Devil's Lake State Park Reviews

Don't miss this AMAZING State Park. Beautiful Trails for all skill levels. Plan to spend at least one day here. You can watch the video of our visit on YouTube (Day Hiking Duo)

Fantastic place to hike, climb, camp, and/or play in the water. You do need a state parking pass to park; and it does get crowded on the weekends-- but still worth it.

My boyfriend and I flew in to Chicago, rented an RV and did a north-Midwest roadtrip. If you have campground reservations, skip the line of cars waiting to pay the parking fee and just go in to the office since you'll need to check-in anyway. We still had to pay the $16 parking fee which was a bit surprising and probably one of the most expensive park entry fees I've seen, but it was obviously put to good use. The RV campground was well-maintained with relatively clean bathrooms and warm showers, and the park itself was beautifully manicured. The RV campground was a bit hilly, so be careful when picking a site if you need a flat surface (we were in a rental so we didn't have any means by which to level out the RV). We enjoyed walking on the trails and sitting out by the lake. Devil's Lake is obviously a very popular park, we had a great time!

It was a pretty rough trail if your not used to hiking. Had to walk single file in a lot of places, which I thought was inconvenient.

Such a beautiful area with hiking options for all ability levels! We made the loop around the lake, which I would recommend because of the variety of terrain and sights. Climbing to Balanced Rock is challenging, but worth the view when you get to the top. Our kids are 7 and 10 and were able to make the trek to the top without a problem. Devils Lake is definitely a must see when in the area!

We live near the park and have enjoyed it during all seasons. Great hiking trails, beaches and picnic areas. The park, during summer, is often crowded but still worth coming to.

We hiked these trails. There are steps up to Balance Rock. It's definitely a challenge for an overweight person like myself, but my husband and son had no problems. Once you make it to the end of the Balance Rock trail, go a little further to Devil's Doorway. It's a very easy hike between the 2 sites and the views are spectacular

The views Hiking the east and west bluffs are amazing, the beach is clean and room for lots of visitors. the people who work at Devils Lake are always friendly and helpful. Great park to visit for the day ot to camp at for a week.

Devil's Lake is a geologic curiosity in the midwest; a beautiful lake surrounded by high granite slopes. Nice campground, but it is very popular and sites fill weeks and months in advance.

This is hands down one of my favorite state parks in Wisconsin. I could go here every weekend and I would still love it. My two favorite places to visit in the park are Balanced Rock and Devil's Door. It is not too long of hike and it is a do-able hike for anyone. I even saw a dog hiking up it when I was there! Devil's Lake has breath taking views. It is gorgeous everywhere you go. I attached a picture from my most recent trip there. Highly recommend!

Very dog friendly. Excellent hiking! Wonderful lake and beach. Food and concessions were reasonably priced with great service.

Lots of people from all over the world made it feel more like a national park. When we went it was really full of people and cars but everyone was quite polite. Parking was a little tight but the atmosphere was really festive.

You don't find much better hiking. Difficult to find and available campsite but got lucky for a late October weekend.

Devil's Lake is a wonderful lake with no motorized boats allowed which not only keeps the lake clean but there's no noise pollution either! There is so much to do here from great camping, wonderful swimming, to awesome hiking. This is a must see lake!

Loved our hike here! Could have spent many days but only spent one day. We just went for a long walk, brought our lunch for a stop along the way, and enjoyed the views! It was not a challenging hike. Would have loved to seen the park as the leaves start to change. From where we were standing, and the ability to see the entire lake, you can only imagine how pretty all the surrounding trees would be. If you go, try to hop a ride in a Wisconsin vehicle for a lower rate!

We visited on a busy week (just after July 4th). When we arrived, our camp site was flooded. The park super and camp hosts were super helpful and we able to help us make the best of our campsite with our tent.

We enjoyed the hiking and the scenery. Would definitely go back!

Lovely lake with various hiking trails, picnic areas, beach, and views. We enjoyed the trail along the lake.

Beautiful campground, hiking trails, and lake. Campground was clean, and pet friendly. Highly recommend.

I had 3-4 hours to visit before my flight out of Wisconsin, and I decided to check out Devil’s Lake State Park. I parked near the Visitor Center South Shore and hiked the Balanced Rock Trial and Devil’s Doorway Trail. Don’t let the 0.4miles and 0.1 miles distance fool you. The trails are very steep and not very well marked. I wouldn’t do it again if I cannot take my time to enjoy the view. Otherwise, the park is very well kept. A lot of wildlife and stunting scenery.

Spend at least two days here, so much hiking/swimming/fishing/beaching to do! The difficult hikes are worth the views!

If you want to venture out to Balanced Rock, be ready to climb and descend a lot of rocks. I needed a walking stick and my husband for this trek. The beach is beautiful, and the park is gorgeous. The staff is friendly. If you want to camp there, plan to reserve 11 months out because it is super busy. There are many options to stay nearby though and then just visit for the day.

Outdoor enthusiasts & others looking to explore a gem of a state park in Wisconsin, MUST take the opportunity to come visit!
Between Peninsula State Park in Door County and here, we see them both as Top Notch destinations!
We really miss the wonderful opportunity to camp out and take early morning swims on the beautiful South Shore!
Breathtakingly outstanding with plenty of fantastic views trails and rock climbing access!
Love the pristine waters and plan to return in warmer weather for swimming!
Not too crowded now and there's such serenity here with the chirping birds and refreshing solitude!
Glad to see our great & gorgeous Mothet Earth is still looking so absolutely GRAND!!!

Fun hikes, can even go all the way around the lake. Lots of view points for those great picture shots. Fun extra hikes to see balanced rock or devils gateway. Lots of up and down on the trails. For an easy hike there is a boardwalk along the southside of the lake.

The lake and hikes were beautiful. Lots of different hikes to choose from. We made it to the tippy top and enjoyed the view and breeze!

We camped for one night in Northern Lights on the way to Northern Minnesota. The bathhouse needs work. It was dirty and run down. The campsites are bi-polar. The one we had, #179 was in the woods and very private but about half of them are in an open field. Be careful making reservations.

The hiking trails are really nice. You can get to the main ones from the campground so you don’t have to drive. The park is very congested with traffic and day users. We did the hike up to the top and by the time we got there the crowds had thinned out.

I’d definitely recommend the park for camping. Next time we will stay longer and bring our kayaks

My friend and I stopped here for a few hours during our roadtrip that took us through Wisconsin. This park is lovely, although parking was a bit tricky. The staff in the welcome center were able to suggest some hikes, but we opted to rent stand up paddle boards and go swimming instead. The rentals are reasonably priced and we enjoyed our SUP! There were several other people out on SUP and paddle boats, but it never felt crowded. The beach area itself was very crowded, so we didn’t spend too much time swimming afterwards. The store also had a wide variety of souvenirs.

We spent the day here while on vacation and had a great day! Just an FYI that if you’re planning a visit you can actually pick up your day pass nearby at Mirror Lake State Park for $11 whereas Devil’s charges you $16. The pass is good at either park. Anyway, we rented a canoe and double kayak to paddle around the lake for an hour which was beautiful. Afterwards, we hiked the East Bluff trail which can be challenging but my 10 year old did it just fine. Beautiful views and points of interests along the way. There’s a great beach for swimming and picnicking. And if you have time stop in the nature center. There seems to always be something going on in there. We stayed and chatted with a local beekeeper who was there to educate on her 2 hives she had at the park.

What an awesome state park. The Friends of D.L. have a small cafe and numerous kinds of T-Shirts and Sweatshirts for sale. The money is returned back into the park. They rent boats, kayaks and canoes. The lake is a glacial developed lake that is very deep and clear. The water is cold and supports many kinds of fresh water fish and is a pass through for ducks and geese. Once each spring the UW Madison has a regatta for their rowing team against top programs fro across the United States. It is quite a festival. They fabulous camping predominantly at The North entrance with picnic choices at both and the south end. If you want to camp you may have to schedule a year in advance. It is one of the most visited parks in the United States, including Yellowstone, Glacier etc.

I have made several trips here over the last 30+ years and I still love it. Great for hiking the bluffs, although they really do need better maps and info now with so many new trails. It's difficult to go by their maps and almost all the people we ran into were confused where to go. The hike over the East Bluff trail has a lot of spectacular views. We brought hammocks and a picnic lunch to enjoy atop the bluff. Please do watch your children!!

We have dove in this lake for 30 years. It hasn’t change since my first dive!
Some of the fish we have named and and we believe that they look forward to us feeding them crayfish we find under the rocks.
It’s always great to answer questions from the shore goers and the fishermen , but not sure we’ll ever tell the, the truth on where the fish really are. lol

Arrived at the park about 7:15am on 4-25-2023. I parked by the North Shore Chateau to hike the East Bluff which I had never done before.

Reading reviews and watching a couple you tube videos, it seems most people take the East Bluff trail; however, I chose to start on the East Bluff WOODS trail and loop back down on the East Bluff Trail. The Woods trail is a very wide gravel trail with a gradual incline until you reach a final steep but short incline to the top. I found this route very easy (I am 65 in good health) and very scenic with a rocky stream along the early part of the trail. Once at the top I walked to the point where one can take the Balanced Rock trail or follow the East Bluff trail back down the bluff. I did go to Balanced Rock and then climbed back up the bluff (challenging but worth it) and took the East Bluff trail back down. Beautiful views from the top and one must certainly pause at the overlooks and take in the view. The East Bluff trail was slightly more challenging and the trail is much narrower than the Woods Trail but just as scenic with beautiful rock formations to explore.
Surprisingly did not meet anyone else during my hike and to me, to avoid crowds at Wisconsin's most popular state park, I recommend arriving early and if you hike the East Bluff, I recommend starting on the Woods trail and making this loop.

We trekked down to Devil's Lake State Park to meet up with friends for a day over Labor Day Weekend. Our family had never been so we didn't really know what to expect. Located just 20 min from Wisconsin Dells in the Baraboo area is this awesome Wisconsin State Park which also happens to be the biggest state park in the state. We spent our day on the beach which is fairly large and has lots of room even on a busy weekend. Features of the park include a large snack shop and gift shop, an ice cream stand, a kayak/paddle board/paddle boat rental shack, clean restrooms and changing rooms, and lots of awesome trails to hike or bike along with other sections for camping. This place is truly a gem. The lake sits deep in side a chasm which is how it got it's name apparently. The bluffs surrounding the lake are amazing. The lake is very shallow and there are no motor boats on this lake which makes it quiet and very safe. The only negative thing was it was so busy that parking was full by lunch time and we had to kind of find our own parking spot which we did along with many others. I would recommend getting there early if possible. I hear fall is also fun with the leaves changing colors and hiking becomes more popular.

WI's largest state park is a must see! It offers great views from 500 foot quartzite bluffs overlooking a natural 360 acre lake. Great walking or rugged hiking. Sandy beaches, fishing, kayak rentals, bird watching etc. Also has a nature center.

Its a great place to hike and swim. The cliffs can be taxing, but it is worth it. The concession area is shutdown due to Covid, so bring whatever you need or want with you.

Don't forget to get a Wisconsin park pass before going.

Spent the day here recently. We used to camp here as kids, now we just went to enjoy the beach and beauty. The beach area is nice and they have options for renting SUPs and paddle boats. while the water was still a bit chilly, it was enjoyed by all. Lots of people swimming and using the equipment.
The hiking areas are beautiful, the lake is surrounded by rock climbing areas and trails. There are beach and picnic areas on both the North and South side of the lake and you can hike from one to the other.
This was our third time visiting this year, and the first that it was warm enough to enter the water, but we enjoy the beauty each time.

Hiked the East Bluff Trail and the Tumbled Rock Trail. Started on the south side of the lake and the hike to the top of the bluff is quite a work out. The overlooks are stunning, an absolute feast for the eyes. The tumbled rock trail meanders through gigantic quartzite pieces. What a beautiful place!!

this park is a gem in both respects to it's location/access and what is offered once inside the park. from hiking, fishing, climbing, camping and swimming it's a one stop shop for outdoor activities.
a day park pass at $11 was a little more then i anticipated, but if you take advantage of the above activities it's a reasonable fee.
one thing we didn't like was the hiking trails were 99% paved, i guess this makes it more appealing and accessible to the masses.

Loved it. I'm from CO so I can be snooty about the hiking but what's not to love here?! The people hiking the trails with us were all ages and athletic abilities -- which actually wasn't a hindrance, even when the trails narrowed and the incline increased. It was perfect to climb the rocks up to Devil's door in the early part of the evening and come down the back way where is was less craggy back to the car.

Loved the walk around the hike. We went on a Monday in late September. Enjoyed every minute but the signage was terrible. Don’t let that deter you!

Love to hike in this well maintained park. The view from the trails overlooking the lake are beautiful.

Brother and I spent a day together exploring the Baraboo area. This state park is a real gem, especially the view and traisl. I certainly intntne on returning on a future visit.

My fiance and I went out camping this past weekend, we tried to camp in the park but it was full as expected, thank goodness there a private camp site near by called "wheelers." The state park is about 1 mile away so not horribly far. The park does fill up fast with peak times being from 11am to 2pm. So we ended up going to the South shore, we hiked up the bluff to see balanced rock and the devils door way. Yes, it is an incline hike and the rocks can be slippery, but that can't be help. Some people did turn around because of the height and incline of the hike. Although, if you do make it, it is a beautiful scenery. It's a must hike if you're going to Devils lake state park.

Fabulous place! Good for a nice scenic family walk or a challenging climb. I only sweat that much when I’m kickboxing so it was a great workout! A little slippery after rain though so better to go on a dry day.

We came here specifically to hike. The east bluff to balanced rock was an awesome hike!! You will need to be in shape to make it to the balanced rock, but the path to get there is very nicely laid out. In fact, the whole moderate hike was nicely laid out and easy to follow. Beautiful wing at the top as well!!

