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Water

Established Camping

Sylvania (clark Lake) Campground

Sylvania (Clark Lake) Campground, near Watersmeet, Michigan, is a fantastic spot for those looking to immerse themselves in nature while enjoying some modern comforts. With sites that allow for tents, RVs, and even glamping, it caters to a variety of camping styles.

This campground is known for its beautiful hiking trails, particularly the scenic trek around Clark Lake, which offers stunning views and a chance to spot some local wildlife. Visitors have raved about the cleanliness of the facilities, including the flushing toilets in certain loops, and the overall peaceful vibe that makes it easy to unwind. One camper noted, “The bathrooms were kept clean, and the views of the forest from every campground were beautiful and private.”

If you’re into fishing or just want to relax by the water, the nearby lake provides a great spot for both. While some areas may get busy on weekends, weekdays tend to be much quieter, making it a perfect escape for those looking to recharge. Just remember to pack your essentials, as the nearby town has limited options and higher prices.

With its mix of natural beauty and comfortable amenities, Sylvania (Clark Lake) Campground is a solid choice for anyone wanting to enjoy the great outdoors without sacrificing too much comfort. Whether you're hiking, fishing, or just soaking in the scenery, this campground has a little something for everyone.

Description

National Forest

Ottawa National Forest

Overview

Sylvania (Clark Lake) Campground is located seven miles southwest of Watersmeet, Michigan, adjacent to the 18,327 acre Sylvania Wilderness Area. This 48-site campground provides a home base for visitors who venture into the wilderness on day outings. Also a great camping area in general or overnight camping just 5 minutes off Highway U.S. 2. Some electrical sites available, pressurized toilet facilities and an RV Dump and Water Station. Some sites are reservable but there are always sites available on a first come first serve basis as well!

Recreation

Sylvania's abundant lakes provide plentiful non-motorized boating, canoeing, kayaking and fishing opportunities. Other popular activities include hiking and viewing wildlife.

Natural Features

The old-growth forests and pristine lakes in the region provide habitat for a wide range of animal and plant life, including rare orchids, bald eagles, loons and osprey. The wilderness contains 34 named lakes, some with sandy beaches and others surrounded by record-size red and white pines. The Ottawa National Forest is comprised of nearly one million acres and is located in the western reaches of Michigan's Upper Peninsula. The forest's rolling, forest covered hills extend from the south shore of Lake Superior to the Wisconsin border. Lakes, rivers and waterfalls are found throughout this beautiful landscape.

Nearby Attractions

Bond Falls located about 20 minutes North East. Porcupine Mountains located about 1 hour North West. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore located about 2 hours North East. Keweenaw Peninsula is located about 1.5 hours North.

Fee Info

No daily fee is required unless you leave the campground and park, launch, or use facilities at the Clark Lake Beach and Picnic Area, Clark Lake Canoe Launch, or Crooked Lake Canoe Launch. Use of these locations requires a daily $5.00 per vehicle fee, or a season pass for $30 per vehicle. The season pass covers Lake Ottawa Recreation Area, Sylvania Recreation Area, and Black River Harbor Recreation Area.

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Location

Sylvania (clark Lake) Campground is located in Michigan

Detail location of campground

Directions

From Watersmeet, MI, take US 2 west approximately 3.5 miles to County Road 535, turn left onto County Road 535 and travel approximately 3.5 miles to the Sylvania Wilderness Recreation Area entrance on left.

Coordinates

46.2446333 N
89.3100306 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Hike-In
    Backcountry sites.
  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Good
  • Verizon
    Unknown
  • AT&T
    Unknown
  • T-Mobile
    Unknown

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group
  • Tent Cabin

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Firewood Available
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • Drinking Water
  • Electric Hookups
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Sanitary Dump
  • Water Hookups
  • 30 Amp Hookups
  • Big Rig Friendly

Reviews

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5.0

out of 5

6 Reviews

Reviewed Sep. 25, 2024

Quiet and beautiful

We stayed for 3 nights. Lovely old and second growth trees. Bear and Wolf precautions, please. Hiking was good, fishing was good.

