Planning your visit to Devil’s Lake State Park starts with understanding how the park operates. Located near Baraboo, Wisconsin, Devil’s Lake is the busiest state park in Wisconsin, drawing nearly 3 million visitors each year. Parking lots can fill early on summer weekends and holidays, and access may be temporarily restricted when capacity is reached.
Arriving early, purchasing your vehicle admission sticker in advance, and knowing where you plan to hike or swim will make your visit smoother and more enjoyable. The information below covers the basics you’ll want to review before you go.
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Current Conditions & Closures
Park Hours & Entry Times
Park hours are 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. seven days a week.
Wisconsin State Park Admission Stickers
Wisconsin State Parks require admission stickers for any vehicles parked within the property including along roadsides. Annual vehicle admission stickers can be purchased online, over the phone by calling 1-888-305-0398 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., or at individual properties via self-registration stations, electronic kiosks or drive-up window service.
Annual admission stickers cost $28 for Wisconsin residents or $38 for non-residents. Daily pass rates vary from park to park. At Devil’s Lake State Park, Daily rates are currently $13 for residents or $16 for non-residents.
Park Maps & Trail Maps
You can get a map online right here or ask for a “park paper” when you arrive at the park’s Visitor Center.
Camping & Reservations
If you’re planning on camping at Devil’s Lake State Park, it’s important to make reservations well in advance. Reservations can be made up to 11 months ahead, and many people take advantage of this. As a result, the campgrounds are often full on weekends and during the week as well. It’s also worth noting that there are no walk-in sites available, so planning is crucial.
Click here for complete Devil’s Lake State Park camping information.
Same-day reservations available. Reservation Information.
Pet Rules & Dog Restrictions
Pets are allowed at Devil’s Lake State Park, but with certain restrictions. Visitors must keep their pets leashed at all times, and the animals are not permitted on the main swimming beaches. However, a dog-friendly beach is available on the south shore, and dog swim areas are present at the two main boat landings.
Picnic Shelters & Rentals
All Devil’s Lake shelter reservations are no longer made directly through the park.
Shelter Reservations for Rock Elm, White Pine, White Oak, and Shagbark shelters may be made through the new reservation system.
The Red Oak Shelter is now managed by the Devil’s Lake Concession Corporation. To reserve the Gathering Place at Red Oak, please email the concessions manager.
Cell Service & Internet Access
Limited free public WiFi is available near the north shore Chateau during the summer months. However, cellular access is limited due to the hilly nature of the park, and service is generally best outside of the park and to the north. If you need reliable cellular service, note that Verizon appears to have better connectivity than AT&T.
Park Contact Information
To contact Devil’s Lake State Park directly, call 608-356-8301. Remember, the park is NOT associated with this website.
Emergency Information
In an emergency, always call 911. It is often much quicker to call 911 than to look for park staff. Depending on the season, there may be no law enforcement staff at the park.
Baraboo EMS offers fully trained Rope Rescue services, which are often necessary at Devil’s Lake State Park, Pewit’s Nest, and other areas. Again, call 911.