Can I Bring My Dog To Devil's Lake State Park?
Dog people really like their dogs, and we want to take our pups everywhere we go. Outdoor spaces like Devil’s Lake can provide fantastic opportunities to play, exercise, and explore with our dogs. Just like any other public locale, it’s important to understand in advance what hiking trails, swimming areas and public use areas are dog-friendly and what spots you should avoid.
Dog Etiquette and Rules at Devil’s Lake
DLCG Instructor Lauren invites her dog Mila out on off-season days to less-traveled crags
Use a leash. According to the Wisconsin DNR, dogs at Devil’s Lake State Park must be leashed at all times, unless you’re in an official off-leash area. Yes, even your dog who is gentle and friendly and has perfect recall. While many folks love dogs, there are plenty of park guests and other dog owners who really prefer your dog stay on its leash.
Clean up after your pet. This should go without saying. And yet, dog poop often litters trails and picnic areas at the Park. If you’re going to bring Sparky to Devil’s Lake (or any public outdoor space, really), take responsibility for picking up after him when nature calls.
Pack out dog waste. Devil’s Lake State Park does not provide doggy bags, and trash cans are few and far between. When we hike with our dogs, we like to bring a small pack with snacks, water, and extra baggies. We use a pack with mesh side pockets, so the dog’s business stays separate from the rest of the gear.
Control your dog. Devil’s Lake can be a busy place, which means there is plenty of noise, traffic, and activity, especially in popular areas like South Shore Beach or Balanced Rock Trail. If your dog is aggressive, nervous, or excitable, steer clear of the most well-travelled trails, especially on weekends. Don’t allow your dog to approach people uninvited, jump on fellow trail-users, or interfere with other people’s personal belongings.
Make sure your dog is up to date on vaccines and has an identification tag. This is especially important in case your dog gets lost at Devil’s Lake.
Dog beaches & picnic areas at Devil’s lake
The main beach areas at the North and South Shores are off-limits to pets, which is in the best interest of human and canine park goers alike. On summer weekends, the beaches are packed with kids and adults running, playing catch, and picnicking; adding dogs to the scene would create undue chaos.
Red circles indicate the approximate location of Devil’s Lake’s dog-friendly swimming areas
However, if you can’t bare to visit the beach without your dog, don’t despair. There are three official swimming areas where dogs are allowed, and plenty of other shoreline along the Lake’s east and west shores to explore with your dog.
For off-leash swimming, there’s a small dedicated dog beach and swimming area near the southwest corner of Devil’s Lake. This area is the only place in the park where dogs can swim off-leash.
Closer to the South Shore Beach area, there’s an on-leash swimming and beach area where dogs are allowed. You can find it by heading west along the path until it becomes a boardwalk.
Along the North Shore, there’s a pet-friendly picnic area east of the Chateau, and an on-leash swimming area near the North Shore Boat Launch.
You can also find great spots to hang out with your dog along the Tumbled Rocks trail on the west shore of the Lake, or along the railroad tracks on its east side. Be aware that both of these areas experience frequent hiker traffic.
Hiking With Your Dog at Devil’s Lake
Choose quieter trails. Avoid Devil’s Lake’s more popular trails during holidays and on weekends, especially in the summer months. Instead, take advantage of some of the park’s less traveled trails through the woods or prairie. The East Bluff Woods Trail, Johnson Moraine Trail, and Steinke Basin Loop are relatively friendly options, and you will likely enjoy a more immersive nature experience.
Chose terrain appropriate for your dog. Of the most popular trails, the Tumbled Rock Trail and Grottos trail offer the gentlest trekking, suitable for smaller or less adventurous pups, or for anyone desiring a less strenuous hike. The Balanced Rock Trail, CCC Trail, and Potholes Trails are the steepest, and many dogs struggle to find their way up the steep rock steps. The East and West Bluff Trails, which ascend to the tops of their respective bluffs, are a little more dog friendly, as they rely more on sustained inclines, rather than large stairs to ascend.
Camping with Your Dog at Devil’s Lake
Leashed, supervised, and well-behaved dogs are welcome at all of Devil’s Lake’s campgrounds.
