Exceeding max of people at Devil's Lake Campgrounds?

Hey everyone,

So, I'm hosting a Meetup Climbing group at Devil's Lake this weekend, and running into some logistical issues. I booked a 6 person site (we had 4 people confirmed at the time), but now more have added on and we are more in the range of 6-8 people. I tried switching to a group site, but they're all booked. Does anyone know what happens if you exceed the max? We are willing to "make it work" with the extra people, but I'm worried that we will get fined or something. Does Anyone know what happens?

Your biggest red flag would be the number of cars at the campsite. If you don't exceed the number of cars and you aren't causing a ruckus, the ranger's won't notice/care to notice. Hope everything works out.

Also, try to carpool. Good luck.

Haha, good point, Chris. I'm not necessarily announcing my plans to break the rules as much as I am trying to clarify them - are the numbers regulations, or recommendations? It could just be that the space is only really suitable for so many people. Also, cars could definitely be an issue; what happens if 6 people drive different cars??

They are regulations. And there is a maximum of two cars per campsite.

dnr.wi.gov/topic/parks/camp…

That being said, the previous comments are some sage advice.

That's odd...if a site can fit 6 people but only 2 cars, where are the others supposed to park if we drive separately?

Car pool Ted, save the environment man!

They also have a few over flow parking spots you can use in the campgrounds for issues just like that.

Park all over the site, cram as many folks around a raging bon-fire as you can, toss large flaming logs into the air, throw copious amounts of empty swill cans on the ground and scream "fuk-nes now" repeatedly at the top of yer lungs when the Rangers show up! When asked to show an ID claim you don,t have one ,And then run off into the NITE! At least that,s the way we use to go about it. Did I forget to mention puking? DLFA.

Ted Pinson wrote:That's odd...if a site can fit 6 people but only 2 cars, where are the others supposed to park if we drive separately?

At the last car-camping state park I visited, the claimed "6 person" sizing was a rather optimistic number, especially if everyone had their own tent. "6 people, if 4 are children and all share a tent" seemed to be what it really meant. Your park may vary, of course.

powhound84 wrote: There are lots of other lots down around the lake that you can park at and carpool up. Keep in mind that every car that parks in the park needs a sticker. They are $25 for the year for WI plates, $35 for out of state. I don't really know of any lots that aren't owned by the park. I think some of the camping areas also have additional parking areas.

You can leave cars overnight at those lots?
Lol@steve
Wish I could, Jon! Don't worry, I bike to work and only use cars like 1-2 times a month for climbing trips. :0

Hope you folks are planning to share tents. A typical campsite at the Lake will hold two, maybe three, tents. Use the overflow parking for extra cars.