Where is Yellowstone Lake State Park?

The park is in Lafayette County, Wisconsin, on Yellowstone Lake. It is included within the Yellowstone Wildlife Area.

What kind of lake is Yellowstone Lake?

It is a 453-acre reservoir along the Yellowstone River. The river enters on the northwest side, and a man-made dike lies on the southeast side.

What facilities are available for families?

The park has a swimming area with a sand beach, picnic areas and playgrounds. Check current facility availability before visiting.

Can visitors camp overnight?

The park has 128 campsites and five group sites. Confirm availability, booking procedures and current camping requirements with the managing agency.

What does the adjacent wildlife area offer?

The Yellowstone Wildlife Area offers extensive horse trails and a shooting range. Confirm access, operating conditions and activity requirements before making either the focus of a visit.

Yellowstone Lake State Park & Wildlife Area

Located in Lafayette County, Yellowstone Lake State Park offers a mix of public hunting opportunities around its core recreation areas.

Plan a trip to Yellowstone Lake State Park & Wildlife Area

Region: Wisconsin
Country: United States
Best for: hiking, wildlife viewing, camping
Best season: Spring, Summer
Permits: Confirm current entry, camping, boating, f…

Plan with verified data

Yellowstone Lake State Park & Wildlife Area trip tools

Month by month Weather & climate Routes & trails Itineraries Permits & access Safety & hazards Wildlife Photos Plan a trip here

Tools for a trip here

Picked for how, when and where you're going. Free, no signup.

How to get there

The destination is in Lafayette County, Wisconsin, on the shore of Yellowstone Lake. Confirm driving directions to the specific park or wildlife-area facility before departure.

Yellowstone Lake State Park boat launch
Launch access to the 453-acre reservoir for boating and fishing outings.
Yellowstone Lake State Park swimming area
A sand beach for swimming visits, with picnic areas and playgrounds also available in the park.
Yellowstone Wildlife Area horse trails
Extensive horse trails in the wildlife area surrounding the park. Confirm the appropriate riding access before arrival.

Sources: Wikipedia · Wikivoyage. Confirm road and trailhead conditions with the managing agency before you leave.

Driving directions ↗Open on a map ↗Plan the drive in the Trip Planner

Wisconsin · United States · Season: Fall hunting seasons

Plan a trip to Yellowstone Lake State Park & Wildlife Area

Known for

Hunting
Mountaineering
Hiking
Wildlife Viewing
Safari
Canoeing
Fishing

Region

Wisconsin

Country

United States

Coordinates

42.7624, -89.9787

Best season

Fall hunting seasons

Activities

Hiking, Wildlife Viewing, Camping

Featured on

Top 10 Public-Land Bowhunting Units for Whitetails in the Driftless Area (#3)

Access point

Yellowstone Lake State Park, 8495 N Lake Rd, Blanchardville, WI 53516, USA

Overview

Located in Lafayette County, Yellowstone Lake State Park offers a mix of public hunting opportunities around its core recreation areas. The adjacent Yellowstone Wildlife Area significantly expands the hunting footprint, providing extensive timber and grassland for whitetails. The topography is rolling, with steeper sections giving way to more open fields, typical of the southern Driftless. This unit is popular, but its size allows for dispersal if you're willing to hike away from primary access points off County Highway F. Mature oak stands are present, offering critical food sources. Ideal season is early October for pre-rut patterns or the peak rut in November. Fitness level is moderate, with some uphill climbs. State park entrance fees apply, and Wisconsin hunting licenses are required. Expect competition, especially on weekends, but scout remote corners for undisturbed deer. Hazards include other hunters and potential for mild cattle grazing in some wildlife area sections.

Why it stands out

Combined state park and wildlife area offers significant acreage

Rolling hills and mixed hardwood forests

Proximity to Yellowstone Lake (water source)

Good mix of timber and agricultural edges

Opportunities for both stand and still hunting

Know before you go

State park vehicle entrance fees

Can experience high hunting pressure, especially near roads

Mixed-use area (fishing, camping, etc.)