The Northern Lights, Ice Age, and Group Campgrounds offer the best options for shady sites for warm summer days, while the Quartzite Campground is your best chance for sunny lounging during the shoulder seasons. However, you can find sunny or shady sites in nearly all of Devil’s Lake’s campgrounds. If a particular amount of sun or shade is important to you, you can get a decent idea of the sites via Google Earth (or just by taking a drive, if you’re able).
Never leave your dog unattended at your campsite or in your vehicle. Unattended pets may be confiscated by Park rangers.
Crag Dogs at Devil’s Lake Climbing Areas
Dogs are popular companions among rock climbers, but manners are even more important in climbing areas. At Devil’s Lake, best practice is to leave your dog at home or at doggy daycare. While the routes at Devil’s Lake are sublime, the base areas tend to be small and busy - not ideal spaces for dogs. If you bring your dog along on your climbing outing, you’re exposing them to many of the same risks you yourself face, such as falling objects and loose rock.
If you’re climbing with us, please make alternate arrangements for your dog, as we do not allow dogs on guided adventures. Besides, leaving your dog at home allows your group to focus on learning, managing risk responsibly, and making memories.
If you must bring your pup along for your personal climbing endeavors, choose a lesser-traveled climbing area. Avoid the East Rampart and Balanced Rock areas, in particular.
Climbers should keep dogs leashed at all times, and make sure they can’t roam near the trail or wander up to any other climbing parties. Dog urine damages ropes and other soft goods, so do not allow your dog to relieve himself on or near climbing equipment. In fact, it’s best to keep your dog away from climbing gear generally; no one wants a dog stepping on their rope or their lunch.
Finally, be aware of the noise your dog makes at the crag. Keep in mind, the ideal amount of dog barking is zero. A whining or barking dog can make it hard for a climber to communicate with their belayer and compromises safety. Noisy dogs are a nuisance at best, and a danger at worst.
What If My Dog Gets Lost at devil’s lake?
Losing a dog is a nightmare for any pet owner. The best solution is prevention, so hopefully you’ve stacked the odds in your favor. Use an ID tag on your pet’s collar with your contact information on it, and have your pet microchipped and registered.
If your dog somehow manages to slip his leash, try to stay calm. Stay in the area and try to call your dog back. Dogs can sense stress in your voice, so do your best to sound at ease. If your pup is food motivated, try to lure him back with treats or the crinkling of food packaging.
Notify nearby folks for help. Give them instructions for what to do if they see your dog. They need to know whether to try to call your dog, lure him with treats, or grab ahold of him if he’s friendly enough to approach. Most people will try to chase a lost dog. If that’s not a good idea, make sure to tell them not to run after him.
If things get serious, call the Sauk County Humane Society at (608) 356-2520. The Humane Society is the most likely place for your dog to turn up if someone else finds him roaming in or near the Park.
Pet Care Near Devil’s Lake State Park
One of the best ways to explore Devil’s Lake with your furry friend is to plan time to explore with your dog, and also some time for doggy-free exploration. Take advantage of one of the quality pet care options near Devil’s Lake so you can check out the beaches or the busy trails without worrying about whether your pup is up for it.
For doggy daycare or overnight boarding, try The Dog House Pet Resort in Baraboo, Pet Retreat in Wisconsin Dells, or Pampered Paws in Wisconsin Dells.
| Business | City | Website | Phone | Directions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pampered Paws | Wisconsin Dells | Visit | pamperedpawspetresort@yahoo.com | (608) 254-7387 | Map |
| Pet Retreat | Wisconsin Dells | Visit | wisconsindellspetretreat@gmail.com | (608) 253-6000 | Map |
| The Dog House | Baraboo | Visit | thedoghouseinbaraboo@gmail.com | (608) 356-DOGS | Map |
If you prefer a less conventional option, choose from dozens of pet care providers on Rover.com.
If your furry friend should need veterinary care while you visit Devil’s Lake, the nearest vet clinics are Baraboo Valley Veterinary Clinic and Hill-Dale Veterinary Care. If you have an after-hours emergency, the VCA Veterinary Emergency Service Center in Middleton, WI, is the nearest 24-hour pet clinic.
