10 Honest Tips For First Timers!

Last Update: 09/01/2023 – Originally written for Memorial weekend, this list of tips is good for any first-timer who’s visiting Devil’s Lake State Park during a holiday or busy summer weekend. (I might have added more than 10!)

When You Arrive: Prepare For Long Lines

To avoid long lines at Devil’s Lake State Park, plan to arrive early in the day, before 9 a.m. As Wisconsin’s most popular state park, it can get very crowded, especially on peak weekends. Entry lines tend to be longest on Fridays after 5 p.m., Saturdays, and Sundays from approximately 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Even though waiting in line can be frustrating, it’s part of the experience of visiting a popular destination like Devil’s Lake.

Tip – The park now has an express lane for cars with park stickers. If you can purchase a park sticker online or at another park before you visit you can save a lot of time.

Parking Lots WILL BE FULL

Arrive early at Devil’s Lake State Park as parking lots fill up quickly, especially on weekends and holidays. The park opens at 6 a.m., so plan to have your car parked by 8 a.m. to avoid frustration. The north shore will fill before the south shore. As soon as the north shore fills, cars are routed to the south.

Tip – When you think you’re parking “outside” the park along the road, you’re still inside the park and may get a ticket.

Capacity Closures?

Since 2020, the DNR may stop folks from entering the park due to high capacity. Generally, these are temporary closures of just a few hours. You can check for capacity closure notices online here.

Leave Nothing In Your Car

Sad, but true. Devil’s Lake State Park does have issues with break-ins, even in busy areas. Don’t leave anything of value in your car.

Campers, Don’t Arrive Without Reservations.

You will NOT get a campsite on the weekends at Devil’s Lake State Park without a reservation. The park has NO drive-up or “Non-reservable” sites. Here is a list of local private campgrounds. If you don’t have your reservation yet, call the private campgrounds. Plan ahead. Know where you’re sleeping before you arrive.

Don’t Call The Park Directly for Timely Info

When seeking timely information, avoid calling the park directly during busy weekends as a real person may rarely answer the phone. The park operates with a skeleton staff and can get overwhelmed during peak times. Instead, plan ahead and check the park’s website for up-to-date information. If you need directions to the park, simply take Exit 106 to Hwy 33 from the Interstate and follow the signs.

Pack A Lunch?

When visiting tourist areas like state parks, keep in mind that food prices are often higher than at home. Park concessions offer good food and your purchases help support the park. However, bringing a packed lunch can be a great budget-friendly option.

Don’t Leave The Park During Peak Hours

We don’t recommend leaving the park by car for lunch or shopping during peak hours on busy weekends or holidays. If you do, you may get caught in long lines coming back into the park. And if the parking lots are full, you may not be able to re-enter at all!

To avoid headaches, it’s best to stay within the park grounds during your visit.

And of course, visit a local restaurant for dinner once the day has slowed down!

Campers, Leave Your Cars in the Campground.

If you’re camping at Devil’s Lake State Park, it’s best to leave your car in the campground and avoid driving out unless necessary. The road leading to the park’s main area is one way, and you must enter through the main entrance to access the Northern Lights and Ice Age Campgrounds. If you leave the campground in your car, be prepared to wait in traffic to re-enter the park. To avoid this, try to make any necessary trips in the early morning or evening when there’s less traffic. Waiting for an hour to get back to your campsite after a quick trip to the store can be very frustrating.

Be A Good Neighbor

Have a good time, and consider your neighbors. Hey, we all love a good party… However, no one likes rowdy, loud, drunk campers. If you are loud enough to get your neighbor’s attention at your campsite, be prepared to be kicked out. Law enforcement spends a lot of their time dealing with campground issues. They will not hesitate to remove people who are disturbing others.

Hike The East Bluff or West Bluff Trails

To enjoy the best views and iconic rock formations in Devil’s Lake State Park, be sure to hike the East Bluff or West Bluff trails. Many visitors come to swim or take in the vistas from atop the bluffs, but these trails offer even more breathtaking scenery. Before you start your hike, mark the trailhead locations on your park map. Keep in mind that both trails are challenging, so make sure to wear proper footwear and bring snacks and water. It’s also essential to keep children close and avoid cliff ledges, as falls happen almost every year and can be fatal. So, enjoy the trails but always exercise caution. For more information, visit this link.

Don’t Count on Your Cellphone

When visiting Devil’s Lake State Park, be prepared for limited cell phone and wireless service. Depending on your provider and location within the park, your cell phone may not work at all. The south shore areas and many nature trails tend to have the worst reception. It’s a good idea to bring paper maps in case you can’t rely on your phone. If you need to get online, WiFi service is available at the North Shore Chateau, although it’s only adequate and not great. Plan accordingly.

Be Prepared For Loose Dogs

Unfortunately, encountering loose dogs on hiking trails, beaches, and boat landings is a common experience. While the park has made an effort to be pet-friendly, the lack of staffing has made enforcement of restricted areas, clean-up, and leash laws a problem. If you or your children have issues with dogs or if you keep your dog on a leash (as is required by Wisconsin law), be aware that loose dogs can be found throughout the park, especially around boat launches and designated dog swim areas. Remember to use the dog waste bags that are provided on the trails.

Don’t Sweat The Wildlife!

Don’t fear wildlife in the park… Better yet, IF you are lucky enough to see the wildlife, just leave the critters alone. Your chances of seeing a rattlesnake at Devil’s Lake are just a bit better than that of seeing Bigfoot. That said, DO BRING BUG SPRAY WITH DEET.  You will encounter mosquitos and ticks including deer ticks which can carry Lymes.

What Should You Be Afraid of?

Just Call 911

Don’t waste time looking for a ranger, warden, or park staff in an emergency. Call 911. (As of 2022 you can now text 911 in Sauk County as well.) If there is law enforcement close or in the park, they will be called by the dispatch center and sent to you. Trying to locate park staff on your own will simply waste time.

What if it’s not quite an emergency? Then call or text the DNR Hotline 1-800-TIP-WDNR or 1-800-847-9367. This will go to a dispatcher to be directed to the closest ranger or warden.

Bottom Line

The bottom line is that Devil’s Lake State Park is very busy, understaffed, and lacks the infrastructure to manage the weekend & holiday crowds. If you can’t make it in the off-season or mid-week, you want to plan ahead, set some priorities, and be prepared to wait in lines. If the only time you can visit is during a busy weekend, just relax and roll with it. Devil’s Lake State Park is certainly worth it!