Established Camping
Sylvania Wilderness Backcountry Camping
Sylvania Wilderness Backcountry Camping, near Watersmeet, Michigan, is a fantastic spot for those looking to escape into nature. This area offers a unique experience with its backcountry sites that provide a blend of open space and tree cover, perfect for setting up your tent and soaking in the tranquility.
The nearby Clark Lake is a highlight, known for its beauty and swimming opportunities. Visitors have enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere, often remarking on the soft pine duff underfoot and the challenge of finding a perfectly flat spot to pitch a tent. As one camper noted, “A lovely area with a good balance of open space and tree cover.”
For those who enjoy paddling, this location is ideal for canoe camping. Many have shared their positive experiences of easily accessing their campsites by canoe, making it a great choice for beginners. The calm waters and scenic views make for a relaxing adventure, with the added bonus of not encountering many other campers.
While amenities are limited—there's no drinking water or electric hookups—this campground encourages a true back-to-nature experience. Just be prepared to pack in what you need and leave no trace behind. If you're looking for a peaceful retreat away from the hustle and bustle, Sylvania Wilderness is worth considering for your next camping trip.
Description
USDA Forest Service
Ottawa National Forest
Overview
Planning a trip to the Sylvania Wilderness? Watch for Alerts at the top of the page for any Alerts regarding this facility. The Sylvania Wilderness encompasses 18,327 acres of primitive lands and is part of the National Wilderness Preservation System. Visitors can camp in 50 designated campsites within the Sylvania Wilderness. Visitors enjoy endless canoeing, fishing, hiking and wildlife viewing opportunities.
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 1 million acres and is located in the western reaches of Michigan's Upper Peninsula. The forest's rolling, tree covered hills extend from the south shore of Lake Superior to the Wisconsin border. Lakes, rivers and waterfalls are found throughout this beautiful landscape.
Charges & Cancellations
Cancellations If you cancel reservation at least 14 days prior to check in date, all recreation fees, minus a $10 cancellation fee and the reservation fee ($8 if made online or $9 if made through the call center) will be refunded. If you cancel reservation less than 14 days prior to check in date, all recreation fees, minus $10 cancellation fee, reservation fee ($8 if made online or $9 if made through the call center), and first nights use fee will be refunded. The reservation fee ($8 if made online or $9 if made through the call center) is non-refundable. No Show Staff will hold a campsite until check-out time on the day following the arrival date. For more information about rules and reservation policies, visit the Recreaiton.gov Rules and Reservations Policy page.
Fee Info
Recreation Fees Sylvania Wilderness Backcountry Permits are $15 per night. No pass discounts apply to backcountry camping permits, they are classified as a 'Special Recreation Permit.' Passports and Interagency Pass fee discounts do not apply to Special Recreation Permit sites per FSH 2309.13. Registered Sylvania Backcountry Campers are not required to pay the day use fee solely for parking a vehicle at Clark Lake or Crooked Lake Boat Landing areas to access backcountry campsites. Use of the Clark Lake day use area is not included in the backcountry permit fee and does require 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. Pass Discounts No pass discounts apply to backcountry camping permits, they are classified as a 'Special Recreation Permit.' Passports and Interagency Pass fee discounts do not apply to Special Recreation Permit sites per FSH 2309.13. Reservation Fee $8.00 per reservation if made on-line $9.00 per reservation if made through the call center The reservation fee is non-refundable.
Location
Sylvania Wilderness Backcountry Camping is located in Michigan
Directions
Wilderness campsites can be accessed from Sylvania Recreation Area or from entry points on the perimeter of the wilderness (see map). To reach Sylvania Entrance Station and Recreation Area: From Watersmeet, travel approximately 3.5 miles west on US 2 to County Road 535, then drive south on CR 535 approximately 4 miles to the Sylvania Wilderness and Recreation Area entrance.
Address
SYLVANIA WILDERNESS
E23979 US 2 EAST
Watersmeet, MI 49969
Coordinates
46.2447222 N
89.3105556 W
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Stay Connected
- WiFiGood
- VerizonUnknown
- AT&TUnknown
- T-MobileUnknown
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Toilets
- Alcohol
