Statewide Park Operation Updates Released - Devil's Lake State Park Area Visitor's Guide

Beginning on April 30th the Wisconsin DNR is opening up a bit more of the parks and stepping back from various COVID regulations that have been in place since last year. Here’s what they have to say today…

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) today announced several State Park System operations updates outlined below.

Starting April 30, the following changes will be implemented:

Observation towers and playgrounds will be open
Volunteer group sizes will be increased to 50 people
Capacity for open-air shelters, amphitheaters and outdoor group campgrounds will be increased to 100 people
Non-department led special event capacity will increase from 50 to 100. Special event permit applicants may work with property staff to phase larger events with capacities over 100.
Stand-alone concession facilities will open to the public at 50% capacity including staff

In addition to the operations updates, the following amenities continue to be available to state park visitors:

Family camping (100% reservable with auto check-in)
Outdoor group camping, maximum capacity of 100 people (100% reservable with auto check-in)
Bathroom and dump station facilities
Accessible cabins
Drive-up window service
Concessions, including firewood sales

Rock Island will remain closed to all visitors through Thursday, May 27 to allow for repairs to the dock including dredging of the dock area. Camping reservation holders will be contacted directly and those scheduled to arrive on Wednesday, May 26 or Thursday, May 27, will be given the opportunity to shorten their stay to arrive on Friday, May 28.

Indoor group campgrounds and indoor shelters, including the Flambeau River State Forest yurt, will also remain closed through June 1. Wisconsin state park and property visitor capacity closures will remain in place to help manage overcrowding and promote social distancing.

The following State Natural Areas are now open:

Pewits Nest
Parfrey’s Glen

Spring Reminders

Rain coupled with an increase in use can sometimes be damaging to public spaces and natural resources. While DNR staff try to provide signage and condition updates whenever possible, please be sure to stay on trails and seek dry trail alternatives if you find muddy conditions.

Visitors are encouraged to practice social distancing and to wear a face covering when a distance of 6 feet or greater cannot be achieved.

State park visitors can purchase annual admission passes online, over the phone by calling local properties directly or in-person at self-registration stations at individual properties.

For more info:

Contact: DNR Office of Communications
[email protected]

Derrick Mayoleth

For nearly 2 decades the Skillet Creek blog has focused on 3 main goals; To inspire you to visit and explore the Devil’s Lake region, to help you get the most your visit by sharing tips, events, and other helpful information. Lastly to advocate for our environment & wildlife and talk about how we can keep our natural areas amazing now and into the future! That last goal can sometimes cause controversy, but it’s the only way we can accomplish the first two. – Derrick Mayoleth, Owner.