Blackjack Springs Wilderness

Officially designated as a Wilderness in 1978, this 5,800 acre area is located 7 miles northeast of Eagle River, Wis. in Vilas County. At Blackjack Springs, a series of four large, crystal clear springs form the headwaters of Blackjack Creek, in the midst of dense forest cover. This Wilderness contains diverse vegetation typical of the Lake Superior Highlands of northern Wisconsin. There is also a lake, three streams with associated spring ponds and wetlands in this area. People visit to fish, hunt, bike, canoe, and get up close to nature.

General Information

Wilderness Travel Tips

Here are a few tips designed to maximize your wilderness experience:

A detailed map and a compass are a must when venturing into the wilderness.
Make sure someone knows of your travel plans.
Plan to take plenty of bug repellent during the spring through fall seasons.
Take along a first aid kit.
Keep an eye on the weather and plan for the unexpected. Be aware that hypothermia may occur in any season.
Carry an adequate supply of safe drinking water - about one gallon per person per day. All stream or lake water must be properly purified before drinking.
Check yourself periodically for ticks. Deer ticks can carry Lyme disease. A deer tick is smaller than the common wood tick and reddish brown.
Store food properly to avoid animal problems. You can avoid problems with bears by hanging your food high above the ground between trees at night. Never bring food into your sleeping bag or tent!

Rules for "No Trace" Camping

Keep campfires small. Better yet - use a portable camp stove. If you decide to have a fire (campfires are permitted in the wilderness), gather small dead and down wood a good distance from camp. Before leaving camp, "naturalize" the area by scattering any rocks and wood you used to make a fire ring.
Carry out all your unburnable trash such as cans, foil, and glass. Buried trash soon becomes an eyesore as animals uncover it within a short period of time.
Dispose of human waste at least 100 feet from campsites, trails or waterways. Dig a shallow hole and cover. Nature will do the rest.
Carry wash water away from streams or lakes rather than washing in the stream or lake.
Avoid damaging live trees and plants. Minimize site alterations. Good camps are found not made.
Protect the solitude; make your camp out of sight and sound of trails and other camps.
Anything moved for comfort or convenience (such as rocks or logs) should be replaced before leaving.

When visiting, please keep in mind

The possession or use of motorized or mechanized equipment is prohibited. This includes all motor vehicles, bicycles, outboard and electrical motors, and any wheeled devise for transporting canoes, boats, or equipment.
Camping within 100 feet of water or the North Country National Scenic Trail is prohibited.
Camping is limited to 14 consecutive days.
All State of Wisconsin fishing and hunting regulations and license requirements apply in wilderness areas.
Erecting permanent hunting tree stands or ground blinds is prohibited.
Storing or leaving a boat, canoe, equipment, personal property, or supplies is prohibited.
Disposing of debris, garbage or other waste, except that which is burnable and disposed by fire, is prohibited.

Restrictions for all National Forest System lands can be found by visiting Title 36 Code of Federal Regulations 261. The Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest specific restrictions can be found on the Orders of the Forest Supervisor page.

Address: 1247 E. Wall St. Eagle River, WI 54521
Phone: 715-479-2827
Hours: Monday - Friday – 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (Closed on federal holidays)
Office Email: sm.fs.cnnfadmin@usda.gov