Sylvania Wilderness Backcountry Camping
Watch the Sylvania Wilderness Film
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.
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 1 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.
Recreation: Sylvania's abundant lakes provide plentiful non-motorized boating, canoeing, kayaking and fishing opportunities. Other popular activities include hiking and viewing wildlife.
Facilities: Sylvania Wilderness Backcountry Camp is not a physical campground located at one location. The 50 individual sites are located along eight lakes within the Sylvania Wilderness and are paddle or walk-in only. Camping is allowed only at designated sites. Campsites are primitive, but each is equipped with a campfire ring and a wilderness latrine.
Camping is permitted at designated sites by Reservation only. Reservations must be reserved by visiting Recreation.gov (see details below). No first-come, first-serve walk in sites available. All sites can be booked through Recreation.gov.
Fish Your National Forests: Fish available include trout, bass, walleye, panfish, pike. Types of fishing available include, wade, shore, non-motorized boat, float tube, fly, spin, ice fishing following Sylvania’s special fishing regulations.
Maps:
Reservations
Reservation Required -
- May 15 to September 30
- Reservation fee of $9.00 (call center) or $8 (on-line)
- Reservations can be made up to 6 months in advance of visit on 37 of the 50 backcountry campsites. The remaining 13 sites open for reservations 2 weeks in advance of visit.
- Same day reservations available May 15 – September 30 on available sites.
Go to: Recreation.gov or call 1-877-444-6777.
Camping is first come, first served from October 1 to May 14.
General Information
Camping
For those that don't wish to spend the night in the Wilderness, Sylvania Clark Lake Campground provides a drive-in campground with 48 campsites. There is a pressurized water system, flush toilets, and picnic area, a day use building that has showers (currently closed pending repairs), and a road system that provides access to Wilderness entry points.
- No. of Sites: 48
- Fire Information: Fires are only allowed in designated fire rings. Thank you.
- No. of Accessible sites: 0
- Permits: Required
Dispersed Camping
Dispersed Camping in the Sylvania Wilderness is permitted in designated campsites only. Wilderness campsites can be reached only by water or by trails. Reservations for campsites are required from May 15 to September 30. Sites can be obtained by reservation. To reserve a Wilderness campsite, call 1-877-444-6777 or go to www.recreation.gov. A reservation fee is charged. A maximum of six people per campsite is allowed and strictly enforced. A fire ring and a wilderness latrine are provided at each site. Sylvania Wilderness Map
Permits & Regulations:
All users entering the Wilderness are required to have a permit which can be obtained from the Entrance Station. Additional special rules apply and can also be obtained from the Entrance Station.
Safety Information
During your visit to the wilderness please be aware of recommended items that every prepared hiker, camper, or outdoor enthusiast should have on any trip into the wilderness:
- Good Topographic Map and compass
- Water and high-energy drinks, dried fruit, nuts, etc
- First Aid Kit, whistle, pocketknife, flashlight
- Sturdy boots, warm jacket and extra clothing
- Sunglasses, sunscreen, and insect repellent
- Waterproof matches, lighter and candle for emergency fire starter
- Trowel, toilet paper, and garbage bags for sanitation
- Best Season: June-August
- Difficulty Level: Intermediate to Difficult
January 1 - December 31
The Entrance Station is open every Thursday-Saturday, 9:00am – 4:00pm.
- The Entrance Station will provide information on the rules and regulations, current conditions, wilderness and area information, and provide wilderness permits.
- All backcountry reservation holders checking in during open hours will be required to watch the Sylvania Wilderness permit video.
- The Entrance Station will be exact change cash or check only. The Entrance Station will not have cash to make change.
- All rules and regulations apply. All backcountry campers must camp at a designated site with proof of reservation and have a wilderness permit which can be picked up at the Entrance Station. Rules and Regulations for Sylvania can be found on all the bulletin boards at the entrance station, trailheads, and canoe launches.
- All users entering the wilderness from May 15 – Sept. 30 must fill out a wilderness permit and keep it with them while in the wilderness. Permits can be obtained at the Entrance Station and at any official trailhead.
- $5/vehicle daily use fee is required to park within the Sylvania Recreation Area. Please use the fee tube at the Entrance Station or Clark Lake day use area. Do not pay any camping fees at day use fee tubes.
- To obtain a $30 Annual Pass, please call 906-932-1330.
- Motorized, mechanized or gas-powered vehicles, including motors, snowmobiles, portage wheels and bicycles, are not allowed:
- Electric Motors allowed on Crooked Lake; maximum thrust of 48lbs (4 HP equivalent).
- Wheelchairs are allowed
- Be prepared to portage your canoe
- Metal or glass food or beverage containers, including deposit bottles, cans and foam containers may not be taken into the wilderness
- Dogs-
- Are allowed on a leash in both the Wilderness/Recreation area, can be off leash during hunting seasons.
