Northern Lights Campground

- Park Headquarters, S5975 Park Rd, Baraboo, WI 53913

For Wisconsin residents seeking an authentic and engaging outdoor experience, Northern Lights Campground, nestled within the breathtaking Devil's Lake State Park in Baraboo, WI, offers a prime destination. This campground provides a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the natural wonders of one of Wisconsin's most beloved state parks. Whether your ideal getaway involves peaceful evenings by a campfire, adventurous days exploring scenic trails, or simply a chance to reconnect with nature, Northern Lights Campground serves as an excellent base for all your outdoor pursuits.

Devil's Lake State Park is a jewel in the Wisconsin State Park system, drawing visitors from far and wide with its dramatic quartzite bluffs, crystal-clear lake, and extensive recreational offerings. As one of the primary camping areas within this iconic park, Northern Lights Campground provides direct access to these unparalleled natural attractions. It’s a place where the fresh air and stunning landscapes rejuvenate the spirit, offering a welcome respite from the everyday. We understand that local Wisconsinites value convenience and quality when planning their outdoor excursions, and this comprehensive guide aims to provide all the crucial details to ensure your visit to Northern Lights Campground is as smooth and enjoyable as possible.

From the moment you start planning your trip, understanding the nuances of the campground can significantly enhance your experience. Northern Lights Campground, with its mix of open and wooded sites, including the notable availability of wooded electric sites, caters to a variety of camping preferences. While popular, and sometimes busy, its appeal lies in its direct connection to the expansive Devil's Lake State Park. This article will delve into the campground's strategic location, the array of services it offers, its distinctive features, and essential contact information, helping you prepare for an unforgettable Wisconsin camping adventure.

Northern Lights Campground is conveniently located at Park Headquarters, S5975 Park Rd, Baraboo, WI 53913, USA, placing it firmly within the boundaries of Devil's Lake State Park. This location is particularly advantageous for Wisconsin residents, as Baraboo is easily accessible from major cities like Madison and Milwaukee. The relatively short travel time means you can spend less time commuting and more time enjoying the picturesque surroundings of the park.

The campground is about 0.50 miles from the Devil's Lake North Shore, with connector trails providing direct access to the beach, Nature Center, and other popular day-use areas. This proximity allows campers to easily walk or bike to the lake for swimming, sunbathing, or enjoying the concession facilities. For those arriving by vehicle, the access from Park Road is straightforward. However, it's worth noting that Devil's Lake State Park is incredibly popular, especially during peak season. Reviewers have highlighted that the park can be crowded, and booking far in advance, "like several months," is highly recommended to secure a site at Northern Lights Campground. While some past campers have noted challenges with site leveling and grass height, it's important to remember that campsite conditions can vary, and reviewing specific site details before booking can help manage expectations and ensure a smoother setup for your tent or RV.

Northern Lights Campground, as part of a well-established state park, offers a range of essential services designed to make your camping experience comfortable and convenient.

• Campsites: The campground boasts 71 electric sites and a number of non-electric sites, totaling 71 sites overall. It offers a mix of open and wooded areas, with Northern Lights being the only campground within Devil's Lake State Park where you can find wooded electric campsites. Sites are generally equipped with a picnic table and a metal fire ring for cooking and campfires.

• Restroom and Shower Facilities: The campground features a modern, though noted by some as "small," shower building. Additionally, three of the four shower/restroom buildings in Devil's Lake State Park were historically built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, adding a touch of rustic charm. These facilities are generally maintained to provide essential hygiene services.

• Potable Water: Running water for drinking and other uses is available at numerous taps scattered throughout the family and group camp areas within the park, with some taps also including drinking fountains. Note that running water buildings are closed and taps are turned off seasonally, typically from about October 15 to April 15, depending on temperatures.

• Dump/Fill Station: A dump/fill station is available within Northern Lights Campground, providing convenient services for RV campers to dispose of wastewater and refill fresh water tanks. This service is free for registered campers, though it's important to remember that dump stations are closed during the off-season to prevent freeze damage.

• Playground: A playground is conveniently located near site 140 within the campground, offering a dedicated space for children to play and enjoy their time outdoors.

• Firewood Sales: Bundles of firewood are typically available for sale at the camp store or the North Shore Chateau, ensuring you have what you need for those quintessential campfires. Natural wood from the forest that is both dead and on the ground may also be gathered for use.

• Accessibility: Two sites within Northern Lights Campground are available for people with disabilities, ensuring broader accessibility for all visitors.

Northern Lights Campground stands out due to several key features and highlights that contribute to its popularity among Wisconsin campers:

• Wooded Electric Sites: This is a significant highlight, as Northern Lights is the only campground at Devil's Lake State Park that offers wooded sites with electrical hookups, providing a more natural and shaded camping experience while still having the convenience of electricity.

