Winter at Devil's Lake State Park

Families often bring sleds, toboggans, or inner-tubes to enjoy the sledding hill that starts at the parking lot near the Nature Center, which is closed in winter, and ends in the Quartzite campground.

A park road on a snowy winter day.
DNR Photo

About 15 sites in the family campground is open for use all year round. Campers have built various snow-shelters, windbreaks, or even igloos when the snow is plentiful. Throughout the winter, the majority of campers are tent campers. On a winter weekend, you might share the campground with three to eight other adventurous campers. On a weeknight, you will probably have the whole campground to yourself!

Ski Trails

When there's enough snow, 5 miles of cross-country ski trails are open, with two different loops ranging from beginner to moderate for classic-style skiers. The ski trails start in the Steinke Basin meadow, then wind their way through oak, ash, hickory, and maple forests.

Some years, trails are skiable all winter from December through early March. Other years, there is not enough snow to even groom trails during the winter. Trails are not groomed or tracked on a daily basis. When time allows, park staff try to groom the ski trails after any major snowfall (plowing roads and parking lots comes first) and before all weekends.

Cross-country ski trails are designated for the use of skiers only. Hikers, pets, and snowshoers are not allowed on the cross-country ski trails when the trails are snow covered. Walking on the ski trails destroys the groomed surface needed for recreational skiing.

A trail pass is not required for cross-country skiing at Devil's Lake, but a vehicle admission sticker is required on all parked vehicles. Skis, snowshoes, sleds, and toboggans are not provided or rented at the park.

Ice Fishing

The lake freezes over for about three months each winter. The park does not monitor or measure the thickness of the ice on the lake's surface. Ice thickness and safety can vary from day to day, and from location to location. Use your best judgment about the safety of the ice. Northern pike are more commonly caught in the winter, and brown trout are plentiful if you can find where they are spending their time.

Other Winter Recreation

Hikers, snowshoers, or those with dogsleds or pets may explore several miles of trails that are not groomed for skiing. None of the park’s hiking trails are maintained or designated for winter hiking, but for those hardy and adventurous people looking for a winter challenge, hiking is allowed on trails that are not groomed for cross-country skiing.Those choosing to walk the trails must use their own judgment about the safety of trail conditions. Trails may be snow and ice covered, muddy, and slippery during the winter.

Be Prepared for Winter Emergencies

• Don't hike or ski alone.
• Tell a friend or family member where you are going and when to expect you back.
• Take a cell phone if possible.
• Wear layers so you can warm up or cool as needed.
• Take a first aid kit, flashlight, water bottle, high energy food, a trail map, and be prepared for unexpected snow or rain.

If you have an emergency, call the park, (608) 356-8301, or call 911 for the local sheriff's office or emergency medical service.

For more information ask:

Devil’s Lake State Park
S5975 Park Rd.
Baraboo WI 53913-9299
(608) 356-8301
(608) 356-4281 Fax