Devil's Lake State Park
Baraboo, Wisconsin · on Devils Lake · Devils Lake State Park-Iansr
Verified · 4 independent sources
- WATER
- lake
- ACCESS
- Designated swim area
- FEE
- $13
- SEASON
- Varies by conditions
About Devil's Lake State Park
Devil's Lake State Park, near Baraboo, Wisconsin, centers on a 360-acre natural lake ringed by 500-foot quartzite bluffs, formed roughly 12,000 years ago when glacial moraines dammed a gap in the bluffs, a natural swimming hole on a grand scale. It is Wisconsin's most-visited state park and has two official swimming beaches, one on the North Shore and one on the South Shore, both within developed day-use areas.
The lake sits in a steep, rocky gorge cut through ancient quartzite bluffs that rise about 500 feet above the water, a formation solid enough to be a regional rock-climbing destination. The lake itself was formed when glacial debris blocked both ends of the gorge roughly 12,000 years ago, and the DNR notes its bottom sediment is glacially deposited sand. The park is bisected into North Shore and South Shore developed areas, each with its own visitor amenities and picnic grounds along the water.
Swimming at Devil's Lake State Park
Swimming is an official, designated activity at Devil's Lake, with a beach on the north shore (Northshore Beach, which has an accessible beach mat and beach wheelchair available) and a second beach at the South Shore day-use area off South Lake Road. Both are developed, family-style lake beaches within picnic areas rather than backcountry swim spots.
How to get to this swimming hole
From Baraboo, the North Shore entrance is reached via County Highway DL about 6 miles north of town; the South Shore entrance is on South Lake Road, with the group campground about half a mile east of that entrance.
Parking: Both the North Shore visitor center and the South Shore entrance have self-service credit-card kiosks for purchasing vehicle admission. The park's conditions page warns that lots routinely fill before 9 a.m. on weekends and holidays from May through October, with waits and temporary access restrictions common.
The hike in
No hike is needed to reach either swim beach: North Shore Beach and South Shore Beach both sit directly in developed, paved day-use areas reachable straight from their parking lots (paved boardwalk/sidewalk on the north shore, paved paths on the south shore). The park's ~29 miles of hiking trails (e.g., East Bluff Trail 1.7 mi, Tumbled Rocks Trail 1 mi along the south shoreline) are optional side activities, not access routes to the swimming areas.
Walk from either beach's adjacent parking lot to the water is a few minutes at most.
Plan your visit
Bringing kids
OK with supervision
Both North Shore and South Shore beaches are developed, maintained lake beaches in picnic day-use areas (not backcountry), which suits families, but the DNR explicitly states no lifeguards are provided at either beach, and the park sees heavy May-Oct weekend crowding. No official info was found on beach entry slope/depth, so caution is warranted for small children entering the water.
Parking
Paid, Wisconsin vehicle admission required (not a separate parking fee): WI resident daily $13 / annual $28; nonresident daily $16 / annual $50, effective Aug 2025
Self-service credit-card kiosks for admission are at both the North Shore visitor center and South Shore entrance. DNR's conditions page warns lots routinely fill before 9 a.m. on weekends/holidays May-Oct, with waits and temporary entry restrictions common.
Restrooms
Yes
Seasonal restroom facilities are provided at both the North Shore and South Shore beach/day-use areas; accessible restrooms are also noted at the Tamarack and Sugar Maple shelters. Per DNR, restrooms and running water at day-use shelters may be shut off October through April, and a 2026 construction project affecting some restroom/shower buildings is noted on the park's conditions page.
Hours
6 a.m. to 11 p.m., year-round
On the water
Restrictions: Only electric motors are allowed on the lake (no gas motors); life jackets/preservers are required for every occupant of any watercraft, including rubber rafts. Two no-fee boat landings: one on the north shore near the Chateau, one along Park Road between the north and south shores.
Scuba diving is also popular on the lake per DNR (dive flag required, solo diving prohibited), which along with the electric-only motor rule suggests generally calm, low-traffic water conditions.
Rentals nearby
Kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and paddleboats for rent during summer, including an adaptive kayak option; concessions also sell food/groceries, ice, firewood, and camp basics
On-site at the park: North Shore concession/Chateau area and South Shore concession area · Open all summer, plus some spring and fall weekends (exact daily hours not published online; DNR directs visitors to call 1-888-936-7463)
Backstory
The lake basin was carved by an ancient river through quartzite bedrock; the modern lake formed about 12,000 years ago when glacial terminal moraines sealed both ends of the gorge. It is Wisconsin's most-visited state park, drawing over 2.38 million visitors in 2024.
Devil's Lake State Park: FAQ
Does Devil's Lake State Park charge a fee?
Wisconsin state park vehicle admission sticker required: WI resident daily pass $13 (annual $28, discounted rates for a second vehicle and for residents 65+ at $3 daily/$13 annual); nonresident daily pass $16 (annual $50). A $5 penalty applies if admission isn't paid before entering. Rates effective as of August 2025 per DNR.
Is Devil's Lake State Park kid friendly?
Both North Shore and South Shore beaches are developed, maintained lake beaches in picnic day-use areas (not backcountry), which suits families, but the DNR explicitly states no lifeguards are provided at either beach, and the park sees heavy May-Oct weekend crowding. No official info was found on beach entry slope/depth, so caution is warranted for small children entering the water.
Do I need to hike to reach Devil's Lake State Park?
No significant hike is required. The swimming area is close to parking and access.
Where do I park for Devil's Lake State Park?
Self-service credit-card kiosks for admission are at both the North Shore visitor center and South Shore entrance. DNR's conditions page warns lots routinely fill before 9 a.m. on weekends/holidays May-Oct, with waits and temporary entry restrictions common.
Can I bring a kayak or paddleboard to Devil's Lake State Park?
Scuba diving is also popular on the lake per DNR (dive flag required, solo diving prohibited), which along with the electric-only motor rule suggests generally calm, low-traffic water conditions.
What are the rules at Devil's Lake State Park?
Standard Wisconsin state park rules apply (vehicle admission sticker required); park hours are 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. year-round. Restrooms and water supply at day-use shelters may be shut off from October through April.
What water body is Devil's Lake State Park on?
Devil's Lake State Park is on Devils Lake, a natural lake verified in USGS hydrography data.