Devil's Lake (called Spirit Lake by the Ho-Chunk) is a magical place to visit. This is a beautiful, natural lake formed by the glaciers. The lake is deep, the bluffs surrounding the lake are high. In the middle of August when it is HOT the lake is always cool because it is spring fed. The bluffs are amazing to look at and fun to climb. But don't be fooled! Bluffs are dangerous if you aren't careful and watch yourself on the rocks. Many people have drowned jumping off the bluffs into the lake only to be crushed on the huge rocks in the lake. Like a rose, it is beautiful but has thorns. You can rent a space to hold a party (think family reunion or graduation) and even get a covered building with electricity to plug in everyone's crock pot. Great family park to enjoy each other and nature. Don't have a lot of time or can't afford a park sticker? You can drive through the park for free if you don't get out of your car.

It was a nice hike to spend a beautiful afternoon. We did the east bluff trail to balance rock. The trail splits into 2 directions and we took the harder route where you can see views of the lake and elephant rock. The steps can be difficult to maneuver but most the trail is wonderful. The small stretch to balance rock was difficult and I would advise going to the south shore trailhead. Going back the other loop of the east bluff trail was a lot easier path. Devils lake is magnificent and must see for outdoor enthusiasts.

This is an amazingly beautiful state park. If the state parks I've been to this is on the top five must see parks. Been there two years in a row and would love to go back again.

I would highly recommend stopping here if you are in the area. This park has so much to offer for everyone. Their is hiking, swimming, kayak and paddle board rentals, gift shop, restaurant, and ice cream stands to name a few! Make sure to wear good shoes for hiking as some of the trails are pretty steep and difficult.

This park is a great size for a day trip of hiking. there are some steep trails, but they're all manageable. 1 piece of advice is to make sure you bring water.

There is a nice sized lake with a couple of beaches/swimming areas as well as a boat launch for fishing boats(trolling motors only).

This is such a jem in northern Wisconsin, it is a must see for everyone!!! A beautiful state park that stands out as Wisconsin's number one state park!!! You need to visit this park and camp here!! If you love wildlife, this is the park for you !!! I can't say enough about this park!!!

Pretty location but when I went (on a Tuesday) the beach was packed. I just wanted to go on a short hike and take a few photos as it was incredibly muggy that day and I knew I could not handle the heat. The parking lots were full so I had to park far from the lake. That really took away from the experience. Difficult to social distance with so many people as well. I can't imagine how bad it is on the weekend.

We loved the park from the time we drove in. It reminded us Coloradoans of our mountain parks with a clear, beautiful lake and cliff bluffs on the sides. We hiked up to Balance Rock (a strenuous, but do-able climb) and oohed and aahed at the views. It was quite spectacular!

What a gorgeous park!! The people at the visitors center were super helpful in suggesting trails for our family. We did the Tumbled Rocks trail around the lake and it was wonderful. Beautiful views through partly shaded trails and not too difficult at any point. The park itself is fun, with picnic areas and hammocks scattered around for public enjoyment. We also did the Parfreys Glen Trail which was spectacular. More challenging as the trail goes over rocks and water to get to the waterfall, but totally worth the effort.

This is a beautiful park with the cliffs and lake. It has great trails to walk. Good place to visit all year long.

We went there on a sunny and hot summer weekend - we were glad we got to the park at 10 am - parking was filling quickly. You need a sticker to get in ($16 for a day, $38 for a year) as it is a state park.

We took the counterclockwise starting from the North Shore visitor center, through the West Bluff (good, short hike up) and more moderate hike down, through the boardwalk towards the South Shore visitor center, then up to the balanced rock trail (the steepest of them all, you want to go UP on this trail (like we did) not down, through the East Bluff and back to the North Shore visitor center. In all, it took us 4 hours, but we were not rushing. Beautiful views from either side, we took plenty of pictures.

We saw families with small kids hiking up the Balanced Rock trail - I would skip it if I had young kids. They will get tired on it and it would be hard to carry them.

We also saw people with dogs. They all looked like they were going to have a cardiac arrest soon, but it was 90 degrees. Use caution, bring water for your pets, I guess. Don't walk up the steep trail with pets on a hot day, I guess.

In all, it was a great adventure.

Oh, and there was also a small and cute nature center close to the North Shore end, looked like a nice place for the kids to get educated on what they are about to see.

Took my family here to a weekend and had a great time. Spectaculars views, nice picnic areas, gorgeous sunsets, great hiking trails and more. Excellent way to unwind and enjoy all that nature has to offer. (Just Breathe)
Will go back again and will be taking out of town guests.

I paid to reserve a pavilion here for a family reunion on a Sunday in July. There are two park entrances: north and south. They are separated by quite a few miles, winding roads and many, many pedestrians and cars. Our pavilion was lovely, shady and conveniently located near the south entrance. However, the kitchen was locked. Where is the key? Maintenance staff didn't know. So I inquired at the little south gate office. "The key is at the visitor's center at the north entrance." WHAT?? Climbed in the car, drove 25 minutes to the north entrance, fought my way through a loooong line of cars to enter the north side (dodging pedestrians who were walking on the same road to avoid paying the hefty park entrance fee), retrieved the car, drove 20 minutes back to the south side. Meanwhile I had missed the first hour of our family gathering (which I had flown from the East Coast to attend). What the heck, Devil's Lake? Keep the keys for the south shore pavilions AT THE SOUTH SHORE OFFICE. Or at the very least, alert your users that they should allow an extra hour to retrieve keys before an event. That was a ridiculous experience. Thank you.

PS -- Also, please consider creating pedestrian walking paths that will keep people off the roads where cars are entering. I was terrified of hitting somebody.

Very beautiful and relaxing. I didn't hike on the trails, but I walked along the tracks and it was still nice. Lake looks beautiful, especially if it's sunny. Only reason for the 4 stars is because there's a $16 parking fee, even if you park on the side of the road. I could understand $4-$5, but 16 just seems excessive.

Love this place plan on going camping in the future. Sights of Baraboo are so beautiful to see. Love this town

The water is crystal clear. We hike here all the time. They have canoe and boat rentals. Great place for family picnics. Overall the best state park I've been to.

This place needs to be a National park. I was surprised to find this much natural beauty in Wisconsin. There are large rolling hills, scenic areas, a lake, hiking trails, and a lot of benches for peaceful reading or just taking in all the beauty. I will definitely be back!

This is a beautiful, unique state park. We planned to camp 2 nights but only stayed one due to tornado warnings. We did get to hike to Balanced Rock and Devil's Doorway. It was quite the adventure. The trail winds around the bluffs, you climb up many stone steps, often close to the edge. Devil's Doorway is awesome, don't miss it. The views from the top are beautiful, you can see the lake, forests, and bluffs all around. Wear good climbing shoes/boots. Two of us wore Crocs which were very slippery where the rocks were sandy. We opted to climb barefoot. We had a late start to our day, thought we'd take a shortcut on the way back as it was getting dark, but later realized we took the steepest trail. Leave early enough and get clear info before you go. Trail signage and maps are hard to follow. Campsite was great, spreadout from other tents. We really enjoyed our visit here and hope to return to explore more someday.

Truly a wonderful place to visit and go for hikes. From easy in the woods to more challenging up cliff sides and along the top with amazing views of the lake.

For the second time since Covid changed the world, I came to hike at Devil's Lake. While snow was in the mix the first time, this trek found me facing warmer temperatures along with rain. Both experiences were great. Each time, I chose to hike the entire portion of the Ice Age Trail that falls within the park's borders. This also required a bit of road walking (not so great) outside the boundary in order to connect the loop trail, but in the end, it was all good. Both times, I added the Tumbling Rocks Trail as well to the Ice Age hiking which adds up to a full day. FYI: The signage seems to have improved over the last year except in the North Shore area where routing completely disappears for some reason.

Well worth the visit.

This is one of my favorite State parks to visit, as it offers great views during several seasons. The hiking trails are well laid out and can be challenging or easy (depending on your preference). The lake does not allow motor boats, so the water quality is high. They have varied camp grounds to meet almost any needs.

The views and scenery were beautiful in Wisconsin! I suggest a stop if you are in the area. Beach and park areas galore and a great outing! Leave enough time to explore! Hiking was amazing and it was a lot of climbing!

Beautiful park with great hiking trails- easy to challenging. The Baraboo area is very beautiful and delicious-- wineries, breweries, restaurants , ice cream.

While staying in the Dells were decided to take a lunch and go to Devil's lake state park. The park is beautiful, with camping, picnicking, swimming, boat rental and hiking trails. We were there after labor day, so the rentals were closed, but we enjoyed looking around and having our picnic. It was very peaceful.

Stone steps galore! A gorgeous display of Fall leaves. The stones can be difficult, you have to move slowly and carefully but it was so cool. Very popular and you can bring dogs along on your hike. Parking is $13, and you could easily spend a couple hours there.

Great for camping, picnics, trekking, being in touch with nature, photography, going to the beach, SUP, rowing, etc. A must visit of Wisconsin.

The natural beauty of this park is breathtaking. Truly a gem in the Baraboo area offering various activities geared toward varying interests and skill levels. You choose the level of activity you would like-everything from resting on the beach to rock climbing/ propelling. There are numerous hiking trails as well, each with their own uniqueness and beauty about them. There are several that are mostly shaded, so even on a warm day it is still nice to take a hike. The lake itself is great for swimming and kayaking. Just make sure to dry off with a towel every time you come out of the water-it is one of your best defenses against swimmers' itch, then bathe when you're done swimming. This is a place where you can spend an hour or a week at if you enjoy nature and the outdoors- it won't disappoint!

Had to visit Devil's Lake as its a very short drive from Baraboo. I went to the South Side area as I wanted to make the trek to Balanced Rock and the Devil's Doorway. The drive to the south side was great, loved the winding road there. I had a chat with the Park Ranger about the hike. I was told that it would take at least 1.5 hrs and it could be a little hazardous due to the rain as the rocks on the way up would be slippery. I decided to forgo the hike. I was a little tight on time and I didn't have any rain gear either. The south area is quite nice though, with concession stands, lots of picnic tables and a beach. The whole area is beautiful and hopefully I make it back here to do this hike. Highly recommend visiting here.

Wife and I enjoyed the park areas and trails along the lake, which were easy access. The grounds are well maintained and very clean. Lots of picnic tables are available. The "beach" is pretty small, but kids can play in it - just not exactly for the sunbathers. Overall, very pleasant.

A beautiful, clean lake surrounded by hills with hiking trails. Not uncommon to spot bald eagles soaring overhead. Very popular and often crowded on summer weekends because is offers so much to enjoy.

This park has one of my favorite views - the bluff trail takes you up along the bluff, up hewn stone stairs to several amazing overlooks of Devil's Lake, the various rock formations, and the surrounding area. Especially in the fall, these views are stunning. Just be prepared that there can be a decent amount of climbing, especially up among some steep steps that don't always have handholds, and it can be very crowded during peak season. Also, if you choose to go down the bluff, in some ways climbing down can be more difficult and must be done carefully. It's fine for kids if you are careful - there are several very high, steep drops with no rails, so you must keep them close. I do not recommend bringing children that must be worn in slings or that need to be held as it can be easy to lose your footing.

1st time visit for 4th of July 2018. Arrived around 10 am and Northshore parking was full. Next time will arrive sooner, but we got lucky and found someone leaving. Lots of people but mostly families enjoying the day. Water temperature was perfect. Kids loved the sand. Amazing views which felt like we found a hidden area. Couldnt hike but next time, we will. So definetely recommend it. Oh, and bring a kayak if you have one or inflatable boat.

We were staying at a house nearby. We wanted to go hiking to see Balanced Rock and Devils Doorway. We paid the $16 entrance fee at a portable pay station located at the front of the entrance. We parked our car in the South Entrance and close to the right side of the parking lot so we would be closer to the trails. From the reviews I read of Balanced Rock, I was a bit scared of what to expect, with some reviews saying it was a vertical climb and had to hold onto rocks, and the signage was poor. Once we parked, we saw good signage to Balanced Rock. It took just a few minutes to get to the Balanced Rock trail. I agree with the reviews that said it was like climbing steps of rocks uphill. After walking about 16 minutes, we reached a landing area to the right side. I asked a lady coming down where Balanced Rock was, and she shared as other reviewers had that the view from the top of the trail is not very good and was actually better at this lower landing, about a little more than halfway up the trail. There was no signage for this better view, but we saw someone else walk over to Balanced Rock, and we followed, and was able to get some great photos. We then continued to climb to the top. Only took us about 26 minutes in total as opposed to some reviewers that it took them 45 min. I guess it all depends on your activity level. There was a map at the top of the hill, and we took a right turn on East Bluff trail to follow the signs for Devil's Doorway. After viewing both these beautiful rock formations, we continued on to the right and followed Potholes trail then Grottos trail to get back to the car. We were lucky to run into a camp counselor for directions as we were not sure how to get to Devil's Doorway. We were told we had to get to the top of Balanced Rock then right. It took us a total of 2 hours which included a few stops for photos and rest. But do need to be in decent physical health to do these hikes and probably not good for real little ones.

We actually ended up in the park taking a wrong turn on the way to the interstate. Saw plenty of hikers, bikers, campers, lots of quiet wooded areas and a beach. Plan to go back next time we are in the area to hike the trails.

This was our first visit to this lovely park. We hiked the East Bluff and East Bluff Woods trails to make a loop. The paths are well-traveled, so still easy to follow in the snow. The views are more muted and yet lovely in the winter. I’d definitely return.

This is such a beautiful and scenic park. The trails are very nice and clearly marked, some places are very rough and steep. Wear good shoes as the rocks on the trails can be slippery. We did the Eastern Bluff Trail and saw Elephant Rock, Balanced Rock and Devil's Doorway. The view is just stunning.

