About Blackbeard Island Wilderness
The Blackbeard Island Wilderness now contains a total of 3,000 acres and is managed by the Fish & Wildlife Service. All of the Wilderness is in the state of Georgia. In 1975 the Blackbeard Island Wilderness became part of the now over 110 million acre National Wilderness Preservation System. In wilderness, you can enjoy challenging recreational activities and extraordinary opportunities for solitude. In an age of "...increasing population, accompanied by expanding settlement and growing mechanization,..." you play an important role in helping to "...secure for the American people of present and future generations the benefits of an enduring resource of wilderness" as called for by Congress in the Wilderness Act of 1964. Please follow the regulations in place for this area, and use Leave No Trace techniques when visiting to ensure protection of its unique natural and experiential qualities.Regulations:Motorized equipment and equipment used for mechanical transport are generally prohibited on all federal lands designated as wilderness. This includes the use of motor vehicles (including OHVs), motorboats, motorized equipment, bicycles, hang gliders, wagons, carts, portage wheels, and the landing of aircraft including helicopters, unless provided for in specific legislation. In a few areas some exceptions allowing the use of motorized equipment or mechanical transport are described in the special regulations in effect for a specific area. Click here for additional regulations or contact the agency.Contact Information:U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICESavannah Coastal Refuges Complex1000 Business Center Drive, Ste 10Savannah, GA 31405Phone: 912-652-4415Fax: 912-652-43858 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday thru Friday. Closed Federal holidays.
How to Get There
Click here to see where Blackbeard Island Wilderness is on a map. Blackbeard Island is accessible only by boat. Transportation to the island is not provided by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Arrangements for trips to the refuge can be made through local boat captains and marinas. Please contact the Savannah Coastal Refuges Complex headquarters at (912)652-4415 or savannahcoastal@fws.gov for more information. A public boat ramp on Harris Neck NWR (Barbour River Landing) may also be used as a launching site for trips to the island. From the Barbour River ramp, Blackbeard Island NWR is 18 nautical miles.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →Plan Your Visit to Blackbeard Island Wilderness
Heading to Blackbeard Island Wilderness? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Blackbeard Island Wilderness?
No central reservation system listed for Blackbeard Island Wilderness. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/12789) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Blackbeard Island Wilderness?
Click here to see where Blackbeard Island Wilderness is on a map. Blackbeard Island is accessible only by boat. Transportation to the island is not provided by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Arrangements for trips to the refuge can be made through local boat captains and marinas. Please contact the Savannah Coastal Refuges Complex headquarters at (912)652-4415 or savannahcoastal@fws.gov for m…
How do I contact Blackbeard Island Wilderness?
You can reach the park at phone: (843) 784-2468 or email: savannahcoastal@fws.gov.
References & Official Resources
