will definitely be heading back next year. 

Nature’s gym

We stayed at Devils Lake in early October 2020, and camped within the Upper Ice Age campground. We stayed at site 479 with friends, and had plenty of space for three tents. It seemed that all the sites were booked, however, our site still felt private enough and distant from nearby campers.

The scenic trails did not disappoint, as we spent most of our Saturday hiking along the north shore which led us to the beautiful “Devils Doorway”. With Devils Lake being such a popular destination, it was no surprise that the trails were very busy and crowded at certain points.

Overall, we absolutely loved our weekend at Devils Lake and cannot wait to be back again. There’s a reason this is considered one of Wisconsins most popular camping spots!

Never a Disappointment 

I’m giving this park 4 stars because the park has exquisite views and fantastic hiking. Our campsite was huge, wooded and had large rocks and interesting features. The bathrooms were utterly disgusting though. Both pit and flush bathrooms. When you get traffic like Devil’s Lake, more man power should be used to keeping it clean. This can be a rowdy place, especially for a state park. A lot more noise that we are accustomed to and may not be the best place if you have little kids.

Stunning Park/ Facilities Leave Much To Be Desired

Great hiking 

We’ve been here multiple times but winter is truly our favorite, ice fishing, snowshoeing etc. The state park is busy in summer but not much in winter.. tons of opportunities in warmer weather which equates to the popularity. The views are fantastic and it’s family friendly. Camping was quiet and you can camp by the lake or further from the lake in the woods. Worthy of multiple returns. 

Winter Beauty Beyond

We stayed in Ice Age, in site 511.  We got rained out so we didn’t get to explore as much as we wanted. The lake area looked like fun and there are tons of trails. I suggest buying firewood near the entrance before entering the park to save a little. The parking expense was also a little surprising. Nevertheless, I would return for another trip.

Nice place

Lovely campground! What you would expect from a state park. Bathrooms could use more upkeep. Lots are on the smaller side. - WORTH THE HIKE!! Cannot camp and not do the hike! Views are incredible!