Devils Lake Group Camp, Merrimac, WI

Wisconsin, known for its stunning natural landscapes and abundant outdoor opportunities, offers a diverse range of camping experiences. Among the most sought-after destinations for those looking to connect with nature in a group setting is Devils Lake Group Camp. Nestled in the picturesque surroundings of Merrimac, WI, this campground provides an ideal base for exploring the iconic Devils Lake State Park, renowned for its dramatic quartzite bluffs, pristine lake waters, and extensive trail system. Whether you’re planning a family reunion, a large gathering of friends, or a memorable outing for your organization, Devils Lake Group Camp is designed to accommodate and enhance your outdoor adventure in the Badger State. Its commitment to providing essential amenities within a breathtaking natural setting makes it a standout choice for both seasoned campers and those new to the joys of Wisconsin’s wilderness.

Devils Lake Group Camp is situated in Merrimac, WI 53561, USA. This prime location places it right within the heart of Devils Lake State Park, one of Wisconsin's most visited and cherished natural treasures. The accessibility of the campground is one of its significant advantages. Located just a short drive from major Wisconsin cities like Madison, Milwaukee, and even Chicago, it offers a convenient escape into nature without requiring an extensive journey. Access to the campground is straightforward, with well-maintained roads leading directly to the park entrance and the group camp area. The group campground is specifically located about 0.5 miles east of the South Shore entrance of Devils Lake State Park, offering a convenient 15-minute walk via the Group Camp Trail to the South Shore day-use area and beach. This proximity also places it at the head of the CCC trail, making it a convenient base for climbing groups. Once inside the park, visitors will find clear signage directing them to the various group campsites. Its proximity to Devils Lake itself means that campers have immediate access to a wealth of recreational activities, from swimming and fishing in the lake to rock climbing on the towering bluffs. The park's well-developed infrastructure, including visitor centers and clear trail markers, further enhances the ease of navigation and enjoyment for all visitors, ensuring a seamless and stress-free arrival at your outdoor home away from home.

Devils Lake Group Camp is designed to facilitate a comfortable and enjoyable group camping experience, offering a range of services tailored to the needs of larger parties. While it embraces a rustic charm, essential amenities are provided to ensure a memorable stay. Here are the key services offered:

Designated Group Campsites: The campground features nine dedicated group campsites, thoughtfully laid out to accommodate varying group sizes. These sites are the cornerstone of the Devils Lake Group Camp experience, providing ample space for tents and group activities.
Picnic Tables: Each group campsite is equipped with several picnic tables, offering convenient surfaces for meal preparation, dining, and communal gathering. This amenity is crucial for group organization and enjoyment.
Fire Rings: Every site includes a dedicated fire ring, perfect for campfires, cooking over an open flame, and evening s'mores sessions. These fire rings provide a central point for group interaction and traditional camping experiences.
Relatively Flat Tent Areas: The campsites offer flat-ish areas, ideal for setting up multiple tents comfortably and securely. This thoughtful design ensures a more pleasant sleeping arrangement for all campers.
Shared Shower Facilities: There is one set of modern showers located in the center of the group camp area, featuring individual stalls. These facilities provide the convenience of a refreshing shower after a day of hiking or activities, though some long-time visitors have noted that more frequent cleaning would be appreciated.
Toilet Facilities: Restroom facilities, including flush toilets, are provided for campers in the central shower building. Additionally, accessible vault (pit) toilets are available within walking distance from some of the sites. These are essential for basic hygiene and convenience during your stay.
Water Access: While individual sites do not have water or electricity hookups directly at each lot, potable water is available from hand pumps located within walking distance from the campsites. Running water for drinking and other uses is also available at numerous taps scattered throughout the broader family and group camp areas within the state park.
Proximity to Devils Lake State Park Amenities: The group camp's location within Devils Lake State Park grants easy access to additional park amenities such as extensive hiking trails (including direct access to the CCC trail), climbing areas, lake access for swimming and fishing, and concession stands or visitor centers at the North and South Shores. These concession stands offer hot food, refreshments, groceries, ice, and basic camp items.

