Yellowstone Lake State Park
RV Guide
Introduction
Are you looking to combine great recreational activities and a peaceful stay in the great outdoors? Yellowstone Lake State Park offers all that and more for RV lovers who make the trip to the park. Located in Lafayette County, Wisconsin, the park is made up of 968 acres and includes a 455-acre human-made lake.
The lake is one of the few in southwestern Wisconsin, so it is a very popular recreational area all year round. Fishing, swimming, and boating can all be enjoyed during the summer, while cross-country skiing, ice fishing, and snowmobiling around the trails in the park are popular during the wintertime. There are nine picnic areas in the park, along with a large picnic shelter that is available for rent. Hunting is also allowed during the designated seasons in the open areas of the park. The neighboring Yellowstone Wildlife Area also offers additional recreational activities, including horse trails, and a shooting range.
The camping on offer for RV travelers at Yellowstone Lake State Park is very high quality. With 128 sites, many of which are shaded, 108 are reservable, and 38 have electrical hookups. Peak season in Yellowstone Lake State Park runs from April through to November.
RV Rentals in Yellowstone Lake State Park
Transportation
Driving
Just an hour away from both Madison, Wisconsin, and Dubuque, Iowa, Yellowstone Lake State Park is conveniently located within Lafayette County in southwest Wisconsin. Two roads give direct access to the park entrance (Country Highway F and North Lake Road) that run to the west and just above the lake.
The town of Fayette is closest to the park at around four miles away. This town is quite small, so if you need supplies, you might need to look to Argyle in the southeast (which is around 11.5 miles away) or Blanchardville to the northeast (which is approximately nine miles away).
The roads in and around the park are mostly flat, so you shouldn't have any trouble accessing the park. There are limited overhanging branches, so the risk of damaging your RV will be at a minimum. During the wintertime, the park does get a lot of snow, so if you plan on visiting during the off-season, make sure you call ahead to the park office to see if it will be open.
Parking
Additional parking is available at the park near the picnicking areas and the campground. During the busy summer months, these lots can fill up quickly, so its a good idea to bring the bikes along in the rig to get back and forth from the campground.
Public Transportation
Campgrounds and parking in Yellowstone Lake State Park
Campsites in Yellowstone Lake State Park
Reservations camping
Yellowstone Lake State Park Campground
Yellowstone Lake State Park has one campground available for RV lovers to use during their stay at the park. The campground is noted for being quite peaceful and offers large, shady sites that are gravel and have a good distance between each one. The campground roads are wide, so you should be able to navigate to your site successfully without getting stuck. The campground is on the larger side and contains 128 sites, 108 that are reservable, and 38 that have electrical hookups. Each site is equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring. Water collection points, vault toilets, a playground, extra parking, a dump station, flush toilets, and showers are all amenities that are available within the campground. Pets are also permitted, but they must be leashed at all times. You should have no trouble getting cell reception on all of the major networks when you are staying in the campground. Reservations are available for Yellowstone Lake State Park Campground during the peak months, and the campground is closed from December until the start of April.
Alternate camping
Tent Camping
If you're looking to leave the campervan behind for a night or two, Yellowstone Lake State Park offers over 100 sites that are available for tent camping. At each site, guests will find a fire ring and a picnic table, and nearby facilities include vault toilets, flush toilets, showers, and water collection points. Pets are permitted so long as they are leashed at all times. The campground is open from April through December, and reservations can be made in advance.
Group Campground
For those camping with a large group, there are five group campsites available at Yellowstone Lake State Park. Each site can accommodate up to 25 campers and five vehicles. Campers will find fire rings and picnic tables at their site, along with toilets, showers, additional parking, water filling stations, and a playground nearby. Reservations are available from April to December, and pets are allowed as long as they are leashed.
Off-Site Campgrounds
If you couldn't find an available spot to park the RV at Yellowstone Lake State Park, there are several alternative options located nearby. New Glarus Woods State Park sits just 35 minutes to the east and offers 18 primitive sites for small rigs. Blue Mound State Park is also 35 minutes from the park, this time to the north, and has a bit more to offer for RVers. Here, guests will find 77 RV friendly sites able to accommodate rigs up to 80 feet, and some sites are equipped with electric hookups.
Seasonal activities in Yellowstone Lake State Park
Off-Season
Winter Recreation
When the winter hits and the park becomes a winter wonderland, you can take advantage of these snowy conditions and get out on the trails. Cross-country skiing is a favorite winter activity in the park, and five miles of trails are specially groomed for skiers. If snowmobiling is more your thing, seven miles of snowmobile trails traverse the park. If you finish those trails and are looking for more, some routes may be used as connector trails with the Lafayette County snowmobile trail system. If you are riding, make sure you have a current Wisconsin snowmobile pass visible. You'll need to bring your winter gear along in the motorhome, as the park does not offer rentals of any kind.
Hunting
During the designated hunting season from mid-November to mid-December, hunting and trapping are permitted in designated areas of Yellowstone Lake State Park. You can double-check which areas allow for hunting on the park hunting information map. Common species found in the park include deer, waterfowl, squirrel, and turkeys. Make sure you check-in at the park office before you begin hunting and make sure that you have a hunter's license, and you wear the appropriate orange safety gear.
Hiking
If you're ready to stretch your legs after a long ride in the Sprinter, Yellowstone Lake State Park has more than 13 miles of hiking trails for you to explore and enjoy. The main trailhead is located at the bottom of Campground Hill Road and is an excellent hike for people of all skill levels. Be aware that there will be unprotected cliffs on some of the trails, so make sure you stay away from the edges. You may also find steep climbs or descents. Ask at the park office what difficulty level the trail you want to explore is, and the staff will provide guidance.
Biking
If you brought the bikes along in the Airstream, there are over four miles of off-roading trails available for mountain biking at Yellowstone Lake State Park. The Oak Grove Trail, Savannah Loop Trail, and Windy Ridge Trail are all open to bikers. These trails present steep hills along rolling terrain, and the Windy Ridge Trail offers scenic, ridgetop views. Riding is also allowed along the park roads, but bikers should be aware of motorized vehicles and pedestrians also using the road.
In-Season
Fishing
Yellowstone Lake is a high-quality fishing location and an excellent place for anglers of all ages. The lake is teeming with crappies, walleye, bass, bluegill, channel catfish, muskies, and northern pike. If you require fishing supplies or tackle, you can borrow some free of charge from the park office. Make sure to check out the specific regulations for fishing when you are at the park, as they differ from standard Wisconsin law.
Boating
If you want to get out on the lake during your RV trip to Yellowstone Lake State Park, then you are in luck. Yellowstone Lake is a whopping 455-acres and is a popular spot for boaters in the summertime. If you bring your own boat along, you can head to one of the three boat launching ramps located along the lake. If you didn't bring your own, fear not. Boat rentals are available during the summertime on the east end of the lake, along with a concession stand should you need any other supplies.
Swimming
Cooling off by the water is a favorite pastime for visitors camping at Yellowstone Lake State Park. The lake has a beautiful designated sandy swimming beach that is available for you to use free of charge during your stay. Along with the beach, there is also a bathhouse located nearby, so you won't be a water rat once you have finished your swim. No lifeguards are on duty at the beach, so take precautions when you are swimming.
Picnicking
With nine designated picnicking areas scattered around the park, you'll be able to enjoy a lakeside meal with a view. If you're planning a party, reunion, or get together of any kind, a picnic shelter equipped with electricity is located on the west side of the lake and can be reserved in advance. For a more intimate picnicking experience, stay near the camp and enjoy your lunch beside the pop-up. Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring.
