In 1895, a Wisconsin lumberman by the name of A.D. Johnston purchased 80 acres (32 ha) of land at the south end of Clark Lake with the intent to cut the large pines located there.

He soon invited friends, many of whom were equally impressed and so moved to purchase adjacent lands, and after some time the Sylvania Club was formed, with fishing, hunting, and hiking being the main focus.

The owners built lodges and cabins on the larger lakes, and the area became an exclusive resort for a small number of affluent and influential guests.

There are 50 designated campsites in 29 locations throughout the wilderness, each with rudimentary amenities such as outdoor toilets, tent pads, pack racks (for keeping foodstuffs out of reach of wildlife), and fire-grills.

[1] Wildlife abounds in the park, with white-tailed deer, black bear, grey wolves, porcupines, bobcat, beaver, otter, coyote, fox, bald eagle, loon, osprey, and many others.