Potential for domestic animal presence in some adjacent areas

Planning notes

Where: Wisconsin, United States Best season: Fall hunting seasons Good for: Hiking, Wildlife Viewing, Camping Featured on: Top 10 Public-Land Bowhunting Units for Whitetails in the Driftless Area (#3) Access point: Yellowstone Lake State Park, 8495 N Lake Rd, Blanchardville, WI 53516, USA

Check current permits, closures and fire restrictions with the managing agency before you commit to dates.

hikingwildlife viewingcamping

Field notes

Combined state park and wildlife area offers significant acreage
Rolling hills and mixed hardwood forests
Proximity to Yellowstone Lake (water source)
Good mix of timber and agricultural edges
Opportunities for both stand and still hunting

Where on earth

Satellite imagery flying in from a world view to Yellowstone Lake State Park & Wildlife Area, United States. Use the + / − buttons, or click the map to zoom with your scroll wheel; drag to pan and pinch to zoom on touch.

Coordinates

Decimal degrees: 42.7624, -89.9787
Latitude (DMS): 42° 45′ 44.6″ N
Longitude (DMS): 89° 58′ 43.5″ W

Open in Bing Maps Open in Apple Maps

Coordinates are an access-point reference for Yellowstone Lake State Park & Wildlife Area, not a route. Carry a paper map and confirm trailhead or put-in access with the managing agency before you go.

Loading live weather & climate for Yellowstone Lake State Park & Wildlife Area…

Topic summary

Located in Lafayette County, Yellowstone Lake State Park offers a mix of public hunting opportunities around its core recreation areas.

Key takeaways

Region: Wisconsin
Country: United States
Best season: Fall hunting seasons
Good for: hiking, wildlife viewing, camping
Coordinates: 42.762, -89.979

Intended uses

hiking
wildlife viewing
camping

Climate suitability

Fall hunting seasons

Keep planning

All destinations Meal Planner Gear Builder Pursuits

Popular pursuits at Yellowstone Lake State Park & Wildlife Area

Hunting
Seasons, tags, and the units that hold animals.
Mountaineering
Glacier and high-route objectives with real consequence.
Hiking
Day miles on marked trail, with route notes and trail links below.
Wildlife Viewing
Best light, best season, and where animals move.
Safari
Game drives and the seasons that concentrate animals.
Canoeing
Paddle routes, portages, and put-ins.

Animals around Yellowstone Lake State Park & Wildlife Area

Browse all wildlife guides →

A reservoir park in Lafayette County

Yellowstone Lake State Park sits on the shore of Yellowstone Lake in Lafayette County, Wisconsin. The 453-acre lake is a reservoir on the Yellowstone River, not a natural lake. The river, a tributary of the Pecatonica River, enters on the northwest side; a man-made dike holds the lake on the southeast side. That layout gives the destination two distinct settings: a developed lakeshore park for swimming, camping, picnicking and boating, and a much larger wildlife area with horse trails and a shooting range. The park is included within the 4,047-acre Yellowstone Wildlife Area. Choose the lakeshore for a facilities-based outing, or plan around the wildlife area's trails if horseback riding is the main purpose of the visit.

Beach, boating and fishing

The park's swimming area has a sand beach, with picnic areas and playgrounds providing options for time away from the water. A boat launch supports outings on the reservoir, while anglers have several species to consider: bluegill, largemouth bass, walleye, channel catfish, northern pike and muskellunge. Plan fishing around the species sought rather than assuming the same approach suits the whole lake. The southeast dike and its dam are important features to recognize when orienting around the reservoir. At the southern end of the dike, a narrow steel catwalk crosses the dam; fishing from that catwalk is not allowed. For a mixed day with swimmers and anglers, keep swimming activities separate from hooks, tackle and boat movements.

Camping and the surrounding wildlife area

The park has 128 campsites and five group sites, making an overnight stay an option alongside a shorter beach or fishing visit. Match the camping plan to the activities that matter most: lakeshore recreation within the park, or horseback riding in the surrounding wildlife area. The adjacent wildlife area is described as roughly 4,000 acres and offers extensive horse trails as well as a shooting range. These are different uses, so confirm the appropriate access and layout before setting out rather than treating every path as interchangeable. For camping, bring shelter and clothing suited to the weather, plus drinking water and food for the planned stay. For riding, establish a suitable trail plan before arrival.

Route options

Yellowstone Lake boating outing
Use the park's boat launch for an outing on the reservoir. Choose the extent of the trip to suit conditions and the boat; this is not a specified marked route.
Yellowstone Wildlife Area horseback outing
Plan a ride using the wildlife area's extensive horse trails. Confirm trail layout and suitable access before choosing a route.