While in the area my husband wanted to revisit the spot he camped years ago with his family. Beautiful park,it was a very hot weekend and the park was crowded as well as mosquitoes were in mass.

We had so much fun hiking here the entire day. From nice n easy beginner trails to exhilarating advanced with amazing views.

This is a super clean lake, no motors allowed. Fishing is good also, yummy trout. The hiking is unlike anywhere. The view is fantastic.

Beautiful park even in the winter . Amazing nature walk with little hikes around , make sure to wear comfortable shoes ! Perfect spot to take some photos .

The weather was perfect, and the views were great. Not too crowded on a weekday. Spent a couple hours going up the balanced rock trail, hit devil's door, then the potholes. Ended by spending an hour in the very cool but clear water. This is one of the best parks in Wisconsin.

This is a hot spot in the summer- expect parking to be hard to find and the beach to be packed. On the south shore side if you want the hike of you’re life try the bluff hike; it’s only half a mile but it’s a rocky path almost straight up. Take water and again, expect it to be crowded up and back down. For a more gentle hike to the top to see the Devil’s Doorway take the east side hike that goes through the woods. The view is worth it!

But if you like people-watching, being close to your neighbors, “participating” in triathlons, come on the weekend. On Friday 9/16 there were very few people, we literally met 12 people on the popular trails from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., there were 3 cars in the South parking lot, practically had the place to ourselves. Saturday and Sunday the place was packed, parking lots full, trails crawling with hikers, screaming kids from dawn to 11 p.m., dogs barking. If high volume action is your thing, this is the place for you on the weekend. Hiking-wise if you’re wondering if old-ish people can do these difficult hikes, it took us oldsters a good 3 hours to do the loop of the most popular sights: Balanced Rock, Devil’s Doorway, Potholes and Grottoes Trails. We climbed slowly (walking sticks REALLY HELP!). Save your energy for these strenuous climbs and drive from your campsite to the South parking lot, and then hit the trails EARLY in the morning. There will be hardly any people and plenty of parking spots. Younger people can do that same loop in about half the time or less. Camping-wise, the place was not buggy, the sites were clean, bathrooms were well-maintained, even had a shower and flush toilets. After Labor Day some of the stores and concession stands are closed for the season. There is no vegan Ice cream available, but the cafe does have a black bean veggie burger. It’s cheaper by a buck or two to buy your firewood outside of the park. When the acorns are falling from the oak trees, they may bonk you on the head or ding your vehicle, so be aware. On Friday, it seemed like the maintenance crew was preparing the property for the weekend by mowing all the grass at 7 a.m. or by circling your picnic table at the beach while you’re trying to eat lunch. Watch out for irresponsible pet owners who don’t bring poop bags and let their dogs poop on the trail without cleaning it up or they just leave their poop bags on the trail. A week before our reservation we got an email from the park notifying us that there would be a triathlon happening on the Sunday of our stay. The race would take place from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Promptly at 6:00 a.m. the music started blasting and the announcer began announcing through the loudspeaker, so forget about sleeping in if you’re in a tent in the Northern Lights campground. It felt like we were participating in the triathlon too. All in all, we had a good time, but don’t feel the need to go back again. We did a ton of hiking and had fun with our friends. We saw just about everything there was to see, so now we can go on to another adventure elsewhere.

I grew up in Baraboo and I just can't believe I have taken this place for granted for so long!! It is literally heaven on earth. I am so thankful to be able to enjoy this little slice of utopia whenever i want.

We had a great time exploring the area. We hiked the East Bluff woods trail all the way to the top and saw Devil's Doorway which is quite a feature. The hike back down along the East bluff trail was honestly kind of tough on our knees, so if that it is a problem for you, instead of doing the loop, just head back down the woods trail.
Beautiful area. Can't confirm it, but pretty certain we encountered fresh bear scat on the trail, and heard something come down out of a tree that would have been much larger than a squirrel or chipmunk, so be aware that there could be bears in the area.
Really spectacular views of the lake. The North Side beach area was also a great area to relax, get some food and ice cream.

A Wisconsin gem, with lots of camping spots. Beaches, hiking trails, boat rentals, swimming, diving, and fishing opportunities in this uniquely picturesque setting.

My wife planned our visit to Devil's Lake, and overall we're very happy we went. We were able to use our National Park Senior pass to get in with no charge. The guide was very friendly.
Our only negative was with the map in the guidebook, and the park's signage. I wish the park had more specific signs telling us where trails are, since the map wasn't as detailed as we are used to.
Overall, a great day and a fabulous time at Devil's Lake. We'll be back!

My wife and I had a couple of days to drive through Wisconsin and wanted to have a Wisconsin hiking experience. We were very impressed with the park and the views. The lake trail of the west side meandered through the tumbled rocks and was an easy walk. The east side was a different kind of natural beauty - lots of tree and trails up the mountain. Once you start up the CCC trail at the end of the Grottos trail, it was steep/difficult but doable if you are in decent shape.

Views from the East Bluff Trail were beautiful. We found the return trip to the restaurant pretty easy on the East Bluff Wooded Trail - a gentle slope down the mountain.

The restaurant had good food and a nice view. Highly recommended after a long hike.

We went to enjoy the scenery the day after the 4th of July. It was a great delight. It was very nice that one may put their National Park Pass in the window and continue on wherever you desire.

Walking with great nature allows you to store ample oxygen.2 An hour of climbing allows you to take great shots with a beautiful view on the top.Then, you can sip on breakfast and coffee in a beautiful lake view.

This is WI's most popular state park and once you see it, you will know why. It is open from 6 AM until 11 PM. Visitor Center is open from 8 AM until 11 PM in the summer. If you want to call the park directly, the number is 608-356-8301. Hiking and biking trails galore. Must do's: Balanced Rock trail (0.4 mile) and Devil's Doorway trail (0.1 mile). Concession and boat rental, boat launch and nature center also available. Great place to do rock climbing as well.

This place is great for young children and teenagers to explore the nature of the world. I never can keep up with my kids, they always run up the mountain in five minutes.

My husband and I spent one full day here, and we did very little of the activities offered at this amazing state park! We arrived on Monday at 11am, and parking was filling up very quickly. We had to park a ways away from the main area. The beaches were packed by this time. We rented a double kayak (about $25 for one hour rental). They also were renting single kayaks, paddle boards, canoes, and pedal boats. There were a lot of people swimming. There are many different hiking trails. We only did the East Bluff Trail to see Devil's Doorway. That is the most popular trail that visitors do at this park. Round trip (with time for water breaks and stopping for photos and admiring the views) this trail took us about 3.5 hours. This trail is a workout (especially on a hot day!) and can be somewhat difficult with the rocks. I would advise wearing tennis shoes or hiking shoes, and bring water to drink (especially if it is a hot day!). A lot of the trail is narrow, making you walk single file. We saw people climbing onto dangerous portions of the cliff, which was frightening to watch as people have died doing so in the past. Please be careful!! Also, there are rattle snakes at this park. We did not see any while we were there, but be sure to keep an eye out for them. Overall, we had a great time visiting Devil's Lake State Park! I highly recommend it!

Spent the day hiking at devils lake state park I have to say it was one of the most enjoyable hikes I’ve had very scenic I would do this one again in the fall you won’t be disappointed

We spent the weekend in Baraboo Wisconson at Devils lake state park. Great hiking and outdoor activities.

Camped and visited here for many years. You can reserve sites 11 months ahead of time and need to for weekends in the summer. Lake is nice for swimming and boating (no motor).

We are regular visitors to the park. The hiking trails are spectacular. The park has everything from leisurely walks along the lake to challenging hikes up the bluffs for amazing rock formations and views. For the more adventurous, there are several guide services available that offer guided rock climbing

Since the weather was not conducive to walking, drove around the park and enjoyed the beauty. Looking forward to return visit. Maybe a day trip with a picnic lunch. Area is well worth repeat visits. Great for couples, families, groups.

This is one of the most beautiful places in Wisconsin. Hike up to and along the bluff. I don't rock climb but there were a lot of rock climbers.

Devils lake is great for hiking, swimming and just hanging out. We have gone there for years. Fishing is nothing spectacular, but there are fish there and no boats so it is nice for shore and kayak fishing. Used this nice lake to teach folks basics of kayaking.

One of the greatest outdoor destinations in Wisconsin! Diverse hiking experience afforded on a variety of trail options, PLUS rock climbing, swimming/water sports, beach, camping and more. Very HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

Came here in the summer and it was very crowded. Today, we've seen 4 people so far.

Doing the East Bluff loop, then we'll take a water break and do the Tumbled Rocks trail.

Entry is $13, but if you have an Access Pass from the NPS, you're in like Flynn.

Hiking, swimming, camping, fishing, this place has it all. Been going here since I was a kid and hope to continue that for the rest of my days. The views up top are fantastic and well worth the hike.

We came down for Circus Parade weekend, it was day before & the heat index was 111 that day, too hot to do much outside so we cranked the a/c and took a drive thru the park, dipped our feet into the lake & drove thru the campgrounds, then we discovered the South shore too! Beaches were busy & everyone was having fun, lots of fishermen also, families having fun, grilling food & camping. Nice to see!

We parked next to the lake and took trail up to see Devils Door. We had to hike up & down various sized rocks. Beautiful once on top.

There's a reason this is the most popular state park in Wisconsin, and I will leave it to others to explain that. The only thing I wanted to say is I arrived at 10am on a Saturday in July and the place was almost completely full, so come early, or plan on carrying your stuff a long way to the beach if that's where you're going! Pro tip - there are huge lines to buy ice cream at the small concession stand - the cafe offers the exact same ice cream at same price, and no line! Also, you leave the north shore park by driving towards the campgrounds, AWAY from the entrance. It is an unique setup in WI state parks that way.

We stopped to do the hike to balance rock. This park is beautiful and the hike is quite steep. The hike to balance rock is steep and the rocks are worn and can be dangerous. It was worth the hike.

Great vistas and hikes, good campsites, and reasonably well maintained restrooms.
A great spot to dive from is on the Tumbled rocks trail right by the trail marker "S2". See pic for the rock to dive from which was taken from the south - it's about 10-15 feet deep.
* Dive at your own risk.

I visited this park with my wife. We hiked some of the harder hiking trails, and they were great. The lake was beautiful, the views from the bluffs were breathtaking, and this was a great place to spend a day. After hiking around the lake, which took roughly two hours, we stopped by their gift shop area and got some delicious hand scooped ice cream. I fully plan on visiting this place again!

I decided to visit Devil's Lake State Park because it is part of the National Park Service Ice Age Trail. Due to COVID, the informational centers were still closed. Armed with a map and plenty of water, I hit the trails. To say this park is a hidden gem is an understatement. Take your thesaurus, look up the work awesome, and insert every synonym here and that about describes it. Some of the trailheads are not marked well. The trail down from Balanced Rock was an experience, to say the least, climbing down the quartzite boulder field was amazing. Read up on the history/formation of the area prior to going. There is even an excellent video on the Devil's Lake State Park website. Oh, and the mosquitos down by the lake and railroad tracks take no prisoners, even in April. This park is absolutely not-to-be-missed.

Love going to Devil's Lake every summer. Camping can be a real bugger to get because it fills up so dang far in advance, but if you can camp during the week, you're far more likely to get a decent campsite, even relatively last minute.

Did the hike to Balanced Rock with our 4 kids all 7 years and younger, which was a bear. We were all fine, but it was not a safe, kid-friendly hike. The way down was far more challenging with the kiddos than the climb up. Was beautiful, though! The hike along the water is wonderful for a family with kids, though. Not challenging at all, but beautiful, and the kids can climb all over the rocks and have a ball. Nice that it's at the edge of the beach, too.

Love the beach here, too. Such great swimming, with all the fun stuff available to rent, which we never do, but looks fun! Also the amenities on-site by the beach are great. To be able to get some decent food, ice cream, or beverages right there is a nice touch.

We really like the Baraboo area in general. Close access to Wal Mart for anything you forgot to pack for camping, food, etc. Plus it's a close enough drive to get to Madison for a day trip or the Dells if you're camping for a longer time.

Devil's Lake State Park has something to do at all times of the year. Campers will love its clearings, swimmers will love its beaches, water lovers can rent canoes and other boats, and then of course there is the hiking. We stopped by in mid November and braved the East Bluff Trail. It had rained so it the rocks were a little slippery, but the view at the top was worth the effort. Plan your hike before hand or ask at the ranger station for some well placed guidance. There are even a few cute selfie stations near the beach that can help you get just that perfect photo to the show the folks back home or to immediately post to your favorite social media site. We loved Devil's Lake and will definitely be back soon.

We hiked the Tumbled Rock path along the shore of Devil's Lake. It was beautiful and easy to navigate along a bituminous path through large rocks. The pleasant smell of pine permeated the air. We decided to continue up the west bluff trail recommended by a park visitor. The rock steps leading to the top of the steep bluff were challenging for us as senior citizens but we did it! The views of the lake and east bluff were beautiful and made the steep hike worth it.

There are some great views here. The park is beautiful and well maintained. For the most part everyone is friendly and considerate. That being said— I’ll likely never return. There are SO many people. Though I enjoyed the views getting there was less than enjoyable... especially when we were hiking up to the places seen in my included photos. We were literally waiting in a line and slowly walking up a mountain with a massive crowd. This is understandable— these hotspots are famous for a reason. They’re breathtaking! But now that I’ve crossed them off my list it would seem like a chore to return.

I’m glad I went! You should definitely go at least once.

Always a great place to relax or hike. Many trails and spacious picnic area. easy to find neat snack shop

Great place to go hiking for a day, or two. Good place to camp a also close to the Dells. Stay during week days for less traffic, or after Labor day for even more seclusion.

