Wilderness Areas

The seven wilderness areas offer primitive backcountry recreation in non-motorized areas of the forest. Totaling about 10% of the forest, or 30,000 acres, the wildernesses contain some of the most beautiful but rugged and remote areas of the forest. No permits are required to enter or camp in designated wilderness, but there are special restriction for these areas (see below).
Obtaining detailed trail maps is highly recommended before entering wilderness as well as proper planning and precautions before and during your visit. The information and links on this page will help make your wilderness visit a safe and fun experience.
- Bald Knob Wilderness
- Bay Creek Wilderness
- Burden Falls Wilderness
- Clear Springs Wilderness
- Garden of the Gods Wilderness
- Lusk Creek Wilderness
- Panther Den Wilderness
Wilderness Information
At a Glance
Current Conditions: | Stock use closure is currently in effect for Garden of the Gods, Lusk Creek and Bay Creek wildernesses. Dates and details of closure. |
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Operational Hours: | Open year round wilderness areas offer opportunitites for exploration and discovering for visitors seeking a primitive and non-motorized recreation experience. Most wilderness offer small trailhead parking areas that allow overnight parking. |
Reservations: | No reservations are required. |
Rentals & Guides: | Current list of permitted Outfitter/Guides |
Area Amenities: |
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Permit Info: | No permits are required. |
Restrictions: |
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Information Center: | Forest Headquarters (618) 253-7114 |
General Information
Directions:See individual wilderness webpages for driving directions to wilderness trailheads. In the right side-bar click on Find An Area then Wilderness Areas.
Parking:
Overnight parking allowed at wilderness trailheads. Most trailheads are gravel some are dirt surface. Some are large enough to accommodate stock trailers. Some trailheads have vault toilets. See individual wilderness webpages for more details and directions to the trailheads.
General Notes:
Camping in Designated Wilderness:
Primitive camping is free and allowed ¼ mile outside campgrounds and picnic areas. Campers may camp up to 14-days continuous stay, but no permanent structures may be built. Camping is not allowed in the 80 designated natural areas or within 150 feet of lakes and streams or near trails. Equestrian camping is not allowed in designated Wilderness. No permit is required for camping in wilderness.
Primitive Camping Rules:
- Don’t trespass on private land.
- Do not cut down live trees, shrubs or other vegetation.
- Camp at least 150 feet from any water source.
- Pack out your garbage.
- Burn dead and down trees only.
- Make sure campfires are completely out.
Trail Maps:
Detailed trail maps for each side of the forest are sold through Friends of the Shawnee nonprofit. To order online go to the Friends of the Shawnee's Store. You can also purchase the trail maps at one of our three offices located in Harrisburg, Vienna or Jonesboro. Click here for hours of operation.
Safety:
Be aware wilderness areas are remote areas where you could face inherent risks of adverse weather conditions, isolation, physical hazards, and lack of rapid communications. Search and rescue may not be as rapid as expected.
In case of emergency call 911.
Activities
Dispersed Camping
Areas for Dispersed Camping at Wilderness Areas
River and Stream Fishing
Areas for River and Stream Fishing at Wilderness Areas
Day Hiking
Areas for Day Hiking at Wilderness Areas
- Bald Knob Wilderness
- Burden Fall Wilderness
- Clear Springs Wilderness
- Lusk Creek Wilderness
- Panther Den Wilderness
Backpacking
Areas for Backpacking at Wilderness Areas
Horse Riding
Areas for Horse Riding at Wilderness Areas
Small Game Hunting
Areas for Small Game Hunting at Wilderness Areas
Viewing Wildlife
Areas for Viewing Wildlife at Wilderness Areas
Viewing Scenery
Areas for Viewing Scenery at Wilderness Areas