Devil’s Lake State Park, located near Baraboo, Wisconsin, is the busiest state park in Wisconsin, drawing nearly 3 million visitors each year. Parking lots at both the north and south shore fill early on summer weekends and holidays, often by mid-morning. When lots reach capacity, park entry is paused until spaces open. Arriving early and purchasing your admission sticker in advance are the two most effective steps you can take before visiting.
Park hours
6a – 11p
Daily, year-round
Daily pass
$13 / $16
WI resident / out-of-state
Admission stickers & fees
Required for all parked vehicles, including roadsides. Failure to display a valid pass results in a $5 additional fee; a citation may be issued. Rates effective Aug. 19, 2025 — verify current rates at the Wisconsin DNR →
Buy online at YourPassNow.com → Complete fee schedule →Camping & reservations
No walk-in sites Books up to 11 months aheadWeekends fill within hours of opening. Same-day availability is possible through the reservation system but not reliable. Plan well in advance.
Complete camping information → Campground reservations → Nearby lodging options →Pets & dogs
Leash required at all times Dog beach: south shoreNo pets on the main swimming beaches. Dog swim areas at both boat landings. Leash rules are enforced.
Full pet rules & restrictions →Cell service & WiFi
Limited signal throughout parkVerizon performs better than AT&T inside the park. Free WiFi is available near the north shore Chateau during summer months. Do not rely on cellular for in-park navigation.
Park maps & trail maps
Download a trail map before you leave, or pick up a paper map at the Visitor Center on arrival — ask for a “park paper.”
Download trail map (PDF) →Picnic shelters & rentals
Rock Elm, White Pine, White Oak & Shagbark shelters: reserve through the Wisconsin reservation system. Red Oak (Gathering Place at Red Oak): managed by the Devil’s Lake Concession Corporation — email the concessions manager to reserve.
Shelter rental details →Park contact information
To reach Devil’s Lake State Park directly, call 608-356-8301. This website is an independent visitor’s guide and is not affiliated with the park or the Wisconsin DNR.
Emergency
Call 911 — always faster than locating park staff. Depending on the season, there may be no law enforcement on site. Baraboo EMS provides fully trained rope rescue services and responds regularly to emergencies at Devil’s Lake State Park and surrounding areas. Call 911 immediately.
