Picnic Areas and Shelters
Devil's Lake State Park
There are large picnic areas on both the north and south shores of Devil's Lake. Each area has tables, drinking water (in season) and grills.
Each shelter has electricity and tables. Shelter capacities vary from 40 to 100 people. Some park facilities and services (buildings, water, restrooms, concessions, camping areas) are closed during the off-season.
Red Oak shelter
The Red Oak Shelter is the largest shelter at Devil's Lake State Park. This enclosed shelter is near the lakefront, adjacent to the south shore concession. The Red Oak Shelter is managed by the Devil’s Lake Concession Corporation. To reserve the Red Oak Shelter, please email the concessions manager.
All other shelters are reserved through the Wisconsin State Parks Reservation System.
South shore shelters
South Shore Day Use Area map [PDF]
Reservable shelters
Shelters are available for rental from mid-April through Columbus Day.
Reserve a shelter online.
White Pine/Telephone Pioneers Association (TPA) shelter
This shelter is just south of the south shore contact station near the playground area.
Shagbark shelter
This shelter is at the south shore day-use area near the basketball court and playground area.
White Oak shelter
This shelter is at the south shore day-use area near the parking lot farthest to the west near the lakefront and the south shore boardwalk.
Red Cedar shelter
Open shelter in the south shore day-use area, near the pine trees, railroad tracks and Balanced Rock trailhead.
White Birch shelter
This open-sided shelter is in the south shore picnic area near the beach, concessions, restrooms and the Balanced Rock trailhead.
South shore non-reservable shelters
Tamarack shelter
Open shelter in the south shore day use area, on the lakefront near the east bluff.
- Electric lights but no outlets.
- A large 3 x 3 grill.
- Accessible for people with disabilities.
- Accessible public restrooms; no showers.
North shore shelters
North Shore Day Use Area map [PDF]
Reservable shelters
Shelters are available for rental from mid-April through Columbus Day.
Reserve a shelter online.
Rock Elm/CCC shelter
This shelter is on the north shore just east of the Chateau on the lakefront.
Non-reservable shelters
Sugar Maple shelter
This shelter is on the north shore west beach near the Tumbled Rocks Trail.
- No outlets or electric lights.
- Accessible public restrooms, no showers.
- Individual halves separated by public restrooms.
- A large 3 x 3 grill on each side.
Off-season shelter use
Shelters are not reservable from the Tuesday after Columbus Day through Mid-April. Restrooms may be closed and water supply may be turned off anytime from October through April. Parking areas may not be plowed in the winter season.
Devil's Lake Shelter rules
In addition to the general day-use facility rules, there are some specific rules for the shelters at Devil's Lake.
- Shelter hours at Devil's Lake State Park are limited to 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.
- Candles and open flames are not allowed in any of the shelter buildings except in the designated fireplaces.
- Electrical use at all reservable shelters is limited. Outlets are easily overloaded with multiple uses.
- Weddings are allowed at Devil's Lake State Park. Dressing rooms are not available, other than public restrooms.