Devils Lake Group Camp stands out for several key features and highlights that contribute to its enduring popularity among Wisconsin outdoor enthusiasts. These elements combine to create a truly unique and memorable camping experience:

Exceptional Natural Beauty and Views: The primary highlight is its unparalleled location within Devils Lake State Park, offering truly amazing hiking opportunities and breathtaking views of the 500-foot-high quartzite bluffs and the pristine lake. Campers are surrounded by dramatic scenery, providing a stunning backdrop for any outdoor activity.
Dedicated Group-Oriented Layout: The campground is specifically designed for groups, offering a collection of nine distinct lots that cater to different capacities. This focus on group accommodation is a significant advantage for large parties.
Variety of Site Sizes: The availability of sites like "Lot Number One" (G1), which is the largest and can host up to 60 people, alongside "Lot Number Five" (G5) accommodating up to 40 people, and seven other sites (G2, G3, G4, G6, G7, G8, G9) allowing up to 20 campers each, provides flexibility for various group sizes, making it suitable for everything from large family reunions to smaller organizational outings.
Ample Space Per Site: Each site, whether large or small, provides generous space, including several picnic tables and a fire ring, ensuring that groups have ample room to spread out, organize activities, and enjoy their private camping area. The "flat-ish area for all the tents" ensures comfortable setup, and sites are often heavily wooded, offering shade and a natural feel.
Immersive Outdoor Experience: The rustic nature of the sites, generally lacking water and electricity hookups directly at each lot, encourages a more traditional and immersive camping experience, allowing groups to truly disconnect and appreciate the natural environment.
Long-Standing Popularity and Tradition: As evidenced by campers returning for "close to 20 years," Devils Lake Group Camp has built a reputation as a cherished annual tradition for many. This speaks to the consistent quality of the outdoor experience it offers, creating lasting memories for generations of campers.
Access to Premier Hiking Trails: The direct access to the extensive and diverse hiking trails of Devils Lake State Park is a major draw. From challenging climbs on the East Bluff Trail (leading to iconic spots like Balanced Rock and Devil's Doorway) to more leisurely strolls, the park offers trails for all skill levels, all easily accessible from the group camp.
Proximity to Water Activities: Being located within Devils Lake State Park means easy access to the lake for swimming at designated beaches (South Shore beach is a 15-minute walk via Group Camp Trail), fishing, and non-motorized boating (canoeing, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding). Concessions near the lake shores offer rentals for watercraft, enhancing recreational opportunities.

While Devils Lake Group Camp is renowned for its popularity and often requires early booking, specific ongoing promotions or special offers are not typically advertised in the same way as private commercial campgrounds. Its value proposition primarily lies in its prime location within Devils Lake State Park and its dedicated group camping facilities at a reasonable state park fee. However, savvy planners can consider the following when looking for value:

Advance Booking for Prime Dates: Although not a "promotion," securing your reservation up to 11 months in advance, especially for popular weekends, holidays, or "Lot Number One," is the best "special offer" available. Reservations for Wisconsin State Park campsites, including group sites, can be made exactly 11 months ahead of your planned stay, and popular dates fill up almost instantly. Missing this window means missing out on the opportunity altogether due to high demand.
Off-Peak Season Camping: While the busiest times are in high demand, considering a visit during the shoulder seasons (late spring or early fall) or even mid-week during the summer can offer a more tranquil experience with potentially easier reservation access. While rates remain consistent, the less crowded environment can feel like an added benefit for those seeking more solitude and a greater connection with nature.
Utilize State Park Passes: For frequent visitors to Wisconsin State Parks, purchasing an annual Wisconsin State Park Pass can lead to significant savings over individual daily entrance fees, especially for groups with multiple vehicles. For Wisconsin residents, an annual pass is currently $28.00 (as of 2025), with a reduced rate of $15.50 for additional vehicles registered to the same household. Daily passes are $13 for Wisconsin residents. This is an excellent way to reduce overall costs for park access, which is required in addition to the campsite fee.
Group Size Optimization: While sites accommodate up to 20, 40, or 60 people, optimizing your group size to fit within the designated capacity of a single site can be a cost-effective strategy. The nightly fees for group sites vary based on the number of people, with rates like $40 for 1-20 people, $60 for 21-30 people, $80 for 31-40 people, $100 for 41-50 people, and $120 for 51-60 people. Dividing this cost among a larger group makes it a very economical option for an incredible experience compared to needing multiple smaller sites at other locations or having to split your group.

