wisco road trip

hey ya‘ll

my buddies and I are looking to do a climbing/camping trip through wisconsin, mainly looking at devils lake and necedah, but none of us have ever planned a camping or climbing trip on our own. 

does anyone have recommendations of good camping spots we could stay at that are near necedah or devils lake? trip will probably only be around 4 days, we’re from the metro of MN so its not crazy far. 

again, none of us have ever planned something like this so any sort of insight would be really helpful. 

thanks!

There’s a number of good private campgrounds in the area around Devil’s Lake. Green Valley and Skillet Creek are the most popular. You can reserve online. Otherwise, the Group Campground inside Devil’s Lake State park is a good option. It’s also walking distance from the CCC trailhead which takes you to the East Rampart where the highest concentration of quality climbing is

At Necedah, most folks camp at Buckhorn State Park.

What time of year are you planning to go? Most of the campgrounds are shut down until March at this point 

When I lived in Chicago we used to camp at Rocky Arbor if we couldn't get a site at Devil's Lake.

You should just go south to Jackson Falls/the Holies, Giant City instead though.

Garrett Hopkins wrote:

There’s a number of good private campgrounds in the area around Devil’s Lake. Green Valley and Skillet Creek are the most popular. You can reserve online. Otherwise, the Group Campground inside Devil’s Lake State park is a good option. It’s also walking distance from the CCC trailhead which takes you to the East Rampart where the highest concentration of quality climbing is

At Necedah, most folks camp at Buckhorn State Park.

What time of year are you planning to go? Most of the campgrounds are shut down until March at this point 

probably in june-august. were all high school seniors so college will be coming around. 

There are multiple WI State Parks with camping in the area.  That is a VERY busy time of year so  make your reservation NOW.  https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/camping

Professor Watermelon wrote:

There are multiple WI State Parks with camping in the area.  That is a VERY busy time of year so  make your reservation NOW.  https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/camping

is there any blm land near or would sp’s be the best bet?

Parks will be your best bet. There's much less BLM land east of the mississippi, and there are a good number of parks very nearby Devil's Lake.

Be prepared for humidity and the quartzite to feel really, really slick that time of year as a heads up.

Luca DeMeglio wrote:

probably in june-august. were all high school seniors so college will be coming around. 

Cool. Spring can offer some good climbing temps if it isn’t raining as well.

I’d recomend Green Valley Campground. It’s the cheapest option. Owners are great people. You can either reserve online or just call and leave a message for Ms Donna.

Swing by Wildside Action Sports in Baraboo when you come in to town. Either me, Jimmy The Fox, Audrie, or Jeff V can give you some beta on where to climb. It’s also a great spot to meet other climbers

Garrett Hopkins wrote:

Cool. Spring can offer some good climbing temps if it isn’t raining as well.

I’d recomend Green Valley Campground. It’s the cheapest option. Owners are great people. You can either reserve online or just call and leave a message for Ms Donna.

Swing by Wildside Action Sports in Baraboo when you come in to town. Either me, Jimmy The Fox, Audrie, or Jeff V can give you some beta on where to climb. It’s also a great spot to meet other climbers

sick man!! thanks for letting me know. we’ll swing by for sure

Luca,

Man, y'all are gonna have a blast. I remember my first overnight trip to the Lake as a high school senior. My best advice is to write a journal about everything leading up to, during, and after the trip. Take lots of photos. Savor every moment - it's later than you think. Have fun, and be safe.

Cheers,
James

Make sure to reserve at least 6 months in advance for devils lake

James Schroeder wrote:

Luca,

Man, y'all are gonna have a blast. I remember my first overnight trip to the Lake as a high school senior. My best advice is to write a journal about everything leading up to, during, and after the trip. Take lots of photos. Savor every moment - it's later than you think. Have fun, and be safe.

Cheers,
James

This guy knows 

Garrett Hopkins wrote:

This guy knows 

Ha! Thanks, Garrett.