The lake is big, great for swimming, especially for kids; it’s a very gradual slope, so it’s shallow for quite a distance. We rented SUP boards and kayaks. *COVID: they are sanitizing every life jacket, oar, boat & board. And staff are wearing masks. 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
There are no motorized boats allowed.
We camped at upper ice age. The campsites are large and fairly private with trees separating each site. The lower campgrounds by the lake were far less shaded and therefore less private.
Overall, great spot!

A few hours drive from Chicago there is great rock climbing. The park didn't have much for facilities, but if you have your own gear you are good to go.

We went in the afternoon. We parked in the parking lot that said "$5.00 next to the
$10 dollar parking lot. It was beautiful, had a lot of different view points and photography shots. On the way up there were a lot of people with their dogs. We had to wait for them. We hiked for hours. It was very colorful walking on the trails and our views. Great time to go is when we did when its a little cooler out and the leaves are changing colors. It wasn't far from where our hotel was. There are a lot of rocks that act like steps. Wear closed shoes and ones with grips. Watch your step and be safe. Great park for hiking. Up and down hill hiking.

This park just beckons one to come back again and again. There is so much here and so many trails to explore. The cliffs surrounding the lake are so beautiful. This place can be filled with people and there still is room for feeling you are alone with nature. Enjoy the hiking and simply go there without an agenda. You'll love it!

Great state park (one of the busiest in the entire country!) with a ton to do and great access to the outdoors.

The beach is very nice and clean, with really good facilities and amenities. The campsites here are great, with a decent amount of privacy for the primitive sites. There is also some great rock climbing and bouldering close to the many parking lots, which I think is the best activity to do at Devil's Lake.

A lake, gouged out by a glacier 12,000 years ago that provides the beauty and grace of Yosemite only 2000 miles away. Climb the bluffs! Hike the trails! Paddle across the cool, clear water and look down at the fish thirty feet below and simply relax and enjoy God's bounty.

My dad and I went together as we usually do. It's basically a tradition for us both, so we went. One time, we hiked the ice glacier trail (I think), then we went up on the top of the mountain by the "Devils doorway." You might be thinking, but what about Devils Lake?? Well, I also went there too!! The water was very cold because it was pre-winter but anyway the water is very clear!

There are many activities available: hiking, swimming, paddle boarding, kayaking, fishing and picnicking. We hiked along the railroad tracks. Some people climbed the stairs to get a great view of the lake. Fun for all ages and fitness levels.

What a wonderful state park in the heart of Baraboo! The trails surround Devils Lake with bluffs on either side to hike and explore. We hiked the Bluff Woods Trail which connects to East Bluff Trail. It has a good incline and the views once you get to East Bluff Trail are spectacular. You can walk about a 1/4 mile to Devil’s Doorway on the bluffs. So beautiful! I can’t imagine what the views would be when the fall leaves are showing their prime colors. The summer has beaches on the shoreline, camping & picnic areas.

Lovely state park with a nice overview and different wild animals like eagles. We did the trail around the lake and enjoyed it very much.

I went with my 14 year old daughter. We both loved the park. We checked out a GPS at the nature center and did some geocaching and hiking The view down by the lake and looking across at the rock formations was amazing!! My daughter waded in the crystal clear water. We will definitely be back with a picnic and swimsuits to spend the entire day.

The trails are difficult, both the gravel path straight up the hills and the other option was climbing up the side a the mountain basically, on a vaguely marked trail. The views are incredible, and it's well worth the difficult hike. But be warned, it's very difficult for unseasoned hikers. Don't bring your dog and don't bring your young kids unless you plan on carrying them.

Great place to hike in Wisconsin! Variety of trails for all skill levels. The views from the top are amazing, especially in the fall! Clear lake with water rentals available.

Such a great state park! We hiked the pot hole trail and it was so fun! We have a 4 and 6 year old who did it just fine. We would recommend kids going to the nature center. It’s a great place for kids to see a lot of stuff and pick up a packet with little activities to get a badge! The ice cream was very decently priced and perfect after hiking. We will definitely do more hiking here when our kids get older!

Beautiful, wonderful. Was crowded. Felt like a resort. Was nice. Would love to return In the fall for the colors.

On a blustery and cold October day we enjoyed our walk in the woods on the South Shore. I am unable to climb rocks so we were limited in what we could do, but the views were still awesome.

for our family reunion (ages 5-79) we had a full day here. some folks stayed at the picnic tables and talked all day. Some hiked the circumference of the lake. some of us swam and boated (renting kayaks and paddleboards).It was a wonderful day --some breeze to keep the bugs away, lots of sun, bugs were not bad. we had heard about the swimmer's itch, so a few chose not to get in the water at all. they played with frisbees and squirt guns. This is such a beautiful place no matter where you are! The south beach has a few more rocks and less "squishy" sand, but is less populated/quieter. We have come here for years for a variety of reasons and it is ALWAYS super. Our relatives from the Pacific Northwest give it a thumbs up, too.

Unlike our recent return to familiar Starved Rock state park south of Chicago this was our first time to Wisconsin’s largest and most popular state park. It wasn’t our first time to the area; we had visited the nearby Dells and skied nearby Devil’s Head resort several times. I had seen pictures of the rock formations and grand views before so I’m not sure why we had waited this long.

Devil’s Lake state park sees 3 million visitors in a typical year. It’s a 3+ hour drive from the Chicagoland area and unless you leave very early there is a good chance the parking lots will be full by the time you arrive. As with Starved Rock park we visited mid-week and arrived fairly early. Parking was not an issue. I would probably not do this during a weekend unless I could get there by no later than 9am.

There is a fee. However the ticket booths were closed. You have to call the 888 305 0398 number of the Wisconsin department of natural resources. I had to pay for a 2020 pass at $38 (as opposed to a day pass for $25). I was given a confirmation number that I wrote down and placed on the dashboard. At least I now have a pass good for the rest of year. Be sure to order your pass ahead of time so you can just drive in, park and head out on the trails.

We initially parked at the north end of the lake at North Beach. The beach here looked very inviting, the waters were clear and felt not very cold to the touch. The concession stand was closed, still being fixed and painted. The kayak, SUP rentals were available and lots of people were out on the water. After getting our park pass over the phone we finally headed out on the East Bluff trail. We highly recommend taking this trail. There are numerous overlooks with great views of the lake. The original plan was to take the trail all the way south to Balanced Rock and Devil’s Doorway rock formations. We turned back north because our lunch and rest of our water were in the car. After chowing down and refilling our water bottles we drove to the South Shore. There we tackled the 0.4 mile trail to Balanced Rock. And what a trail it was. The talus rock pile on the flanks of the eastern bluff were tough to scramble over. The trail was sometimes hard to discern; was that a random pile of rocks piled on top of eachother or was that a set of steps? There was also very little room to allow fellow hikers pass. There is little room for error; a slip could result in a twist ankle or worse. This is not a climb to be done in wet let alone icy conditions. The purple rocks were Baraboo quartzite, 1.7 billion years old! In terms of horizontal distance the trail from the lake to Balanced Rock was short but the altitude gain and the rough nature of the trail surface was a challenge.

We made it there OK and the views were great. The hour was getting late and although there were 3 hours of sunlight left we decided to head home and leave the Devil’s Doorway for our next visit.

I suppose a mid-week visit during the summer and with a pandemic restricting our travel options I shouldn’t have been surprised that the trails were as busy as they were. Majority of fellow hikers did not wear masks but we were outdoors and contacts were fleeting. Not sure how crowded North Beach was. I would suggest against making it a day trip from Chicagoland on the weekend.

Get your Wisconsin state pass online or by phone ahead of time. Go midweek. Go in early. Wear sturdy footwear with grippy soles.

went on a weekend getaway and decided to stop at Devils Lake State Park. This place is beautiful! Don't miss out on the opportunity for a relaxing weekend.

This state park is great for recreational opportunities. Especially for hiking, paddle boarding, and kayaking. The campgrounds are well kept and modern. Bring plenty of blocking for your camper as the sites are not the most level for a state park.

Loved this park! The views from the rocks are awesome and the hiking was great - some of it is steep and rocky making some places a little challenging, but it was worth it. Great facilities.

Beautiful bluffs, beaches, and campsites. My husband and I recently spent our 10 year wedding anniversary walking around the lake. The fall colors of the bluffs were breath taking. Wish there were actual hiking trails all the way around the lake, to avoid walking along the railroad tracks a good portion of the way, and the trails that were there were pretty narrow - making social distancing difficult as well as maneuvering around dogs and large groups. But still a very worthwhile day trip. We enjoyed an ice cream cone after our hike but were disappointed after waiting in line to find out there were no paddle boats available to rent - wish there had been a sign or a way to know before standing in line. This would be a great place for families or couples!

I’ve been to Devils Lake numerous times and it continues to be one of my favorite places for hiking and picnicking by the lake. There are many different trails ranging from easy to moderately difficult. Definitely do either the East or West Bluff if you only have limited time. The West Bluff trail connects to a nice easy lakeside trail to make a loop back to where you started. If you can, try to come during the week when it is less crowded.

Great place to hang out with friends and family. Weather wasn't too hot and we were able to enjoy ourselves with a cookout. They have a camp store where you can find most anything you need; hot/cold food, jackets/t-shirts, gifts, camping gear, toys, etc.
If you don't enjoy the outdoors, don't go! But if you do, get there early so you can get a table.
Ps. There is a small entrance fee, $16/car. Well worth the price!

This is a great park to camp with some excellent trails. Very pretty overlooks and rock formations. Little confusing in the camp and on trails as signage could be better.

Devils Lake is beautiful and offers a wide range of activities. We go off-season because seasonal stays can be quite crowded. We go in mid April and this time, we were the only camping group. This makes for a wonderful experience. Quite, serene, but close to things if you need supplies—which we always do. It’s fabulous for the whole family. Summer is crowded, but so much to do!

This was such a beautiful park! There was so much to see, and the views were amazing! We found a lot of really cool rock formations and caves!

Wonderful park with some great hikes and a beach to relax in after. Remember your America the Beautiful parks pass and you can get in for free. We did the loop from the North beach area and hiked the East Bluff Trail to Elephant Rock and on to Balanced Rock, Devil's Doorway and to the Potholes Trail. We came down the many stone steps of the Pothole trail to the Grotto Trail and then took the Boardwalk and Tumbled Rocks trail back to the car. Overall we did about 6 miles that day and were worn out by the end of a nice hot day. Many views and coo; things to see but don't expect a lot of Potholes on the Pothole trail as there are only 3 towards the top of the trail. Be prepared for lots of stairs and a decent amount of elevation gain and drop in the heat. Bring plenty of water and something to snack on if you are going to do this entire loop. Well worth it but be prepared with proper clothing, shoes and supplies. If you want to swim in a less crowded area go to the South area.

We had a wonderful time walking along the lake and just enjoying the scenery. It is a perfect place to go and relax. Whether you want to swim, boat, or hike, this place is perfect. We cannot wait to see Devil's Lake State Park in the fall.

We only drove through because we had to be at the Von Klaus winery at 2 for our pairing. You can actually drive through at no cost. We'll plan a day trip there on our next visit to the area. It's gorgeous there.

Great place to enjoy nature. You can be lazy in the lake or hike in any of the trials. You have to be here early to get car parking spot on weekend. Better to go to south-shore to get car parking. Hiking trails is not suitable with young kids.

This place is amazing, it has tall peaks/ hiking trails you can climb, a great lake to swim in. And great views from the top of the hiking trails. Just make sure to wear comfy shoes and bring lots of water with you when you try hiking upward to take in the view. Some ideas to make it nicer, pack a lunch and eat at one of the resting spots, and maybe a light coat as sometimes its colder up there.

This is a really cool state park to visit. The lake itself is beautiful and very clear. Our kids loved swimming in it. You can rent kayaks, paddleboats, and canoes. There is a little ice cream shop and concession stand. We enjoyed hiking some of the trails to the beautiful overlooks. It truly is an amazing location. We went over a busy weekend and parking was difficult to find. If you are coming on the weekend you need to show up by about 10 am to get a good parking spot. If the beach is busy I would avoid the beach bathroom at all costs. It was disgusting and not a place you want to go. Go to a different bathroom. This park is definitely someplace you want to stop!

Rock climbing or beach. Hiking or just enjoying nature. Whatever you want, you can have a great time! There are also shelters for larger get-togethers & parties. Ten years ago, my daughter's wedding reception was in the enclosed building there. Lots of other places nearby to visit too!

I would like to write this review to help people who have fear of heights and are with kids. Ones you get up the Ice age trail which is all just rock path up the hill to go see balancing rock, there is an easier trail through the woods to come back down.

So don’t fear and just go enjoy yourself.

I have the good fortune of living very close to Devil's Lake State Park. This park has something for everyone, hiking, water activities, picnic tables, gift shop, canoes and kayaks and camp sites. If you get the chance to visit for the day or the weekend you will not be disappointed.

I've been going here for 30+ years and always amazing. Crowded in summer, I prefer the fall colors and lack of people. If you can get a nice indian summer day early Oct, I highly recommend climbing the bluffs for the colors.

After purchasing a required state park pass (day or annual), this park is a must visit park. There is a trail that wraps around the lake, that is accessible for those who are able to walk, but for those who can't walk, or have difficulties, it's still a must visit park and to take photos. When I was there, there was very little issue with mosquitoes.

My wife and I have been there a couple times and had a great time each trip. We camped, went kayaking and, of course, hiking. Luckily, the weather was great on both nights.