It's important for potential campers to monitor the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) website for any official announcements regarding state park fees, reservation policies, or occasional special events that might be hosted within Devils Lake State Park itself. While direct discounts on group camp reservations are rare, the value is consistently high due to the location and amenities provided for group settings.

For inquiries and reservations related to Devils Lake Group Camp, please use the following information:

Address: Merrimac, WI 53561, USA. The group campground is located about 0.5 miles east of the South Shore entrance of Devils Lake State Park.
Phone (Devils Lake State Park Office): (608) 356-8301. For general park information or specific questions not covered by the online portal, you can contact the Devils Lake State Park office directly.
Reservations: All Wisconsin State Park campsite reservations, including Devils Lake Group Camp, are handled through the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) online reservation system. You can also make reservations by calling toll-free 1-888-WI-PARKS (1-888-947-2757). The call center operates during extended hours from May 1 to October 31 (9 a.m.-11 p.m. CST daily) and more limited hours from November 1 to April 30. It is highly recommended to plan your trip well in advance, as reservations often need to be made up to 11 months ahead of your stay, especially for the larger sites and during peak seasons.

Please note that the Wisconsin DNR website is the most reliable source for the most current contact details, operating hours for park offices and facilities, and reservation procedures. Same-day reservations are possible online or via phone and do not incur a reservation fee, but availability will be extremely limited.

Devils Lake Group Camp is an exceptional choice for locals throughout Wisconsin for numerous compelling reasons. Its unique blend of accessibility, capacity, and an unparalleled natural setting makes it an ideal destination for a wide array of group activities and celebrations. For Wisconsin residents, the convenience of a relatively short drive to Merrimac means less travel time and more time spent enjoying the outdoors, making it perfect for weekend getaways or even extended stays without the hassle of long-distance travel. The campground's design, specifically tailored for larger groups with multiple picnic tables, fire rings, and spacious tent areas per site, addresses a critical need for families, friends, and organizations looking to gather in a shared outdoor experience. Whether it's a multi-family camping trip, a youth group outing, a corporate team-building retreat, or a milestone celebration, the group sites offer the necessary infrastructure and space to accommodate everyone comfortably and affordably.

Beyond the practicalities, the true allure for locals lies in its integration with the iconic Devils Lake State Park. This provides immediate access to some of Wisconsin's most stunning natural attractions, including challenging hiking trails with breathtaking panoramic views (such as those leading to Balanced Rock and Devil's Doorway), opportunities for technical rock climbing, and the serene beauty of Devils Lake itself for swimming, fishing, and kayaking. These activities are not just recreational; they foster a deeper appreciation for Wisconsin's natural heritage and provide memorable experiences that strengthen bonds and create lasting memories. The rustic nature of the camp, while lacking individual water and electricity hookups at each site, encourages a genuine connection with nature and a traditional camping ethos that many locals cherish. While some operational aspects like shower cleanliness have been noted in reviews, the overwhelming sentiment from long-time patrons who have been returning for decades underscores the inherent value and cherished traditions forged at Devils Lake Group Camp. It remains a beloved local gem, offering an authentic and unforgettable Wisconsin outdoor adventure that truly embodies the spirit of the state’s natural beauty and communal spirit.