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Established Camping

Sylvania (clark Lake) Campground

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

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.

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.

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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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Connectivity

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Drive Time

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Connectivity

Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

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.

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

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Reviews

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5.0

out of 5

7 Reviews

Reviewed Aug. 24, 2025

Private sites

Shady private sites with ample mosquitoes. We were in a tent so did not appreciate the asphalt, but this site would be great for a small trailer.

Site29
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Sylvania (clark Lake) Campground by Kay K., August 24, 2025
  • Review photo of Sylvania (clark Lake) Campground by Kay K., August 24, 2025
  • Review photo of Sylvania (clark Lake) Campground by Kay K., August 24, 2025
  • (6) View All
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

Is there a map available for Sylvania Wilderness campsites near Clark Lake?

Yes, maps are available for the Sylvania Wilderness campsites around Clark Lake. The area has four distinct campground loops with numbered sites, and maps typically show these configurations. For wilderness camping, there are also marked sites around various lakes. Contact the ranger station or wilderness headquarters for the most current maps. When planning your trip, maps are essential as they show hiking trails, portage routes between lakes, and bathroom locations.

Where is Sylvania Clark Lake Campground located in the Sylvania Wilderness?

Sylvania Clark Lake Campground is located in the Sylvania Wilderness area near Watersmeet, Michigan. The campground is situated directly on Clark Lake, offering easy lake access in a secluded forest setting. The wilderness area features old-growth forests and multiple lakes. There are four distinct camping loops in the area, with Clark Lake being one of the main water features. Due to its remote location, Watersmeet is the nearest town for supplies, though it's quite small with limited services.

What amenities and facilities are available at Sylvania Clark Lake Campground?

Sylvania Clark Lake Campground offers basic wilderness amenities including water stations located throughout the camping loops, clean maintained bathrooms, and spacious campsites with room for tents, small trailers, and screen rooms. The campsites feature asphalt pads suitable for small trailers. There are swimming areas at the lake, though they may be minimally maintained. The campground follows wilderness regulations, so services are intentionally limited. Since Watersmeet is small with expensive supplies, campers should arrive fully stocked with essentials.

What outdoor activities can you do at Clark Lake in the Sylvania Wilderness?

Clark Lake offers numerous outdoor activities in the Sylvania Wilderness. Hiking is exceptional with trails circling Clark Lake (an 8-10 mile trek) and connecting to other areas. Fishing is productive in the clear waters. Swimming is available at two nice beaches located at either end of the lake. Paddling is popular, with easy portage routes to other nearby lakes. Wildlife observation opportunities include potential bear and wolf sightings (proper precautions advised). The moss-covered old-growth forest provides a unique natural playground for exploration and creates a serene wilderness experience.