From the building architecture to the towering cliffs, Devil's Lake State Park is absolutely gorgeous. Our family loved climbing the stone steps up the cliffside (like Frodo and Sam following Gollum up Cirith Ungol towards Shelob's Lair). We were absolutely enthralled by watching the eagles soar and swoop above the lake, but below our perch on the cliffside.

We stayed in site #244 in the Northern Lights area. 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. Given the ferocity of the lighting storm that greeted our first morning, and the possibility of falling branches, the overhead trees did cross my mind more than once. It was a short walk to the restrooms/shower and drinking water. Depending on a camper's needs, there were many more level and even open, grassy sites that simultaneously offered less privacy. The staff was very helpful; I'd recommend calling to ask advice regarding the "atmosphere" at the various loops if there is a strong preference. There is a campstore available in the campground, as well as a larger store and food service available by the lake. The lake is beautiful, and swimming is an option; however during our visit there were warnings of swimmer's itch being present. We were on a 6-week, 8,000 mile road trip and opted to avoid potential complications.

There are many nearby attractions in the Wisconsin Dells, such as the Ducks in the Dells. We enjoyed seeing the unique sandstone outcroppings. We really enjoyed a rainy morning breakfast at Broadway Diner in Baraboo.

For all the plusses that this state park has to offer, I must now add the truly devilish and even horrific affair of the shower. The shower (at least the one near us) was completely disgusting. It was full of these worm/bug things (I mean there were hundreds nested in the corners--I'm not typically creeped out by bugs). The only shower stall was small and offered no place to set down dry clothing or gear except for one tiny, little hook. I distinctly had the feeling of being in an Alfred Hitchcock movie. And how is this for devilish trickery--we left Wisconsin for Badlands National Park in SD. When turning onto the interstate, the GPS told us we had 666 miles to go. Hmm.