The website says they open at 6:00am. Nowhere does it say this is only for people who already have a recreation pass. I arrived at 6:30 as I had a long drive ahead of me afterwards and it was supposed to get quite hot later anyway. There was nobody there to pay and the self-registration machine was off/wouldn't turn on or show any signs of life. I drove around a bit debating whether to park and go hiking (the amount of trash everywhere had me seriously thinking all the workers may have been on strike or something) anyway, but didn't want to pay some big ticket and finally decided to just leave. As I was leaving, a bunch of cars came in and I decided to turn around and follow to see what they were doing. Just as I got back to the entrance, they had opened (7:00am).

Speaking of trash, there was trash EVERYWHERE. Every single dumpster was completely overflowing. The bathrooms were absolutely disgusting (toilet paper and urine all over the floors and toilets and everywhere). The views on the trails were nice enough, but marred by trash all along them. Also, the asphalt on the trails is bumpy and broken up enough that I don't really understand the point of it. A nice packed dirt path would have been smoother and it would have felt more natural.

I'm honestly pretty confused by the great ratings that call this park clean and well maintained unless it's recently gone sharply downhill. Have these people ever been to any other park? Because this is honestly about the worst I've ever seen, and for the okayish views it really would only deserve 3-4 stars if it was clean, let alone the way it was. I expect a lot more than that from a state park. I'm not sure what the entrance fees pay for, because it certainly isn't upkeep.

We wanted to do something that wasn’t touristy and costly plus being able to practice social distancing. On the website it says you can’t purchase a day pass at the park because they have no one working at the entrance. So, you have to order an annual pass which is $38 if you are a non resident. We did that and then if you don’t have a printer (which we didn’t because we were camping) you have to write all the info on paper and place it in your windshield. Our first mistake was going on a Saturday. It was nuts....people everywhere. We had to park along the road. We get in and of course we all need to use the restroom. They didn’t have all of them open....I’m assuming because of Covid. So, then you have to wait in a huge line to use the restroom. Make no sense if you’re trying to keep people away from each other. We decided to hike the ice age trail. It doesn’t tell you if it’s rugged or what to expect. It said only .4 miles sounds pretty easy. There were 8 of us...the youngest being age 7. The trail was all rock and straight up. It was so crowded you felt like you were being pushed up. It was impossible to stop and enjoy the views. If that wasn’t bad enough there was tons of people coming down from the top as well. This trail wasn’t made for two way traffic. It was extremely hard to social distance here. We were trying to be polite and let others come down and then you’d have rude people behind you try to go around. Once we got to the top to see balanced rock we couldn’t get a picture because people were just sitting there and not moving. The crowd did let up once we got on another trail to go down. Overall I wasn’t super impressed with this state park mostly because of signage and their policies. The views were beautiful and I’m sure my review would have been different if we went during the week.

This is my favorite place to go for a relaxing camping trip. We stayed in the Quarzite Campground in a tent non electrical site #44. Quartzite has the most sunny sites, so keep in mind for hotter days . Our weather was highs in the 80's and lows in the upper 50's, so we needed the sun during the day. They have updated the bathrooms since I was here last' beautiful clean bathrooms with 6 individual showers that have outside access. The showers are free with a push button that allows timed water flow. You can push it as much as you want , but the shower head is a water saver, and the water temp is on the cool side. Not cold, but not warm. They do have a Family Bathroom that also has a shower and this one actually has a handle for a more regular showering experience.
The hills and climbing are gorgeous, and expect over 200 steps on your ascent to the top. amazing views make it worth it. Some areas of steps have a steep drop off, so this is not for young children. I would say 5 and up if they are good listeners and have a lot of stamina. The lake is beautifuly clean, no motor boats allowed. It's why I always come back! gorgeous colored stones fill the waters edge on the South shore, and a soft sandy beach in the North. The North Shore also has the Chateau; a combination grocery store and cooked to order fast food and snacks. You can eat in looking out the windows onto the lake. The campsites are not near the lake, so you either can walk the road to the beach or drive down.
We used our America the Beautiful Pass for the daily fee since Devil's Lake is part of the Ice Age trail it is included for entrance to the park.

Loved this clean, well maintained state park. Lots of fun trails and beautiful scenery and lake! Polite staff and a fun, family atmosphere. I would highly recommend this park. Spend some time and go back for a second day if you have time.

The park was packed, but there seemed to be enough room for everyone to have fun. The hiking trails were challenging, and resulted in some beautiful views of the lake from 500 feet up. There was a nice beach and there were a lot of kayaks on the lake. The menu at the park’s restaurant was limited, but the food was very good.

If you are cheap and want to hike without paying the park fee, get the trail map off of the State Park Website. We parked in a parking area on Road DL (east-west road that runs between Routes 136 and 113). Labeled #5 Steinke Basin on the map. There is a North-South gravel "driveway" that will connect you to the East Bluff Loop trails, etc. We made it to Devil's Door, but pooped out before seeing Balanced Rock. It's a tough trail!

We enjoy this park with its beautiful scenery and hiking trails. We rented kayaks and paddle boats, then relaxed on the beach. It does get pack so it's best to arrive early if you are planning to park close to the 2 beaches because those lots fill up fast. There are other lots available so if you are here to hike it’s okay to park further. On our hike the kids did spot a Dr. Pepper can in a crevice but there are timber rattlesnakes there so we told them not to reach in there to pick it up. People need to know the carry in-carry out rule on visiting a park and avoid littering this beautiful park. Overall, it is a great park to visit.

We went for the day to do some hiking and take in the scenery. Beautiful views and well maintained facilities. We were surprised at the number of visitors and can’t imagine what it’s like in the summer. There were also a lot of dogs and unfortunately many dog owners were not following the rules. Saw many piles of dog droppings along the trail and even watched one dog actually go to the bathroom and the owner just kept walking with him afterwards. Also saw many dogs in areas where they were not allowed. It’s checked off of our to do list but we won’t be back. If you’re looking for a quiet, more natural hike this is not the park for you.

Nice state park, it very crowded. Hard to hike as the paths were very crowded.
Very popular with the beach.

Drove through and very green and nice windy road for our Corvette after fantastic lunch at Driftless Glen in Baraboo .

We just got back from our first trip to Devil's Lake and I'm kicking myself for not having gone sooner. There is something for everyone here...water, easy hikes, not-so-easy hikes, downright difficult hikes, picnic areas, grills...you could easily spend 3-4 days here.

I tried to get a last-minute weekend campsite here and quickly realized that was a fool's errand. It's booked through September although there were some mid-week sites available. We camped at Rocky Arbor State Park about 20 miles away. Very important: get your Wisconsin park pass in advance. There was a long, long line of cars to get into the parking lot, which we were able to avoid since we already had our pass.

First thing was first since the day was hot...swimming! We swim in Lake Michigan all summer and I'd say the water temp was comparable, maybe a little warmer. Two teen boys wanted to rent pontoon paddle boats so we indulged for $35.00 an hour. Paddle boards and kayaks are also available for I think $20.00/hr each. There are no motorized vehicles allowed on the lake, which makes it safer, but if you want to jet-ski or wake board, you're out of luck.

We then hiked the Balanced Rock Trail all the way up to Devil's Doorway, which was amazing, but difficult and dangerous. I'd call this a must-do, but I'm sure many people would beg to differ. From the top, where we were very hot and sweaty, the lake looked mighty inviting...so nice to be able to cool off after a strenuous climb. There are some concessions available in the store; typical fare such as ice cream (blue moon and superman!) burgers, fries, etc.

We were on the south shore, right near the Balanced Rock trailhead so I'm not sure what the north shore beach is like, I would imagine similar, although there is a welcome center there, which we never saw.

I can't wait to go back and maybe do some rock climbing. Several outfitters in the area offer trips. This time, I'd like to spend a few more days and really get to know the park.

I’ve been visiting Devils lake since I was a little girl. Love to come up here and sit on the beach! Lots of great memories!!

Intended to hike East Bluff Trail. My research prior to visit indicated the trail was steep. I didn't find anything about trail scaling a rock face on uneven stone steps. I have a fear of heights and didn't make it halfway before deciding I needed to turn around. SCARY!! LOL Here's a tip though, if you go about 3/4 of the way up the first rock face from beach parking and look to your right, you can see balanced rock above you. Also, we spotted Devil's Doorway from the south shore parking lot at Devi'ls Lake if you look up. Enjoyed the serenity of the lake.

It's easy to see why Native American mounds are found here. It's good they remain intact and marked for visitors. The campgrounds are well maintained for the many campers who come in the summer. We were here in fall to enjoy hiking the trails, viewing the hills and bluffs, and resting by babbling brooks winding there way through the parkland. This has been treasured country for eons and we can vouch for it.

It’s a beautiful park that has a rich native history. The park offers rock climbing, hiking, camping and water activities. I was left bewildered by some of the rock formations which was extremely refreshing. Wisconsin is much more then just farm lands and it’s close proximity to major cities like Chicago and Milwaukee make it a great escape from the concrete. If you read this and decide to travel there, I would ask one thing; love the land and leave it how it found you.

Went on a Saturday and loved the views. Really busy, but still fun!

Would recommend figuring out your trail before going.

Family fishing on the lake with Nick Guide and all equipment included
Book by reelgoodguide.com
Through the email

First off, if you are planning on hiking, bring insect repellent for the mosquitoes, and bring water.
We spent about three hours here. It’s a pretty lake, surrounded by some bluffs, that’s relatively quiet, because they don’t allow motorized boats on the water. They accepted our national Park pass, instead of our having to pay a fee for the day. The staff at the visitor center helped us with a hiking plan that would fit our time constraints. The plan was to start with the East Bluff Trail, which leads to the balanced rock trail, that was then supposed to lead to the tumbled rocks trail. (Take with you, for hiking, the Devils Lake State Park visitor guide pages with the layout of the park, which has high-level details on the hiking trails so you have some guidance.)
We entered the East Bluff Trail from the northern entrance, which we liked because it was steep, but did not require scaling rocks. We loved the views and the challenge of the East Bluff Trail; though we lost about a half hour when we lost the main trail. Two other couples had the exact same problem. One person still had GPS available on her phone, so we followed her, and as a result we were all able to get back on the trail. The park needs to add a sign at that common problem point. The East Bluff Trail leads into the balanced rock trail. Once you see the balanced rock, the trail starts going downward amid big chunks of rocks. If you are afraid of heights, this can be a bit of a challenge, though I did do it with my husband’s help and going slowly. At the bottom, we were supposed to hook up with the tumbled rocks trail. Once again, we saw no sign as to where it was. We thought we saw a trail and started following it, and it was not at all right. By the time we realized we were not on a trail, it was too late and we just followed railroad tracks to get ourselves back toward the visitor center. So, better signage at the bottom of the balanced rock trail, pointing to where to pick up the tumbled rocks trail, is needed. Despite the trail mishaps, we really enjoyed our time at Devils Lake State Park.

We visited with our two boys, ages 7 and 10, and tried out a few different trails. Tumbled Rocks Trail was an easy walk for my wife and the 7 year old, while my older son and I took the East Bluff Trail for some amazing views.

Incredible trails to hike with views that inspire “awe”! Be prepared for some difficult terrain by wearing the right shoes and carrying a walking stick.

Beautiful park.
The entrance gave way to a beautiful lake that can only look amazing during all seasons. Visited to see the change of the seasons and id definitely make a return trip. No concessions were available here. At least not during Covid so plan ahead and bring your own snacks and anything to keep warm.

We spent the afternoon hiking around the lake while visiting nearby Wisconsin Dells. Beautiful scenery and a nice getaway from the bustle of water parks and busy traffic

Our book group found a hiking trail for everyone at Devil’s Lake State Park. Students were rappelling the rock faces while some if us preferred to hike on a paved path to a bench overlooking the lake. beautiful even in cloudy weather.

Devil's Lake is amazing. Hiked the east loop trail in hot and humid weather and still loved it. The steep "cliff" is very challenging to walk down, so be careful and take lots of water and wear a hat. The views are absolutely worth the hike and I would do it again.

Made it back here with a whole day spend enjoying this beautiful place. Last time I was here it was a flyby and raining to boot. Not today... beautiful summer day and spent most of it on the beach just chilling. We went to the south end for less people and to be closer to the Balanced Rock and the Devil's Doorway sites. The water was perfect and the beach was nice and clean, with maintained washrooms/change rooms right near by.

Had to hike up the bluff to see these famous landmarks. The climb wasn't too bad, did see a couple of older seniors up there, but if you're not healthy and agile then I would recommend the easier path up there. Amazing views from up there and well worth the effort.

Had a great day here would come back again and I highly recommend visiting here. It's a very unique place in this world.

This is a great place to go to. You can walk around the lake for a nice hike. The trees are beautiful in the fall.

It's really very beautiful park in Wisconsin. Good for picnics and hiking. If you go on the weekend get there early or it can be packed and it will be hard to find parking. I liked The West Bluff Trail and will definitely return to explore more other trails.

Well maintained park with parking at each end of the lake, plenty of well marked trails of varying difficulty, great views of the lake from the bluffs, nice rocks, walking around the lake was very rewarding. Tables and restrooms at either end. Great fall colours.

This is 45 minutes drive from Madison and is a scenic lake. You can hike here and its a bit tough like level 4 or 5 as it's all accending hike. View from the top is amazing.

The Lake is a good swimming lake. It is real swallow at the shore and gets deeper as you walk out into it. It is warm by the shore and gets colder as you walk out into it. It is good for all ages of people. It has good camping grounds for families. It is a good fishing lake. It has bluffs that have hiking trails on them. It also has a shore line trail that you can walk to the other side of the lake. It has a nice Beach area. It has a great big pavilion that sells food and drinks. It sells all kinds of clothes and souvenirs. It is great for families. They have plenty of parking. It is disability accessible. You can rent a canoe and a paddle boat.

Great lake for swimming, canoeing, a sunfish or splashing. Hiking trails, unique geologic features, camping, picnicing, and bird watching off the thermals. A great spot, busy, but without the frantic crowded conditions of some other parks in the Dells area of WI. It get's busy, so consider registering in advance!

