Headwaters Wilderness

Facility · Wisconsin ·

Managed by the USDA Forest Service

Nicolet National Forest (NF) · Open Access

1,678 ft
Elevation

Officially designated as a wilderness in 1984, this 18,000 plus acre wilderness is located 16 miles southeast of Eagle River, Wis. in Forest County. Portions of this area contain some of the largest and oldest trees in the forest. Kimball Creek, Shelp Lake and the Headwaters of the Pine River are major features within this Wilderness. The terrain is generally flat. Popular recreation uses in this Wilderness are hiking, bird-watching, hunting, fishing and studying nature.

Getting there

45.81458, -88.94790 · 45°48'52.5"N 88°56'52.4"W

Directions (Google Maps) · Directions (Apple Maps)

Typical weather

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F————————————
Low °F————————————
Precip in1.10.91.72.83.64.44.23.43.63.21.81.5

1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 10 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.

Map

Member photos

Common questions about Headwaters Wilderness

Can you reserve a site at Headwaters Wilderness?
No. Headwaters Wilderness is not reservable through Recreation.gov, so sites are first-come, first-served or booked elsewhere.

Camping near Headwaters Wilderness

Comments

Contact

Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-02-25.

Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.