Sample itineraries

Yellowstone Lake Beach and Picnic Day · 1 day
Spend a day beside 453-acre Yellowstone Lake in Lafayette County. Plan around the sand beach and swimming area, with a picnic and playground time. Anglers can target the lake’s listed game fish; fishing is not allowed from the narrow steel catwalk at the dam.
Camping and Lake Outings · 2 days
Use the campground as a base for beach time, picnicking and fishing. Bring a boat to use the launch, or keep the trip shore-based. The park has 128 campsites and five group sites. Confirm campsite availability and facility access before planning an overnight stay.
Lake and Horse-Trail Weekend · 2 days
Combine a day at Yellowstone Lake with a horseback outing in the adjacent Yellowstone Wildlife Area, which offers extensive horse trails. Arrange riding equipment and confirm trail access beforehand. Keep the lake day flexible for fishing, swimming or a picnic.

Seasonal conditions

Spring

Spring; confirm current conditions before travel

Plan lake outings around water temperature and weather rather than air temperature alone. Check horse-trail conditions and campground access before committing to a riding or overnight trip.

Summer

Summer; confirm facility availability

The swimming area, sand beach, picnic areas and boat launch support a water-focused visit. Carry drinking water and sun protection, and adjust boating or swimming plans when weather changes.

Fall

Fall; confirm current access

Bring layers for time beside the lake and check the forecast before boating or riding. Verify campground and facility availability rather than assuming summer services continue.

Winter

Winter; verify access and lake conditions

Do not assume the reservoir is safe to cross if frozen. Confirm available facilities and access before departure, and bring insulation suitable for exposed time along the shore.

Season	Window	Conditions
Spring	Spring; confirm current conditions before travel	Plan lake outings around water temperature and weather rather than air temperature alone. Check horse-trail conditions and campground access before committing to a riding or overnight trip.
Summer	Summer; confirm facility availability	The swimming area, sand beach, picnic areas and boat launch support a water-focused visit. Carry drinking water and sun protection, and adjust boating or swimming plans when weather changes.
Fall	Fall; confirm current access	Bring layers for time beside the lake and check the forecast before boating or riding. Verify campground and facility availability rather than assuming summer services continue.
Winter	Winter; verify access and lake conditions	Do not assume the reservoir is safe to cross if frozen. Confirm available facilities and access before departure, and bring insulation suitable for exposed time along the shore.

Permits, fees & closures

Confirm current entry, camping, boating, fishing, riding and shooting-range requirements with the managing agency.

Confirm current permits, fees, and closures with the managing agency before you go.

Hazards & regulations

Yellowstone Lake is a reservoir. Wear a properly fitted life jacket when boating and supervise children closely near the swimming area and shore.
The dam at the southern end of the dike has a narrow steel catwalk. Take care when crossing; fishing from it is not allowed.
The adjacent wildlife area includes a shooting range. Stay clear of firing areas and follow posted safety directions.
Expect horses on the wildlife area’s horse trails. Give riders space and avoid sudden movements around horses.
Weather changes can make lake outings unsafe. Check conditions before launching and return to shore if conditions deteriorate.

What to pack for Yellowstone Lake State Park & Wildlife Area

Lake and Beach

Properly fitted life jackets for boating
Swimwear and towel
Sun protection
Drinking water
Waterproof storage for essentials

Camping and Picnicking

Tent and weather-appropriate sleep system
Rain gear and insulating layers
Food and secure storage containers
Headlamp
Trash bags

Activity-Specific Gear

Fishing tackle suited to the intended species
Riding helmet and appropriate footwear for horseback outings
Eye and hearing protection if using the shooting range
First-aid kit

Build this list in the gear builder →

Yellowstone Lake State Park & Wildlife Area FAQ

Where is Yellowstone Lake State Park?: The park is in Lafayette County, Wisconsin, on Yellowstone Lake. It is included within the Yellowstone Wildlife Area.
What kind of lake is Yellowstone Lake?: It is a 453-acre reservoir along the Yellowstone River. The river enters on the northwest side, and a man-made dike lies on the southeast side.
What facilities are available for families?: The park has a swimming area with a sand beach, picnic areas and playgrounds. Check current facility availability before visiting.
Can visitors camp overnight?: The park has 128 campsites and five group sites. Confirm availability, booking procedures and current camping requirements with the managing agency.
What are the boating and fishing options?: A boat launch provides lake access. Fish include bluegill, largemouth bass, walleye, channel catfish, northern pike and muskellunge. Fishing is not allowed from the steel catwalk crossing the dam.
What does the adjacent wildlife area offer?: The Yellowstone Wildlife Area offers extensive horse trails and a shooting range. Confirm access, operating conditions and activity requirements before making either the focus of a visit.