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Camping at Devils Lake July 4th weekend

Original Post
runout · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Jun 2013 · Points: 30

Apparently all campsites at DL has been reserved for the long weekend. Where else can we stay?

Also, how do people lead the routes? I know you are suppose to build an anchor. So do you lead a pitch, build an anchor, belay from top, walk off?

Or do you build an anchor before you set off, lead, lower off the pitch, have your partner clean and walk off?

Thanks

alpinejason · · Minneapolis · Joined Apr 2010 · Points: 176

If you build an anchor beforehand you're less likely to have somebody toss a top rope on you while you're half way up.

Depending on where you go I've used both methods. If it's a popular route you may want to build the anchor first or it may already have a rope hanging on it. If that's the case chatting with the owner of the rope may allow you to climb through. You may use their anchor if both parties are comfortable with it, or build your own.

Otherwise if you're off in obscurity just build the anchor as you finish the route.

LLeoj · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Jun 2015 · Points: 0

DL is a shit-show on the weekends.... Good luck!

James Schroeder · · Fort Collins, CO · Joined May 2002 · Points: 3,166

Despite powhound84 having heard rumors to the contrary, Wheeler's is a great place to stay, and the owners are anything but assholes. Marc and Lollie are great, generous people who run a quiet, family campground on private property. If you're looking for a place to loudly party the night away, then you won't want to stay there (and Marc and Lollie won't want you to stay there either). If you're looking for a quiet place to stay with well cared for, clean amenities then Wheeler's is an excellent choice.

All of that said, I'd guess you'll have a hard time getting a reservation at Wheeler's at this point too (most places are probably full for the 3-day weekend). You could check Mirror Lake State Park between Baraboo and the Dells, it's a little less popular than DLSP and you might luck out.

Sean Peter · · IL · Joined Aug 2013 · Points: 105

Here's a link to a list of some of the private campgrounds around- But I second the mirror lake option. Pretty darn close - Ive never had trouble getting a spot there…. but it is the 4th of July….
And there's always somewhere you can climb at the lake for sure- even on the weekends- even on the 4th. Just maybe don't head for the super popular areas (then you won't need to worry about building an anchor first to claim your climb either)
devilslakeclimbingguides.co…
Oh- also another vote that the Wheeler folks are actually very cool. Just be very cool with them. They do tend to be very engaged in their place - and like to meet everyone. I think they are just protective of a peaceful atmosphere. Think of it more like being a guest at their place rather than an anonymous camper using a service. Different from some other campgrounds in that respect.

Rebecca Li · · Bellingham, WA · Joined Apr 2015 · Points: 6

I second the vote for Wheelers - they should still have a couple spots left, and if not, they'll have good suggestions of where to go. No online reservations, ring them at (608) 356-4877.

In the Devil's Lake State Park office, they also have a list of other campgrounds nearby. I didn't take a picture of it so I don't know the list, but if you're really in a pinch you could go check it out.

Joel Allen · · La Crosse, WI · Joined Mar 2014 · Points: 265

If you get desperate you can go to Double KD Ranch campground. It's kinda sketchy. Don't expect to shower there either. But they pretty much always have room, they just let you setup where ever you can fit and its cheap. About ten minutes away from the lake. Not a family place IMO. But just show up, no reservation needed.

Apparently there is some super secret free camping beta if you know the right people, but I don't know those people :(

alpinejason · · Minneapolis · Joined Apr 2010 · Points: 176

I've had a bad experience at wheelers and won't recommend them to others. I'd plug green Valley campground only slightly further away.

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

Midwest
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