Devil's Lake State Park

Devil's Lake State Park has three regular campgrounds with a total of 407 sites that each accommodate a family or one to six individuals. Of the sites, 353 are reservable and the rest are first-come, first-served. There are also nine group campsites that can accommodate a total of 240 campers.

Activities and recreation

Hiking

There are 29 miles of trails in the park, ranging from easy strolls along a paved pathway along the lakeshore, to a rocky hiking ascent up the south face of the East Bluff. With several different trail segments, visitors can choose a hike of varying length that includes vistas, woods, meadows, glacial moraines, talus slopes and ridgetop backwoods.

Hiking the park trails in autumn.

The park has 1.5 miles of trail that are accessible for people with disabilities. These include Tumbled Rocks Trail (the roughly paved northern half may be accessible to strollers and wheelchairs with adventurous attendants), Grottoes Trail (fairly smooth and level with a fine gravel surface), a sidewalk and wooden boardwalk along the south shore of the lake, and the paved pathways in both the north and south picnic areas.

Bicycling

The park also has 8.0 miles of off-road bike trails-the Upland Trail Loop and the connector between Steinke Basin and the north shore picnic area. Trails open to bikers are so posted. A state trail pass is not required to use the mountain bike trails. Bicyclists must use caution and give hikers the right-of-way. There are no official paved road-bike trails in the park, although many people enjoy riding several miles on all the paved campground roads. Many of the roads in the park and surrounding areas are not biker friendly, since roads are often narrow, hilly, and winding, with guardrails and narrow shoulders. A 2-mile paved bicycle trail extends from the park's north shore entrance to the city of Baraboo.

Rock climbing

Many people rock climb and boulder at Devil's Lake but the park is not maintained for rock climbing; do it at your own risk. No permits are issued; particular areas or routes are not reservable. The park neither prohibits nor promotes rock climbing in the park. Climbers may encounter loose rocks. Every year there are some accidents and injuries, rarely involving trained and experienced climbers. Most accidents involve inexperienced people unfamiliar with standard safety precautions and those who have been using alcohol. Rock climbing instruction groups come to the park, but the park does not maintain information about these private businesses.

Boating, canoeing and kayaking

Kayaking at Devil's Lake.

Two boat landings are available at the park; on the north shore near the Chateau and along Park Road between the north and south shores.

Only electric motors are allowed. Boats and canoes may be rented at the park's concession areas. A specially adapted kayak is available for use by people with disabilities. Life preservers are required for each occupant in all boats, including rubber rafts.

Swimming

There are two beaches, one at each end of the lake, totaling 3,300 feet in length. Each beach has a bath house. Lifeguards are not provided.

Swimmer's itch is reported here almost every year. Signs will be posted near the swimming areas when the organisms that cause it are present. If you swim in Devil's Lake in early summer, rub briskly with a towel right after leaving the water. Showering may also help.

SCUBA diving

SCUBA diving is popular. Diving flags are required. Never dive alone.

Fishing

Many anglers come to the park for fishing either from the lake shore or by boat (electric motors only). The lake is home to brown trout, walleye and northern pike, bass and panfish. A fishing license is required for anyone age 16 or over, and a trout stamp is required for trout fishing.

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