Devil's Lake State Park
Safety and Security

• Animals & Plants
• People
• Emergencies

Sharing the Park With Wild Animals and Plants

It is very important that park visitors do not feed any wildlife.

You may experience problems with natural bandits! Raccoons are plentiful in the camping areas and are experienced in taking advantage of unwary campers. Store all food in your vehicle at night and when you are away from the campsite. Raccoons have been seen working as a team to push a cooler from under a picnic table bench so they could open the top and raid the contents!

Other natural pests also may make their presence known. Mosquitoes will visit you in the cool evenings, but are rarely a significant problem. Ticks are plentiful in spring, summer and fall. Sometimes visitors may encounter feisty and territorial ground nesting bees. Your best bet is to simply give them lots of room. If you find some near your campsite or a public area, contact a ranger. Many people worry about rattlesnakes. There are a few at Devil’s Lake State Park, but they are very rarely encountered; consider yourself lucky if you get to see one. Just stay a few steps away, don’t bother the snake, and go around the snake and be on your way. You are more likely to see a northern water snake swimming around the lake’s edges. These fellows can be aggressive and protective, but are not poisonous.

Poison ivy and wild parsnip are found in many areas of the park; if you don't know how to identify these irritating plants, stop in at the Nature Center or ask a ranger.

Sharing the Park With Other People

Theft has not been a chronic problem at Devil's Lake State Park, despite the park's popularity. Nevertheless, rangers recommend that you lock your vehicles and your valuables at night and when your campsite is unattended. Rangers patrol the campground frequently; if you encounter noisy campers, suspicious activity, or anything hazardous to the public, contact any staff member.

In Case of Emergency

In case of an emergency when the park office is closed, phone 911. The Sauk County dispatcher who answers can contact park rangers, the county sheriff, ambulance, or fire department.

For campsite availability, call (888) WI PARKS ((888) 947-2757) or check the Web. For other information, ask Devil's Lake State Park, (608) 356-8301.