Holy hailstorms, that hike was more than I expected, but it was beautiful. My husband and I stopped in based on a childhood memory he had of climbing around among some rocks. We followed a trail and went past a massive boulder, and then started up a set of stone steps that went through some boulders.

One hour (and some serious huffing and puffing) later, we found ourselves 500 feet above the lake.

Seriously, I wish the hike had been better marked on the way in. I’m old, fat, and out of shape, and I was seriously worried at one point, because going down a steep incline is harder and more dangerous than going up, and I didn’t know which was going to be riskier.

When we finally made it to the top, we took the East Bluff trail down, which was much more my speed.

It is absolutely beautiful, though, and I think the cost of the day pass was well spent, just knowing that if we had had to call for help (with a big ol’block and tackle to haul my butt out of a tough place) we would have been able to.

I arrived at the lake by 7:30 a.m. for early morning photos. There were a few fisherman, runners, and people swimming as I traveled through the park. So I headed to a campsite to get the rest of the family. The day was going to be sunny and 85 as we traveled towards the south shore of Devil’s Lake. By mid-morning thousands of people had arrived. The DNR began to close off access to the full parking lots but divine providence landed us the last two parking spaces. We began the upward trip stepping over large rocks, small rocks, wet slippery rocks, and muddy ground from an early morning rain. The way up was steep and narrow, definitely a feat of physical exertion. Some hikers had already made it to the top so we quizzed them on their back way down – “are we getting close to the top?” They said no, you are only a third, and later – no, you are only halfway, and then – no, you are only ¾s of the way. The little ones were tired and hungry so the rest of the team turned back. Some hikers were going up with their dogs, while other families with small children also continued on, as did I. Eventually the Devil’s Doorway appeared at the top after all of my effort. Photos were taken and then it was time to turn back to the trail for the south shore. After ten minutes it seemed like the scenery no longer looked familiar. So I asked new hikers on their way up if I was going in the right direction to get back down to the lake. They all smiled and pointed me in the direction that I should go. What I did not know was that I had missed the turn off to the south shore. The newcomers were arriving from the north shore. I was so worn out by the time I descended to the north parking lots, realizing it took 11,313 steps to get from my car to that part of the lake. A valuable lesson was learned from that experience; that being, the trail from the north shore is much easier for a ‘moderate hike to the Devil’s Doorway.

We just stopped here to get out and stretch our legs while on a road trip. We were surprised at the $16 it cost to visit- our home state has free state parks. It was very crowded and the bathrooms were gross. However, the park was beautiful! We ended up staying several hours to walk on the beach and to climb to the top of a cliff that overlooks the lake. It was beautiful and worth the $16. My kids looked it too. We only stopped at one of the locations on the south side of the lake.

We enjoyed a short visit to the state park. It was $16 for a day pass since we were out of state. The leaves were amazing. We hiked the East Bluff trail to Devil’s Doorway and then hiked back on the East Bluff Wood’s Trail. It was a moderately difficult hike with several rocky steps, but the views were awesome on the way out. The woods trail was an easy hike.

Nice beach and grassy areas for grilling, swimming and just hanging out. The bathrooms could be cleaned a bit more frequently, as expected. If you are meeting a group, be sure you know if they are on the North or South side of the beach! :)

This was one of the best hiking areas I've ever been too. I got great pictures and video footage. I can't wait to come back.

Popped over to this park in the morning. Went to the South Shore. We tried to hike the Tumbled Rock Trail but didn't get as far as I'd like. Note- if hiking from the south shore it's 1 mile from beach parking before you even get to the scenic part. It's better to park much closer and get right to the very gorgeous part. If hiking from the South Shore the first .75 is just a side walk along the road. Beach was nice, and not crowded on a Monday morning at 10am.

We visited the park on weekday mid October. No crowd just a fall crisp air and a stunning view. What a beautiful place.
I wouldn't recommend to go on the West or East Bluff Trail with an elder person or anyone who has physical limitations. There are lots of rocks and a steep hill but if you are in a decent shape you won't regret this hike.

Beautiful hiking trail---the fishing was awesome for our grandson. He landed seven bluegills in half an hour.

A few years back this place was great but it is a complete disaster now. Garbage everywhere, bathrooms are disgusting and not cleaned, loud explicit music blasting everywhere, a guy had his pitbull off leash and it was crapping and peeing on the beach (in the area where no dogs are allowed). Why do Illinois people come to Wisconsin to ruin it for us?

Hiked the park from the lot off of DL. Looped a bit on the ice age trail ( yellow marked route) and crossing onto the park catching the Steineke basin loop after a mile on a dotted line connecting Route. 4.8 miles on a cool day was refreshing for 2 mid seventies hikers. Our knee injections and the right knee replacement got their workout.

Spent about three hours here one morning hiking the East Bluff Trail and enjoying the gorgeous views from the top and the balanced rock. Trails are well marked and nicely groomed. There are so many options for hiking, swimming and enjoying the beautiful outdoors in this excellent state park.

A happening place. We got there early enough to get a good parking spot and to not encounter too many people on the trails. I walked around the whole lake. It was a good walk. Restrooms were clean. The bubblers were working. The lake water was clear. Clearly a nice place that many people enjoy. It was great to see so many families having fun together.

This is a nice state park in a beautiful setting. Our campsite was very nice, but not very level for our motor home. There are a lot of bathroom/showers, but the one closest to our campsite was quite old and not very clean. They even keep the door propped open all the time for some reason, which all the insects in the area appreciate. There are some great hiking trails, and an area in which your dog can play in the water. My biggest complaint is that Wisconsin really sticks it to non-resident visitors (looking at you, Illinois!). Our total bill was $268.95 for three nights. For non-residents that’s an extra $45 for the campsite, $48 for the motorhome, another $9 for our rental car (it had Wisconsin plates and we are seniors), plus the reservation fees. Other states do this, too (e.g., Oregon), but not to this extent. It’s a nice campground but buyer beware. BTW I highly recommend the nearby Tumbled Rock restaurant and micro-brewery.

Great hiking here to see balanced rock and Devil’s doorway. Trail begins at the southern edge of the park by the Red Cedar Picnic shelter.

Best way to see everything is to take the balanced rock trail up the hillside (.4 of steep rock steps up), then turn right on the east cliffs trail. This is flat and contains the small trail spur to Devil’s doorway (.1 mile). Then return back down on the pothole trail (.3) which is even more steep going back down. Short and flat hike back on the grottoes trail to where you started. Would not recommend this trail to anyone under 6 as it is a lot of climbing up stairs and you need to watch your footing. Total hiking is 1.2 miles and should take no more than 2 hours.

Disappointed by the beach at both ends of the park. Very small sandy area. Park appears to get very crowded on weekends. $16/car day pass for out of state resident.

Devil's Lake State Park near Baraboo, Wisconsin, has been designated as "one of the last great places" by the Nature Conservancy, one of only 77 such destinations in the world. Located 40 miles northwest of Madison, it is the largest and most popular state park in the state. Established in 1911, it covers 9,217 acres and attracts three million visitors a year. Situated along the Ice Age National Scenic Trail, it offers magnificent views from 500-foot quartzite bluffs overlooking a 360-acre lake. The most noteworthy attraction is the Baraboo Hills, which were designated a National Nature Landmark by the National Park Service in 1974. They are all that remains of one of the most ancient rock outcrops in North America, a forested sanctuary underlain by durable rock called Baraboo quartzite that is 1.7 billion years old. The park features 41 miles of hiking trails, lakeshore picnic areas, swimming beaches, paddling opportunities, four campgrounds containing 407 campsites and year-round naturalist programs. Visitors can participate in camping, biking, hiking, boating, canoeing, kayaking, hunting, fishing and rock climbing. In the winter, they can enjoy cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and ice fishing. Wildlife abounds with 40 mammal species, including white-tailed deer, black beer, badger, otter, beaver, bobcat, mountain lion, coyote, gray and red foxes and gray wolf, 228 bird species, 58 varieties of butterflies and 29 species of fish. It truly is one of the last great places.

Drove through Devil's Lake Park. Unfortunately could not hike due to flare-up of plantar fasciitis. However, the drive was lovely and the fall colors just added to the beauty. Will definitely go back to hike in future.

Okay the hiking trails are awesome as are the views if you are hiking along the lake or up in the hills. :) Steep climbs up and down the mountainside are great if you are used to "difficult" hiking. But if you are camping in an RV, beware of Camp Site 220 in Northern Lights Campground. On the State Park's official website, they claim that site 220 has a "0 Degree" grade. This is flat-out false. If you are camping only in a tent, you can probably use this site and get some enjoyment from it. But if you bring any kind of RV (a trailer, 5th wheel, motorhome, etc.) you will find it near-impossible to cope with the steep grade of this site. Nothing on Site 220 in Northern Lights campground is level, and your rig is never gonna get level here, no matter your efforts to level it. Because the camp is full every weekend, your requests to move to another site within the State Park are likely to be politely declined. So reserve another site; most of them are nice and quite close to level.

scenic views of the lake. nice hiking trails. difficulty level of hikes vary from moderate to difficult. Ensure to get as much information from the visitor center first before starting any hike.

In area so decided to pack a picnic lunch. No parking available within the park. And didn’t realize you had to buy a permit for the day until we got into the park. Line was 25 cars long so glad we weren’t staying. Took picnic farther south and ate in a city park

Great place to spend a weekend with the family. The campground is located in the woods and the facilities are good (hot water in the showers). No place for dishwashing unfortunately. We made the different trails along the lake. Our preferred one was getting down from balanced rock. Better to do this in the morning as the place is rather crowded. Possible to rent a canoe to get on the lake.

We hiked the West Bluff, over the top (North to South), and back the lakeshore (South to North). The views were amazing, and the hike is family friendly.

A well-run facility, it is Wisconsin's most popular state park with about 3 million visitors per year. Founded in 1911, it offers year-round entertainment. There are large picnic areas with charcoal grills, reservable and non-reservable shelters, and over 29 miles of hiking and mountain bike trails. If you love hiking, this is a place worth checking out. You can plan your trip according to your time frame – from few hours to a day. There is a lot to keep you busy at this park: camping, picnicking, playing in the sand, hiking, cross country skiing, bird watching, or having fun in the water jet skiing, boating, or fishing. The views of the lake are stunning. There are numerous bathrooms and showers available throughout the campground. In short, the Park is well maintained, and there are tons to do.

We highly recommend Devil’s Lake State Park! Arrive by 7:00 a.m. and finish the Balanced Rock hike by 9:00 a.m. Then enjoy other areas of park. The only negative were the restrooms, pretty disgusting. The lake is beautiful. You can also fish.

This park is truly stunning, especially if you decide to hike up on the bluffs trails. There are amazing views, but you need to be prepared for some of the inclines, and you also need to be prepared for the crowds. There were people at every overlook we stopped at, but most everyone was respectful and willing to take turns. They do offer concessions at both ends of the lake, so you can refill your water, buy snacks, etc.

The north shore area was more crowded than the south shore. We hiked from the north shore area on the East Bluffs Trail to the south shore, across the like, and then back up on the west side on the Tumbled Rocks Trail.

On the north end, there's a swimming area, gift shop, and ice cream shop that we made sure to visit after our hike.

Devil's Lake State Park was a great place for hiking! Our favorite hike was the East Bluff Trail! So many beautiful spots to see along the way.

We made a quick visit to Devil’s Lake State Park Tuesday morning, July 17, 2018. We arrived about 8 when the park opened, and only had a couple of hours to visit. In retrospect, we should have made it an hour visit and paid for the 1-hr pass ($5) instead of the all-day pass ($16). We started at the Visitor Center on the North Shore. We walked along the lake to the start of the Tumbled Rocks Trail and a few yards down the trail. This looked like the only trail that didn’t involve climbing. It was beautiful and rugged.

Then we got in the car and drove the South Shore area and walked a bit there. The Indian Mound was interesting to see and read about. We wanted to hike the Balanced Rock Trail to see the Balanced Rock, but it was just too steep for me. We climbed up a little way, but I don’t like heights and soon we were very high. We didn’t really have time for a hike, so we came back down, and headed back to Wisconsin Dells.

We’d like to go back. It looks like a great place to camp and if you have days to hike it could be fun – if you like climbing on rocks. The lake is beautiful and taking out a canoe or kayak would be relaxing. People were swimming despite the posted warnings about Swimmer’s Itch – which would discourage me.

Visited last Autumn, a beautiful Park, loved the fallen Rocks trail.
I would like to revisit and continue exploring.

Stayed a weekend last summer (2018) drove nearly 5 hours from another state and arrived 10 PM. Was trying to find site to set up camp after a long day and drive and was going a bit too fast. A parked ranger hit me with high beams right in the face and pulled me over for going 30 MPH in a 15 MPH area (I didn't see the sign). His "tactic" as he called it was much more dangerous than me going 30 and I told him so. I had a clean driving record with no tickets for nearly 20 years and I asked for a warning, but he wrote me up for $220 and threatened me with a license suspension and arrest warrant if I didn't pay. He didn't even offer to guide me to my site but gave convoluted directions. Was I going to drive 10+ hours to fight a ticket? This ranger was very young and very officious and obviously using this as a revenue generator for the State.

This is one of my favorite places to hike. Unfortunately it is 2 hours away from me, so I do not get there as often as I can. The East Bluff is my favorite area, and the views are outstanding. Be prepared to sweat. Some of the inclines can be difficult. But it is worth it. The only complaint I would have is that the trails are not marked as well as some other state parks. The lake is also very clean and is a great place to cool off on a hot summer day. Refreshments are also available, as are restrooms.

Great Swimming, Hiking & Kayaking.Clean Facilities & a camp store with everything you need.The water temperature is upper 70's & beaches are great for kids. They are shallow for 100 Feet. The DNR has it very organised as well. But, get your reservations in earlier in the year.

