Devils Lake State Park, Wisconsin

​            This is one of our all-time favorite destinations. This is a must if you ever visit Wisconsin! The trails are great, the campsites are spacious, and the natural rock formations are beautiful!

Reservations
We have always made our reservations 11 months to the day in advance to guarantee our spots. We usually go with multiple families so this is a must if you want to have multiple sites near each other. This campground has always filled up quickly for weekends, but I feel with COVID campsites are a hot commodity and are filling up even quicker than usual.  

Hiking
This is honestly the best Wisconsin has to offer! So many amazing trails with spectacular views! Some of our favorite hikes are listed below.

• Tumbled Rocks

The Tumbled Rock Trail is the lower trail along the west side of the lake. It is a great trail with minimal elevation changes. On one side you will enjoy beautiful views of the lake and on the other you will see the big boulders of tumbled rocks.

Our family enjoys climbing up the big boulders to the top trail, the West Bluff Trail. I'm not a huge fan of heights, I've rock climbed the tumbled rocks multiple times, however, I prefer to go up the stairs on the West Bluff Trail. When my husband was a kid, him and his sisters found a cave about halfway up the tumbled rocks. He enjoys taking our kids and friends to explore it each year too! If you are up for the challenge, this is definitely it! There is no path, you make your own. If following trails is more your speed, but you still enjoy a challenge, you can hike the Tumbled Rock Trail and then connect with the West Bluff Trail to make a loop. 

Another fun adventurous activity is to jump off of Rock 8. Rock 8 is a spot where you can climb the boulders down to the lakeshore and jump in. Depending on the lake water level, Rock 8 can range from 4-12 feet from the water. This is located about half way down the Tumbled Rock Trail. On a hot summer day, you will know exactly where it is because you will see the line of people waiting their turn to jump in!

• West Bluff Trail

The West Bluff Trail is definitely worth the climb! Once you get up the steep trail, there are plenty of lookouts along the upper trail. You can also connect it with the Tumbled Rock Trail and make a loop.

•  Devils Doorway

There are many different ways to get up to Devil's Doorway, I would say the more challenging would be from Potholes, Balanced Rock trails, or the East Bluff Trail. These hikes are steep and include many stairs. If your knees are up for it, definitely do it! An easier route would be from the East Wooded Bluff Trail. No matter which route you take, make sure you are well prepared. Know that there are no railings at Devils Doorway and the cliffs are extremely steep. Taking young, rambunctious children is not advised. Also make sure to wear proper shoes and watch the weather. The rocks can get slippery if it rains. 
Our favorite time to see Devils Doorway is at sunset. You definitely have to time it correctly and make sure to give yourself plenty of time to get there and stake out a spot for some spectacular views! Also bring flashlights for the hike back. I suggest coming back from the East Wooded Trail. This is much safer since you walk though the woods instead of near the steep cliffs. 

• Balanced Rock

Balanced Rock is a really neat rock formation that you can find on the Balance Rock Trail. Make sure to pay attention because it is off the path a bit and it is easy to pass up. 

• Potholes Trail

​On the South Shore you can take the Grotto Trail to the Pothole Trail. I would consider this trail difficult due to its steep elevation in stone steps. Near the top you will see naturally made potholes from ancient waters.

• Parfrey's Glen​

Parfrey's Glen was Wisconsin's first natural area. This is a nice wooded trail along a small stream. Years ago the trail continued through a mossy ravine that ended with a waterfall. Unfortunately, flooding though the years wiped out that trail. If you are up for a challenge you can go past the "Trail Ends Here" sign and make your own path though the ravine. I would suggest to wear waterproof hiking shoes or good hiking sandals because you will need to cross the stream a few times. Depending on water levels you may be able to hop rocks and stay dry. As you follow the ravine, the boulders will get bigger. Be creative and find a way over them. At the very end you will come to a small waterfall. I would say the waterfall isn't spectacular, but I love walking through the moss covered ravine! Just be careful because the rocks are damp and can be slippery. 

Nearby trails and rock formations

• Pewits Nest
• Natural Bridge