Devils Lake State Park Overnight
Details
Introduction: Celebrate our 11th season with us on another overnight bike camping trip! Devils Lake State Park has long been Wisconsin's most popular State Park, but we will enjoy its beauty late in the fall with fewer people and at a quieter campground. We'll push off on the outskirts of Middleton/Madison and meander through the countryside with some rolling hills and a few to moderate climbs before we meet the Highway 12 bike path and cross the Wisconsin River into Sauk City. In town, we can replenish at Kwik Trip or the local cafe before heading north on the Great Sauk Trail. We'll use the scenic, rustic way to the park. On the return, we'll head east before crossing on the historic Merimac Ferry, where ice cream can be had after we cross. We'll go past Gibraltar Rock for an optional hike before heading to the beautiful town of Lodi, where services are plentiful. We'll finish the tour riding on Lodi-Springfield Road, a group favorite over the years, as we pass the IAT.
We hope to see you there!
Cost: $10 pre-registration fee within 5 days of sign-up.
$40 for 3 participants; $35 for 4; $30 for 5.
Skill level: Intermediate
Length: Day 1: 36± mi, Day 2: 36± (72± total). Each day may be a little shorter or longer, depending on the number of optional stops.
Terrain: Approx. 75% paved road, 20% Paved Trail, 5% unpaved. Mostly rolling hills with a few moderate climbs and flat farm topography. Elevation Difficulty: 6 out of 10
Parking: Middleton Park and Ride. 4400 Parmenter St, Middleton, WI 53562
Time:
9:00 a.m. arrival, 9:30 a.m. departure
Route: Devils-Lk_O/N - PRELIMINARY. Not for download; I'll take a pass about a week before the event to check for road closures, etc.
Food Options: Please see route. There is a dinner option near the campground and a bike path to Baraboo for more services.
Amenities: *Shower, water, hiking trails.
*May be seasonal.
Pre-ride tips: Organize and pack your gear several days in advance, tune up your bike if necessary, and take your packed bike for a short ride around the block. Does it feel balanced? These few steps will help you feel more confident on the morning of departure.
A highly recommended video for a Lightweight Bike Touring Setup:
The Best Lightweight Bike Touring Setup
The 'Discussion' section contains more videos and tips on bicycle touring.
Final Notes: Riders must have signed the 2026 Waiver and Contact Form.
⚡ E-bikes are welcome, but please reach out before reserving to ensure we can provide adequate service and that goals align. ⚡
Helmets, lights, proper nutrition, and hydration are all encouraged. A minimum of two 16 oz. bottles of water and two energy bars daily are good starting points. Participants should be prepared to ride the entire route at their own pace. Please inform the leader if you abandon the ride or deviate significantly from the intended course.
We will cancel at least 2 hours in advance if weather conditions are poor. Please be courteous to the organizers by RSVPing only if you intend to attend and keep your RSVP up to date. This is for the small minority - most of you are great, but repeated no-shows occupying valuable spots may result in your ban from the group. We reserve the right to replace it with a similar event or cancel due to a lack of interest, current events, or poor trail or road conditions.
Suggested Yearly Donation: $25