Site9
Month of VisitSeptember
Reviewed Aug. 30, 2023

Great hiking trails nearby

2 day stay in mid august was absolutely lovely (bring bug spray). -> gorgeous hikes nearby (hiking around Clark lake is an 8-10 mile trek that’s gorgeous the whole way -> bathrooms kept clean -> nice and quiet -> beautiful views of the forest from every campground (not just staring at other campers), very private.

Site30, 3
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Sylvania (clark Lake) Campground by Ellery K., August 30, 2023
  • Review photo of Sylvania (clark Lake) Campground by Ellery K., August 30, 2023
Reviewed Jun. 30, 2021

Fancy rustic campground in the wilderness

This campground is in a wilderness area so there are regulations if you choose dispersed camping. The are 4 campground loops and many campsites out around the lakes. We chose a spot in loop 3.

Our site is large with plenty of space for our teardrop and screen room. Water is right next to us. This loop even has flushing toilets. We can see our neighbors but there is plenty of greenery deflecting our view for enough privacy.

The road through this wilderness area is spectacular! It winds around a couple of lakes almost at water level. A few deer crossed in front of us so watch your speed.

We hiked around part of Clark Lake. It’s a beautiful trail and also has some backcountry campsites. There are some other hikes in the area too.

We had one dot of Verizon cell signal in camp but full service in Watersmeet, a short drive away.

We will keep this one as one to revisit.

Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Sylvania (clark Lake) Campground by Art S., June 30, 2021
  • Review photo of Sylvania (clark Lake) Campground by Art S., June 30, 2021
Reviewed Jun. 22, 2019

Pretty awesome

Host was very accommodating when we needed to plug in our boat. The moss-covered old growth forest provided an excellent tent site & entertained our 2 boys under 8 until they tired. The swimming area Was under kept but we still enjoyed all day. Overall our Saturday- Monday visit was very pleasing.

  • Review photo of Sylvania (clark Lake) Campground by Tawni W., June 22, 2019
  • Review photo of Sylvania (clark Lake) Campground by Tawni W., June 22, 2019
  • Review photo of Sylvania (clark Lake) Campground by Tawni W., June 22, 2019
  • (8) View All
Reviewed Aug. 23, 2018

Awesomeness

Beautiful and well worth the drive! Prepare for it to be packed on the weekends, but week day camping is pretty serene. Since Watersmeet is a VERY small town, groceries and other essentials are costly, so come already packed.

Reviewed Jul. 7, 2016

Great experience

Access to the lake was easy, and the fact that tete are so few camp sites on the lake really makes it feel secluded. There are 2 nice beaches on either end, and easy portage to other lakes.

  • Review photo of Sylvania (clark Lake) Campground by Michelle W., July 7, 2016
  • Review photo of Sylvania (clark Lake) Campground by Michelle W., July 7, 2016
  • Review photo of Sylvania (clark Lake) Campground by Michelle W., July 7, 2016
  • (5) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Does Sylvania (clark Lake) Campground have RV hookups?

    According to TheDyrt.com, Sylvania (clark Lake) Campground has 30 amp electric hookups and water hookups.

  • What is the max vehicle length at Sylvania (clark Lake) Campground?

    Sylvania (clark Lake) Campground allows vehicles up to 88 feet.

  • Are fires allowed at Sylvania (clark Lake) Campground?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Sylvania (clark Lake) Campground, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Does Sylvania (clark Lake) Campground have wifi?

    No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Sylvania (clark Lake) Campground does not have wifi.

  • How hard is it to get a campsite at Sylvania (clark Lake) Campground?

    Some campers book as far as 6 months in advance, so on high-demand weekends it can be very difficult to get a campsite at Sylvania (clark Lake) Campground. If you want to get a last-minute campsite at Sylvania (clark Lake) Campground, try setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts

  • Why is it so hard to get a campsite at Sylvania (clark Lake) Campground?

    There are 48 campsites at Sylvania (clark Lake) Campground and over 80 million Americans who camp! Try snagging a cancellation by setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts