The wonders of Wisconsin summers spent outdoors are calling to us. From Wisconsin State Parks to other protected land, Southern WI has a lot to offer in terms of outdoor adventures. Our real estate agents are delighted to share their favorite Wisconsin state parks near Dane County. 

• Cross Plains State Park - Cross Plains, WI 53528
  Located just west of Madison near several Cross Plains homes for sale, this landscape was scoured by glaciers during the last Ice Age. The park has become well known for its glacial landforms, which include a gorge carved by meltwater and expansive views across the glaciated terrain. Several hiking and mountain biking trails are available, and a future section of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail is planned for construction.
  
  
• Capital Springs Recreation Area - 3102 Lake Farm Rd, Madison, WI 53711
  Capital Springs Recreation Area spans 3,000 acres, of which 326 acres are designated as state park land. Opportunities for recreation abound, including a beautiful campground and 6 miles of hiking trails and boardwalks. The park also includes a boat launch and fishing access on Lake Waubesa, which is known for excellent panfish and largemouth bass fishing. Capital Springs Recreation Area is just minutes from Downtown Madison and a short drive from many Madison homes for sale.
  
  
• Governor Nelson State Park - 5140 Co Hwy M, Waunakee, WI 53597
  Located in Waunakee on the north shore of Lake Mendota, Governor Nelson State Park is one of the best state parks in Dane County for getting out on the water. The 422-acre park includes a sandy swimming beach, ample fishing access, and boat launch facilities on the 10,000-acre lake. It's a popular picnic spot on summer weekends, though visitors who want to beat the crowds might prefer to come on a weekday when the lake is quieter.
  
  
• Lake Kegonsa State Park - 2405 Door Creek Rd, Stoughton, WI 53589
  A popular destination for boating, sailing, canoeing, and kayaking, 3,200-acre Lake Kegonsa is the centerpiece of Lake Kegonsa State Park. The park includes boat ramps and an unguarded swimming beach on the lakeshore, along with picnic areas, fishing piers, boat rentals, and a pet swim area. Anglers often catch panfish, bass, pike, and walleye. Lake Kegonsa State Park also includes a campground for both tents and RVs for your next camping adventure near Stoughton homes for sale.
  
  
• Devil's Lake State Park - S5975 Park Rd, Baraboo, WI 53913
  The magnificent 500-foot quartzite bluffs of Devil's Lake State Park make this one of Wisconsin's most recognizable state parks. A major destination for hiking and mountain biking, the park boasts nearly 30 miles of trails, including a portion of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail. Devil's Lake State Park is also one of the most popular camping destinations in the region and offers three campgrounds with a total of 423 campsites. Rock climbing is a major draw here as well for visitors near Baraboo homes for sale.
  
  
• Blue Mound State Park - 4350 Mounds Park Rd, Blue Mounds, WI 53517
  Nestled amid a rugged landscape of unique geological features, Blue Mound State Park is home to 20-plus miles of hiking and biking trails that provide some of the most spectacular views in Dane County. Blue Mound State Park also offers some great camping options. In addition to a traditional family campground with 77 campsites, the park also includes 12 hike-in or bike-in campsites along the Military Ridge State Trail. Plus, don't miss the pool/splash pad.

Contact us today to learn more about outdoor adventures in Southern Wisconsin! And if you're thinking about moving to the Madison area, our real estate agents are dedicated to helping you find the perfect home for you and your family.