I would have given Devil’s Lake a 5 except the bathrooms were not very clean.We went twice.The first time was in the middle of the week and there was no issues.The second time was on a Saturday and the park was very crowded so it was not an issue of maintenance.The trails were great.They were clean and the park guide provided a map and descriptions of each trail

An incredible place to hike and enjoy the nature. It's about 3 hours drive from Chicago. I would suggest you try to reach there before 9 am, otherwise, the parking lots get filled and you will end up wasting a lot of time for parking. We did the east bluff hike to Balanced rock and it was absolutely thrilling. Hike is a bit tough as we have o climb over rocky path. There is also a board walk for an easier hike. It is amazing that one side is this beautiful lake and right next to it are these completely rocky formations.

Definitely recommend this and I definitely look forward to going there again soon.

We were here in the middle of the week before CRAZY SUMMER people. Got here about 9am first to be there. You do need to buy a State park permit. We were NON residents so it was $16. When we left at noon the parking lot was full. This place is spectacular. We came to hike. We went up East Bluff trail and down East bluff woods trail. The views were spectacular when you get to the top. Make sure to go to Devils Doorway when you get to the top. The first part up is the hardest so don't give up. It is so worth it. Want to come back and do the tumbled rock trail. They have a nice gift/ice cream/food bldg. and I believe you can rent kayaks etc. So much fun. Great for family's. I'm sure its busy in the summer so be prepared.

I went for the hiking and it was beautiful. Also, we went to the Tumbling Rock Brewery and would recommend the trip to anyone. The food was great, the beer was cold, and the ambiance was charming.

So the park map is a little misleading. The scale makes you assume that the hike around the lake is maybe 3 miles...that doesn't give justice to the vertical differences. It was over 5 when all was said and done. I didn't allot the correct amount of time nor factor how tiring it would be for my kids (all of whom are used to hiking mountains and strenuous exercises.)
I wouldn't take small children or unsteady adults on the east bluff hike. It has large steps and dangerous if someone falls. If you have adventurous people in your group, its fine.
The views are gorgeous but it was very crowded at 10 am on a Wednesday. The Covid rules makes it so you have to buy an annual pass before going...and its a huge pain if you're on vacation. Our rental house didn't have a printer and it was a scramble when I learned that.

Beautiful state park, great hiking trails! The campgrounds were nice and clean as were the bathrooms and shower house. We will definitely stay here again.

Devil’s Lake State Park is my favorite in so many ways: views, hikes, stress relief, exercise- I could go on and on!

It’s beautiful in every way. The history of the area is fascinating. There are hikes and trails for all ages and difficulty levels. The beach was recently redone on North Shore and is very nice. Pets are welcome, and enjoy the area just as much as their human counterpart.

Tip: Stay on the paths and trails. Use your head when nearing the edge of the bluffs. People get injured every year here, and usually it’s for being careless in one way or another. I’d hate for trails to get closed down or fences to be put up because of these incidents.

Devils Lake State Park is an oasis for outdoor lovers in the Midwest! Coming from Chicago, I'm not used to having many local opportunities for hiking and outdoor rock climbing. Until recently, I never knew a place like Devils Lake existed so close (it's only about a 2.5-3 hour drive from the Chicago area). I just returned from my first trip to Devils Lake and already know it won't be my last. The topography and geology is unlike anything I've seen in the Midwest. We spent a full day rock climbing our way through the park using professional guides from Devils Lake Climbing Guides. On our second day, we hiked to Balanced Rock, Devils Doorway and the Potholes Trail. The rock formations are unreal. You have to see and experience this place for yourself!

If you've already decided to make a trip, there are a few things you should know:

-First, you do have to pay and receive a vehicle sticker to avoid getting a ticket. If you arrive before the "office" officially opens, you can look for the bright yellow "pole" and pay cash into an envelope. It's not a perfect system, but keep one copy of the receipt and place it on your dashboard. It was $16 for one day with our out of state license plate.

- Second, there is hardly any cell service once you enter the park. I recommend printing out a map before you arrive. The first time there can be a little confusing and the map helped us a ton.

-If you plan to hike the popular routes (Balanced Rock, Devils Doorway, Potholes, etc.) park over at the south end of the park for easy trail access. Here, you also have the opportunity to rent kayaks for the lake.

-They have plenty of bathrooms at the park, and most were decent. For campers, they also offer showers near the CCC parking lot.

Beautiful lake & friendly staff. We stayed on the south shore. Nice place to spend the day just laying on grass or beach. Very spacious, big trees and a number of picnic tables all around. If it weren’t too hot when we visited we would’ve tried to hike, which is also another thing to do in this park.

We went there to celebrate a wedding. The view was stunning. The facilities there to host the reception were great. The only thing that was missing was A/C since the weekend was pretty warm. People were hiking everywhere. I want to go back to enjoy at my leisure.

Our visit was to walk the trails. The views of the lake and surroundings were stunning. We highly recommended this park.

This is my favorite state park in Wisconsin. The views are wonderful, and relaxing. The trails are everything from an easy stroll to climbing equipment needed, and lots in between. The lake is clear, the air is fresh, come on out and play.

Wonderful day trip from Madison. Scenic hike up to balanced rock and through the Forest to the north side and around the west and back to the south side. It was an easy doable hike.
I’d love to go back and enjoy the lake some other time.

Loved the hiking trails and the beautiful natural scenery and views. They had trails available for novices and advanced trailblazers and the lake is great for swimming. Fun place to go for families, dogs, or couples on camping adventures. We really enjoyed our time in the teepees (it even rained one day and it kept us dry); however, we heard they have since have been removed. The teepees were a really good option for big groups, especially if you wanted to save the time and trouble of setting up your own tents!

An amazing place with interesting hiking paths around and over red granite surrounding a small lake. Rent a boat easily, or play on the small beach. Plently of picnic areas and places to explore. This place never stops to amaze with incredible views and a feeling you traveled far away even if only for one day.

There is a small entrance fee for this park. Totally worth it. We went on a weekday and it was not too crowded. The entrance is at the north shore, which is busier since the beach is right there. We got directions from the cashier to go to the south shore, which was a couple miles away. The scenery was breathtaking and the water was clean. There were a lot of small rocks in the water. My husband didn’t like the small rocks stabbing his feet. They didn’t bother our kids tough. Aqua shoes would help. Restrooms could have used more frequent cleaning. I would be willing to pay an increased park fee to have cleaner restrooms.

We come here quite often to hike and train for backpack trips into the southwest. The trails are great for any type of workout - especially the ones that give you elevation changes of 500 feet. We try to come early in the day to avoid the crowds. If you are here on a weekend and want to avoid the crowds, be here by 6:30 or 7 am, do your hikes, then when you are leaving around 10 or 11 am, the entrance road will be backed up for a mile or so with cars waiting to get in. (Summertime). Other than the crowds on the weekend, the place is a beautiful destination, preserves ancient burial mounds, has numerous recreation opportunities and is very family friendly.

This is one of my favorite spots in the country. We had not been there for about 10 years and it still looks almost exactly the same. The beach is nice and ample for swimming, canoeing, kayaking, and paddle boats. There are a large number of trails for all different abilities. We used to rock climbing, which was a blast!

What a great place to go for a day hike! You can choose your path and just complete one side or go all the way around the whole lake. Option to purchase food or grill lunch. Campsites nearby. Costs $8 for a day pass to get in or $20 or $25 (can’t remember) for a season pass.

Devil's Lake is magical. It's almost like the good energy makes a stop in the bowl--you can feel it. The water is so beautifully clean and the perfect temperature for swimming. I went kayaking with a friend and because no motor boats are allowed, it is quiet, peaceful, and perfect. And the drive there is spectacular as well. It's a great representation of what south-central and west-southwest Wisconsin has to offer. Great eye candy!

One of our favorite parks. We have camped here 1-2 times per year for the last several years. Campsites are wooded which we love . Beautiful lake with clear water. Hiking trails are great! Kids and adults love the lodge and treats. You need a park sticker even if camping. It’s always cheaper for us to get an annual pass. Clean facilities. They have a camp store with all kinds of goodies. Love coming here!

This was the third year visiting Devil's Lake State Park and we couldn't be happier with the campgrounds, trails, lakefront, sand, and amenities. It didn't hurt that our recent trip had some exceptional weather (80 degree days and 60 degree nights for tent camping). Devil's Lake itself is beautiful and the lakefront sand area is perfect for families. Recommendations - On a Summer weekend you need to get there early (before 9:30am) or risk a long walk to the extended parking.

Have enjoyed this area for over 60 years. Love the beauty and clean (no motors) lake. Hiking and scenery is the best in Wisconsin.

Great picnic area..only complaint is way too many people to not have garbage containers readily available - seems they provide only one central garbage dumpster for 1000's of people over a large area?. Strange policy.

Concessions and rentals are pricey.

The park is GORGEOUS! They keep everything from the campsites, to the crystal clear lake, to the expansive hiking trails externally clean and well maintained. I would recommend staying in the Northern Lights Campsite if you are tent/car camping. Campsite has fire pit/grill and picnic table.

Recommend hiking the the East Bluff Trail if you into heights and hills. The West Bluff Trail is more tame. Both trail around about 2 miles. They have more tame trails to lead you back to camp after the long hikes.

The lake can get crowded during the busy weekends. Off peak time the lake is almost all to your self; feeling like your own private lake. There aren’t any gas powered boast on the lake so the water stays very clean. They offer kayaking, paddle boarding and off water fun.

Great place for family, friends, or couples. 3-4 days is a recommended stay time.

This is one of the best state parks we have ever been to! The trails and views were amazing! What an amazing natural wonder! The rocks are beautiful, the trails carved into the stones were a work of art and the views of the trees and lakes were breathtaking. Can’t wait to return!

Awe inspiring views and rock formations. Wonderful outdoor experience for the full family. Some of the trails are steep and challenging over a rock surface. The views are just spectacular.
Many dogs and large groups enjoying the outdoors. Bring something to BBQ to make it a full day.

I've been here many times over the years but this weekend was the first time that I ever hiked completely around the lake via the E & W Bluff trails. One word of caution, do the East Bluff trail from N to S. We did it from S to N and going up the S end of it is very strenuous. More so than doing the West Bluff trail S to N!

Coming from a state for which there’s no parking or day use fee, the out-of-state daily fee seemed steep at $16 per car. In the other hand, this is a very nice park with a variety of different trails, a nice snack shop, and a variety of watercraft rentals (pedal boats, kayaks, canoes, and standup paddle boards. You’ll definitely want to visit both the North Shore and the South Shore.

Loved hiking the Bluffs @Devils Lake state park. Our group included children aged 2 yrs and up. Fun hiking and beautiful area. Picnic grounds were well maintained. Entry fee a little pricey.

Great park with awesome hiking. Love the trails, sometimes a little tight and steep, but so worth it at the top.

Fantastic views from Devils Door hike. Arrive early -- parking fills up fast and trails get crowded. Wear good shoes -- the hike is straight up a rocky stair-like hillside. Worth it, but tough. The South Side shore seemed less crowded, but filled in by afternoon. Bring a cooler lunch and water bottle and granola bar for the hike!

Devil's Lake State Park is quite a park. Lots of activities from camping to hiking and water sports (electric motors only}.

My wife and I were in the Madison area and looking for a place to go hiking. Devil's Lake is about 45 minutes north in Baraboo and was well worth the drive.

There are parking lots and concession areas at both the north and south side of the lakes. The main concession area has food, souvenirs, clothing and some camping needs.

Now for the trails. There are a bunch of hikes you can do from easy to quite challenging. I circled the lake counter clockwise starting from the north shore. The western bluff trail rises over 400 feet. It will test you a bit, but the trail has steps and paved areas and the views are awesome. The trail is 1.4 miles.

We were happy to get to lake level and then walk across the south shore to the eastern side. There is an easier trail back on the west side of the lake, but I had decided I was going to circle it.

I would come to second guess that decision as we started to make our way up a boulder field called the Balanced Rock Trail and then take that to the East Bluff Trail.

This Balanced Rock Trail is considered one of the toughest trails in the state of Wisconsin, a fact I did not know until long after I climbed the trail which I read elsewhere is more then 600 feet elevation gain in just 0.4 miles. My wife abandoned me a couple of hundred feet up and took that easier trail back. I continued up.

The climb was challenging and exhilarating and slow. The path is narrow and steep and sometimes you wait for someone coming in the opposite direction.

Once at the top, you join that Eastern Bluff Trail and take that the bulk of the way back to the north shore, but compared to the boulder field, this was a walk in the park.

The views from the east bluffs are also quite gorgeous.

The park does have a beach on the north and south shore and also picnic areas. You need a Wisconsin Park Pass and the cost for out of state vehicles was 16 dollars a day. In state was 38 dollars for the year.

We hiked the East Bluff trail to the Devil’s Door and then came back on the East Woods Trail. It was about 3.3 miles. Other than encountering a lot of people doing the same thing, it was a gorgeous hike. We were a little irritated that st the entrance it said the parking lot was full and when we got down to it, it wasn’t even close to full.

Great place to take kids for a day to play in the water and to take a hike. Picnic benches available and lots of time to spend kicking back and enjoying the day. Wisconsin licensed cars get a $3 break.

While on vacation in Wisconsin Dells, we took a short drive to Devil's Lake State Park. The fall colors were almost at their peak and the lake reflected their color magically.

(I thought I submitted my review yesterday.)

Huge park with wonderful hikes and vista. Hikes for all, there is an daily entrance fee gist shop open in October

Great day when you can go out on the lake with a kayak and row away the afternoon. Easy rentals and affordable. Pleasant and helpful staff. Go early, does tend to fill up on those hot sunny days.

