Devil’s Lake State Park is a getaway that beckons adventurers. The park has campsites that are steps away from a lake that’s popular with scuba divers, cliffs that draw experienced rock climbers, and rocky hiking trails that reward hikers who are willing to do a bit of climbing. The sites are a perfect base camp for all of this fun, even if your adventure just includes roasting marshmallows. Many people aren’t aware of one of the park’s secrets: you can camp all year long, even when the snow flies! Winter camping is an experience like no other – here’s why you should bundle up and head to Devil’s Lake State Park.
Devil’s Lake State Park is located near Baraboo – it’s about a 45-minute drive from Madison and it’s a popular escape for people in Wisconsin and Illinois.
The park has incredibly unique terrain that includes two 500-foot bluffs that flank a tranquil lake. The lake was created 12,000 years ago during the last ice age – the glacier plugged both ends of the bluffs, trapping the water.
The park has stunning rock formations that are gorgeous year-round.
The gorgeous scenery has drawn visitors for more than a century and it’s an incredibly popular park. On busy summer weekends, the trails can be packed and the parking lots can become full.
The winter atmosphere is decidedly more tranquil. The park’s Quartzite Campground is open year-round. Winterized tap water and non-flush toilets are available and there’s a walking path that will take you to the lake. Some sites are kept open, even when there’s so much snow the roads need to be plowed.
You’ll want to be prepared for winter camping. Warm clothes are a must – be sure to have a good winter coat, gloves or mittens, a hat, and boots. Dressing in layers is a good idea - you may get warm setting up camp and then cool off once you settle into the site. Make sure to have a warm sleeping bag, and if you sleep in a tent, a good camping pad. And bring plenty of firewood!
A vehicle admission sticker is required to visit Devil’s Lake State Park. See admission and reservation admission here. If winter tent camping seems a little too rustic, here’s a campground that may be more your speed.
Subscribe to our newsletter
Get the latest updates and news
Thank you for subscribing!