• Historic Charm: Being the oldest campground at Devil's Lake State Park, opened in 1939, and featuring shower/restroom buildings built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, adds a unique historical dimension to your stay.

• Proximity to Devil's Lake Attractions: The campground is roughly half a mile from the North Shore day-use picnic area and beach, making it easy to access the lake for swimming, boating (electric motors only), kayaking, and enjoying the park's main facilities like the Chateau and Nature Center.

• Extensive Trail Access: Campers at Northern Lights have direct or very close access to Devil's Lake State Park's vast network of 29 miles of hiking trails. This includes popular routes that lead to the famous bluffs and offer spectacular views of the lake and surrounding landscape.

• Family-Friendly Amenities: The presence of a playground within the campground caters to families with children, ensuring there are recreational options for younger campers.

• Variety of Site Environments: While some sites are wooded, others are more open, allowing campers to choose a site that best suits their preference for shade or sun exposure, depending on the season and their camping style.

• Busy and Vibrant Atmosphere: While some may see the crowds as a drawback, for many, the popularity of Devil's Lake State Park means a lively and engaging atmosphere with many fellow outdoor enthusiasts. Reviewers mention it's "always crowded" but that people are "very respectful of quiet hours," suggesting a community feel. However, this also means booking "waaaaaaay in advance" is crucial.

As part of the Wisconsin State Park system, Northern Lights Campground's pricing and any potential special offers are generally consistent with state park policies, rather than individual campground promotions. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) manages reservations and fees for all state parks.

Direct promotional discounts on campsites are not typically offered by state parks. However, visitors must purchase a vehicle admission sticker to enter Devil's Lake State Park, which can be done daily or annually. An annual pass, priced at $40 (as noted by a past reviewer, though prices can change), is highly recommended for Wisconsin residents who plan to visit any state park multiple times within a year, offering significant savings compared to daily passes.

Reservations for campsites at Northern Lights Campground are highly recommended and often necessary, especially during peak seasons (May through October and summer weekdays), as the park is very popular. Reservations can be made up to 11 months in advance online through the Wisconsin DNR's reservation system or by calling 1-888-WI-PARKS (1-888-947-2757). While there isn't a "promotion" in the traditional sense, booking early ensures you get your desired site, particularly the coveted wooded electric sites, which are often the first to be reserved.

For inquiries about Northern Lights Campground or to make reservations, you will generally interact with the Devil's Lake State Park office or the statewide Wisconsin DNR reservation system.

Address: Park Headquarters, S5975 Park Rd, Baraboo, WI 53913, USA

Phone: (608) 356-8301 (Devil's Lake State Park Office)

For campsite reservations, it's most efficient to use the Wisconsin DNR's online reservation portal or call their toll-free reservation line: 1-888-WI-PARKS (1-888-947-2757). The call center operates during specific hours (e.g., 9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. CST on Mon-Wed, 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. CST on Thu-Fri, and 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. CST on Sat-Sun). It's advisable to check the DNR website for the most current operating hours and any holiday closures. Remember that cell reception can be spotty within the park, so securing your reservation before arrival is highly recommended.

For Wisconsin residents, Northern Lights Campground at Devil's Lake State Park stands as an exceptionally suitable destination for a wide array of outdoor adventures. Its convenient location in Baraboo means less travel time and more precious moments spent enjoying the natural beauty that our state is famous for. This accessibility makes it ideal for everything from spontaneous weekend getaways to well-planned family vacations, offering a remarkable escape without venturing far from home.

The unique blend of Northern Lights' features, particularly its sought-after wooded electric sites, caters to diverse camping preferences, providing the comforts of modern amenities within a more secluded, natural setting. This is a significant advantage for those who appreciate the tranquility of the woods but still rely on electricity for their camping setup. Being an integral part of Devil's Lake State Park further elevates its appeal, granting immediate access to world-class hiking trails, stunning bluffs, and the beautiful lake itself, perfect for swimming, boating, and fishing. These natural assets ensure there's always an activity to suit every interest and energy level, from vigorous rock climbing to serene birdwatching.

While the popularity of the park means booking well in advance is a must, and some sites may present minor leveling challenges, the overall experience at Northern Lights Campground is consistently positive, marked by well-maintained facilities and a vibrant, yet respectful, camping community. Choosing to camp here not only offers an incredible personal experience but also supports the preservation and maintenance of our cherished Wisconsin State Parks. It’s an opportunity to create lasting memories, reconnect with nature, and appreciate the outdoor wonders right in our own backyard. For any Wisconsinite looking for an authentic, engaging, and conveniently located camping adventure, Northern Lights Campground awaits.

Northern Lights Campground

Park Headquarters, S5975 Park Rd, Baraboo, WI 53913, USA