Devils Lake State Park draws some of the heaviest camping traffic in Wisconsin, and Northern Lights Campground sits at the center of that demand. Managed by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, the campground provides drive-in access with electric hookups accommodating RVs up to 70 feet, plus the full suite of amenities: drinking water, showers, a dump station, fire rings, and picnic tables at each site. Reservations open 12 months out and still fill fast, particularly on summer weekends, so booking well in advance is less a suggestion than a necessity.
Site character varies considerably depending on which loop a camper lands in. Some sites are heavily wooded and private, while others sit in wide-open grassy areas with little separation from neighbors. Celina M. found site 244 "exceptionally wooded, and very private," though she noted that leveling a tent under the tree canopy required some effort. Campers who want more sun and flat ground will find it in the open electric sites, though those come with less visual privacy. Calling ahead to ask staff about specific loops is worth the extra step.
Weekend nights bring crowds and, occasionally, noise well past quiet hours. Midweek stays tend to run considerably quieter, and the campground empties out enough to feel like a different place. The lake itself is non-motorized, which keeps the water activity to paddling and swimming. Kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards are available to rent near the shore, and a camp store and food concessions sit close by. The hiking trails, including segments of the Ice Age Trail and routes up to rock overlooks above the lake, are the park's most consistent draw. As Siobhan R. puts it, there are "lots of cool trails and the lake is perfect for canoeing and kayaking."
The Ice Age Campground — Devils Lake State Park sits just to the northeast, and Devils Lake State Park Campground is a short distance to the southwest, giving campers who miss a reservation here some nearby alternatives within the park system. The town of Baraboo, with restaurants and resupply options, is a few miles north. Showers at Northern Lights have drawn mixed reviews over the years, so campers with high expectations for facilities should factor that in. Tent campers who need access to an electrical outlet should check site layouts carefully, as some electric pedestals are positioned for RVs and may sit far from usable tent pads.
Description
Situated along the Ice Age National Scenic Trail, Devil's Lake offers magnificent views from 500-foot quartzite bluffs overlooking a 360-acre lake. Visitors enjoy nearly 30 miles of hiking trails, lakeshore picnic areas, swimming beaches, paddling opportunities, and year-round naturalist programs.
Three family campgrounds (Quartzite, Northern Lights and Ice Age) and an outdoor group camp offer over 420 campsites. Both the north and south shores of the lake have large picnic areas with reservable shelters.
Warning 3 Alerts are In Effect
There are 3 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 3 Alerts are In Effect
There are 3 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Throughout the 2026 season, day-use areas and campgrounds will be affected by multiple facility improvement projects. Restrooms, shower buildings, parking lots, rental shelters, and boat launches may be unavailable at times. Please visit the **Property Conditions** page before your arrival for the most up-to-date information and expect delays entering the park.
A large triathlon event will occur in the North Shore Day Use Area and all campgrounds on Sunday, September 20, 2026. Parking will be limited, and access to the North Shore will be restricted for the duration of the event.
A large triathlon event will occur in the North Shore Day Use Area and all campgrounds on Sunday, September 12, 2027. Parking will be limited, and access to the North Shore will be restricted for the duration of the event.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsNorthern Lights Campground is located in Wisconsin near Baraboo
Directions
https://maps.google.com?daddr=43.4284,-89.7322
Address
S5975 Park Rd
Baraboo, WI 54452
Coordinates
43.4316998 N
89.7263934 W
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 13 usersLast on 8/1/26
- VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 15 usersLast on 8/1/26
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 8/1/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 13 usersLast on 8/1/26
- VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 15 usersLast on 8/1/26
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 8/1/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- Market
- ADA Access
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Showers
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- 30 Amp Hookups
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 50 min from Madison, WI
- 1 hr 13 min from Janesville, WI
- 1 hr 27 min from Fond du Lac, WI
- 1 hr 41 min from Oshkosh, WI






















