Excellent trails for hiking. Rock formations are interesting, to say the least. The trails higher in the hill offer stunning views of the lake below. Good store options for food and outfitting. Diverse scenery.

To put it simply, WOW! this is one of the nicest state parks I've ever been to. You have multiple beaches, trails, fishing spots, etc. The park is well maintained, clean and easily navigated. Trails are marked well.

We hiked from the parking lot near the office to east bluff trail to devil's doorway, then balanced rock (which we couldn't actually find) to west bluff trail then tumbled rocks. The views from all of these were breath taking with amazing views of the lake, which is so clear you can see the bottom in the shallow waters. There are many places to stop, rest and enjoy the views.

I highly recommend visiting the park and enjoying all it offers.

We've gone to the dells many many times and only recently discovered this park. The hikes are amazing!!!

The best views of the lake are hiking East Bluff Trail and Balanced Rock trail. Devils Door way is a must see.

We usually hike the bluffs but because of the oppressive heat we decided were were just going to kayak. We had a wonderful day kayaking to from the South Beach to the North Beach and jumping in to cool off. It was a great way to escape the heat.

We hiked up to Balanced Rock and then on up to Devils Doorway. It was challenging but so worth it. The trail is pretty much all a rock stairway. Then we hiked around to Elephant rock and down and on around the lake. There are beaches on either end of the lake to cool off in. Beautiful park!

The issue I had was not with the park so much as it was with it's guest. Alot of younger adults wanting to drive fast and tailgating on narrow curvy roads when I was trying to go slow enough to read signs and figure out where I was going. I think they could have better directions or signs for campsite area's . More parking on South Shore side.

What a beautiful hidden gem. We did the West Bluff trail and then the tumbled rocks trail. We started at the south entrance to the West Bluff Trail and very thankful that we did. The hike up is steep but not nearly as steep as the north part. The views are amazing. This was one of my favorite hikes I have ever done. It is a quick hike to the top from the south entrance of about 20 minutes, then you walk along the bluff for another 15-20 minutes. The hike down the other side was steep (so glad we didn't start the hike on the north shore). We then connected to the tumbled rocks trail which was scenic and fun. All of the trails were paved. So glad we made this part of our midwest road trip.

Such beautiful scenery, you can rent a boat, or other water fun items. Swim, sunbath, pinic on the beach, or under the trees on a pinic table.
If you are more of the hiking type there are several amazing beautiful trails with a variety of difficulty for you to try. Such natural beauty.
Family fun. Or go by yourself . It works either way.

This is a great park for hiking. Trail choices offer various levels of challenges. We chose some tough trails that had elevation and tricky footing. Only complaint is there are a lot of people sharing the trails.

We had some lovely hikes in the park on different trail. The trailes have wonderfull views and to the lake. Don’t miss it

We hiked/walked the full loop around the lake this year and had a blast (despite the heat and humidity and the large volume of visitors). We have hiked up and over the east bluff several times, but this was the first time we returned to where we started by hiking the path along the west side of the lake rather than returning along the railroad tracks.

We visited on the Fourth and there were hundreds picnicking along both beaches at the ends of the lake. That said, once we were onto the trails the number of people around us diminished greatly.

The climb up the stair like rocks at the start of the bluff trail was a bit slippery after some rain and humidity. We saw several people wearing footwear (sandals) that could make the climb or descent extra treacherous. Always wear comfortable shoes with some tread on the soles.

I’ve been in love with Devils Lake ever since I first came here more than 30 years ago. No matter what time of year, it never fails to deliver beautiful views and great walks. Whether here for the day or the week, this place is worth the visit. There’s a beach in both the north and south shore and boat rentals (kayaks, row boats and paddle boats) to rent, concession stands, charcoal grills and LOTS of picnic tables. And the trails are wonderful. If you plan on camping, make reservations as soon as possible as they fill up quickly. Only $3/car if you’re a senior. Great way to spend a day.

My wife and I arrived just before noon. We arrived via Ski Hi road to south lake rd. Our destination was the parking lot of the group camp area, areas 2 and 3. It was very busy with vehicular, and pedestrian traffic. Fathers Day, and just a beautiful day, added to the parks attraction. While waiting for the camping groups to arrive, we decided to go out on a hike. Parking there, we had our WI state parks decal on our windshield, and we also had our national parks pass hanging from our rear view mirror. There is a large parking lot close by that appeared to have a pay station, for parking. Also in that lot are the restrooms, and at least 6 showers. We started our hike on the CCC trail, up the rock scramble to the East Bluff Trail. There we went left along the trail, stopping to watch climbers, and the several rock formations. We then did the loop hike on the East Bluff Woods Trail, towards the parking lot at the bottom of that hike. Then we finished the loop by heading back up on the East Bluff Trail. That trail is far more interesting than the East Bluff Woods Trail. On this sunny, warm day, it was a nice hike being in the shade all of that time. Once we made it back up to the East Bluff Trail, we took the Balanced Rock trail down to the group camp trail. The hike down, and the hike up on the other end, was interesting, as the rocks can be super slippery, even with shoes that are usually pretty solid on slick rock. And our hiking poles, with carbide tips, slide off some of these same rocks/boulders. Both the hike up and the hike down, along with the East Bluff Trail, were super busy with people. The East Bluff loop hike was nowhere near as busy. That was actually quite peaceful. I would do this hike again, but instead start at the trailhead near the North Shore Chateau. Making a big loop, and visiting the East Bluff Trail.

Went to the side where the animals can play and swim. Was adequate parking and others that were there with their furry friends were very friendly and everyone shared the pier and beach. Even had a couple people launch their boats at the pier and all went well. Will be back again in 2019! Beautiful views!!

Really pretty state park with plenty to do. There were great hiking trails, a nice beach, an area for cooking and picnics. Plenty of parking and only $16 for a non resident.

The hike was fun and offered some great views. I would suggest a hiking shoe/boot as the rocks can be slippery.

We hiked with 9 kids (11-2 years old) and only four adults. Be ready to sweat and carry the little ones though some parts if you are going to venture to the top.

We went here to hike & it didn't disappoint. Lots of fun trails, over rocks, in the woods, around the lake. Great views!!

My wife and I visited Devil's Lake State Park for a day of hiking. We like to spend at least a day or two hiking in state or national parks on our vacations, and Devil's Lake is a strong contender for being our favorite so far.

The trails are laid out nicely and have a great combination of physical activity mixed with scenic views (you get a beautiful view of the lake and surrounding area from the neighboring cliffs).

I would highly recommend anyone visiting the area spend some time at Devil's Lake for some hiking.

While we didn't spend any time in the lake itself, it looked like everyone there swimming, boating, and fishing were having a blast.

I ended up there on one of Wisconsin’s big days “ the Friday fish fry “ . There was a band playing and many families everywhere in and out of the water . The fish was beer battered it was good as far as Wisconsin goes . The lake and canyon were so breathtaking. It is stunning . Definitely a must do in this area . You can rent a few diff types of watercraft here like paddle boats , kayaks and a few others .

My family and I love to visit Devil's lake state park for a picnic outing each year. We also enjoy their many hiking trails and swimming in the lake. It is also pet friendly, so our dogs love coming too and enjoy the dog beach. It can be busy in the summer on the weekend, so come early so you can get a good spot.

I always enjoy my time spent here whether as a teenager or now as adult. I do recommend to go during the week though as the trails get rather busy on the weekends.

Very nice swim/beach area.
Beautiful angles of the lake from any point. Concession stands at each end of the lake were closed during this fall visit. Mini trails throughout the park - some very steep and extreme, some flat and easy to maneuver. Several campsites to choose from.

We made our way all the way around the perimeter of the lake. The park is beautiful in both the spring and summer. Unfortunately, weather conditions were not ideal for the bluff trails during this visit. I cannot wait to go back when weather conditions improve.

We spent a few days hiking here in October. Nice fall colors and not too crowded during the week! If you’re coming for more than 2 days or plan to visit other WI state parks, get the annual pass.

We keep coming back even though our children have all moved away. Devils' Lake has a beautiful natural setting where all you see is water, trees, and rocks. Speed boats are not allowed so it is very peaceful. There are campgrounds back in the woods but no RV's around the water, unlike other state parks we have seen. There are hiking trails to suit every level of fitness and plenty to do in the surrounding area. Well worth the drive from Chicago.

It was my 1st time there and I loved it. Its a bit of a hike up but i liked how they made a stairway out of the stones. Beautiful view from the top and got to see the balancing rock and devils door way.

Spent a few hours with our son and grand puppy and hiked a couple of trails. Labor Day Monday, crowded, but not mobbed.
One major issue about the rocky trails that we were on, well laid out, but, with all the wear and tear from use, the rocks are a bit slippery, even when dry.

Lots of trails, some further away from the crowds. Decent bathrooms. Nice grounds.

Another mentioned, need walking path near main south road, as there were many people on or near the road.

The park is truly a treasure for and resident of Wisconsin. I'm a not resident and this place makes me want to move there. It truly is as nice as any National Park. It offers Rugged trails to Day camps for Children. Swimming to hiking to extreme mountain biking. Truly a respected place by the visitors. I was impressed that it seemed that everything carried in or on the trails left and was either recycled or disposed of properly. It kept the natural feeling and it shows the visitors care about this place. Yes, I can tell you what I saw and experienced but you should go yourselves. A quick warning for all Dress properly and invest in the correct hiking shoes and attire. This is for the safety of all. If you are going to really explore make sure you and your family dress properly and have the correct footware. You will thank me for this advice.

Nothing here I haven't seen before but that doesn't mean coming back time after time isn't worth it. We hiked a trail we hadn't done in a long time. Everything was clean and tidy and spring ephemerals were blooming. Lovely.

spent some time by the lake, and the family stayed in the yurt after my brothers wedding. lots of things to do in the campground

I've been visiting since the late 70's. Still as absolutely beautiful as ever. I caught more bass from shore on this trip than I've caught my entire life. Devils Lake is one of the most beautiful, almost Spiritual places that I've ever been. You can rent Kayaks and canoes. Only electric motors are allowed. Camping is also available. I absolutely LOVE THIS PLACE! Now get up there and have some fun!

Bathrooms were filthy..DNR walked up on our site and yelled at me and my kids. Rangers were nice..the DNR should not be allowed in camp area if all they are going to do is hassle the campers what A holes

We were shocked to be charged $16 per car for a lunch picnic at the park. We were planning to eat a quick lunch and had no idea until you drive a half mile down a one way lane that they charge $16 each car. We had four cars in our group, so we paid $72 to have lunch on their picnic tables. Parking is a nightmare and you will look long and hard for an available space. The beach looked ok, the hiking trail was easy and very uneven. The bathrooms smelled like the toilets hadn't been flushed since the beginning of COVID.

Took the family here (kids 10 and 12) and really enjoyed our day. We hiked up the East Ridge Trail which is beautiful. Then climbed down to see balanced rock and back up. This part was the most strenuous, not extremely difficult, but it is a good workout. Imagine going down steps for maybe 15 minutes and then having to climb back up. We just had to stop every now and then to catch our breath. Saw Devil's window which was also cool.

Then we went down to the beach area for a picnic, a bit of swimming and some fishing. Great family area. Warning - we know some people who had gotten swimmer's itch after swimming here, but we didn't have any problems.

It is $13 per carload, so if you have a family of 4, it is pretty cheap. There is a concession stand where you can buy all kinds of items, including worms for fishing. Make sure to bring a bag for your garbage, I couldn't find a garbage can anywhere, they must subscribe to the Scout motto of take out what you brought in.

Highly recommended for a day of relaxing.

My colleague recommended coming to Devil’s Lake because we planned a visit to Madison, and told me he had many happy memories as a child at this park. So we made a trip to the park. From Madison the travel time here is about 50 minutes. The out of state entrance fee by the lake is $16 for the day. The weather was not cooperating but my family decided anyway to hike the trail by the lake. As luck would have it we got caught in the pouring rain. But we were not alone. Many others kept going out on the trail despite the weather. We actually had fun along with everyone else getting soaked hiking the trail while absorbing the beauty of the lake and the surrounding scenery. That is testimony to how much people who enjoy the outdoors love this place.

Went here for a swim while visiting local family it is a really nice lake with picnic tables and restrooms available. It was nice to see that dogs were allowed, so many were enjoying the water without causing any problems.

For a Midwestern lake, the altitude difference between the beach and the bluffs make for a breathtaking vista. Good hiking on the west side and a visitors center/concession stand with vegan options.

We have camped here several times. We prefer the ice age primitive campground because more wooded. Nice bathrooms. Nice they have the main lodge but also a camp store up in the campground. Beautiful beach. Lodge is great with food, ice cream and gifts. Beautiful hiking trails for different levels of hikers.

Great hiking for beginner and intermediate hikers. Beautiul fall scenery, interesting former glacier area.

Devils Lake State Park is the niceset state park I have ever visited. So many areas to walk and drive around this graceful park. The grounds are immaculate. Campsites are quaint some very private others in the open under a thick tree top canopy. Very comfortable. The camp store has everything a camper would need. Trails are plentiful and kept cleared of debris. Bluff rock formations stand high above the lake. A windy paved trail located alongside the lake through the base of boulder field is a must experience for the park visitor. Pavilions and restrooms are easily accessible. Boat ramp and parking easy to maneuver the vehicles. An overall clean crisp beautiful park. Wish we could have stayed longer.

Nothing can describe how beautiful this State park is. If you like to see the fall colors you will enjoy it here. Swimming is still top notch in the summer and hiking is incredible all year. If you want to visit something special that God made, then here it is.

So much to do - swimming - boating Kayaking- Dog friendly - boat ramp - wonderful pavilions - lots of picnic areas - lots of fun things to do - well kept park

Hiked the East side- killer views- devils door so neat!! Definitely needed water- not to be missed!!