- May not be left unattended and are not allowed in the Clark Lake Beach and Swimming area.
- Aircraft Landings are not allowed, over flights are requested to remain at least 2,000 feet above the ground.
- Special fishing regulations
Backcountry campsite permits are $15/site/night and available through Recreation.gov. You do not have to pay the $5/vehicle daily fee if you have a wilderness backcountry reservation.
$5/vehicle daily fee, please use the fee tube at the Entrance Station or Clark Lake Picnic and Beach parking area. Do not pay any camping fees at day use fee tubes.
$30 Ottawa National Forest Annual Pass can be purchased by calling 906-932-1330 or at a?Recreation Pass Sales Outlet
- Are allowed on a leash in both the Wilderness/Recreation area, can be off leash during hunting seasons.
- May not be left unattended and are not allowed in the Clark Lake Beach and Swimming area.
Sylvania Outfitters http://www.sylvaniaoutfitters.com/ - 906-358-4766
Address: E23979 US 2 East Watersmeet, MI 49969
Phone: 906-358-4551
Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (CT) (Closed on federal holidays)
Getting There
Latitude / Longitude
Latitude: 46.2446341
Longitude: -89.31003087
Directions
GPS Info. (Latitude, Longitude):
46.24472, -89.31056
46°14'41"N, 89°18'38"W
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 4 miles west on U.S. 2 to County Road 535, then drive south on CR 535 approximately 4 miles south to the Sylvania Recreation Area
Parking
At designated trailheads, landings, and day use area.
Facility and Amenity Information
Restrooms
Restrooms are available at this site.
Water
Potable water is available at this site.
Handpump at Crooked and Clark Lake landing, pressurized water system at the RV Dump Station.
Picnic Tables
Picnic tables are available at this site.
In day use areas and Clark Lake Campground
Recreation Opportunities
Hunting, Fishing and Shooting
Water Activities
Hiking
Picnicking
Winter Sports
Outdoor Science and Learning
Fishing - Lake & Pond Info
There are 34 named lakes located within the boundaries of the Sylvania Wilderness and can only be accessed by a non-motorized boat, canoe or by trail. These lakes offer some of the best fishing available in the region. There are special fishing regulations on lakes within the Sylvania Wilderness, they can be obtained from the Entrance Station.
- Fish Species: Bass, Walleye, Trout, Northern Pike, and Panfish can be found in most lakes. Specific specie information by lake can be obtained at the Entrance Station.
- Fishing Mode: Canoe or Bank
- Special Designations: Clark Lake and Crooked Lake have carry down landings.
- Fishing Platform: No
- Cleaning Station: No
- Accessible Platform: No
- Water Temperature: Cold
- Fishing Method: Please see Fishing Regulations for Sylvania Wilderness and Perimeter area. These can be obtained at the Sylvania Entrance Station
- Water/Flow Level: Most lakes range from 10-25 feet deep. You can obtain specific lake depth information from the Entrance Station
- Open Season: January-December
- Permit: Required
- Best Season: May-August
- Difficulty Level: Intermediate to Difficult
Boating - Non-Motorized Info
34 named lakes are located within the boundaries of the Sylvania Wilderness and can only be accessed by a non-motorized boat, canoe or by trail. Most of these lakes are connected by a short portage and most have campsites located on them. There are special fishing regulations on lakes within the Sylvania Wilderness, they can be obtained from the Entrance Station.
- Portage Times (1 rod= 16.5 feet)
- Crooked to High Lake: 22 rods
- Crooked to Corey Lake: 34 rods
- Crooked to Clark Lake: 112 rods
- Crooked to Mountain Lake: 13 rods
- Mountain to East Bear Lake: 96 rods
- West Bear to Kerr Lake: 97 rods
- West Bear to East Bear 40 rods
- High to Kerr Lake: 38 rods
- Clark to Loon Lake: 99 rods
- Glimmerglass to Hay Lake: 126 rods
- Whitefish to Hay Lake: 158 rods
- Whitefish to parking lot: 242 rods
- Loon to Fisher Lake: 140 rods
- Loon to Florence Lake: 78 rods
- Loon to Deer Island Lake: 92 rods
- Deer Island to Cub Lake: 79 rods
- Cub to Big Bateau Lake: 7 rods
- Florence to Fisher Lake: 133 rods
- Florence to Big Bateau Lake: 34 rods
- Launch Ramps: No
- Trailer Parking: Yes, at put in at Clark Lake and Crooked Lake.
- Type of Craft: Canoe/Kayak. No motorized boats allowed.
- Fuel availability: No
- Marina/Mooring: No
- Status: Open
- Permit: Required
- Difficulty Level: Easy to Difficult
Swimming Info
The 34 named lakes in the Sylvania Wilderness provide the opportunity for swimming. Some of the lakes have a non-maintained shoreline that is usable as a beach. Clark Lake has a developed beach located at the north end of the lake, just outside the wilderness. It is located next to the Day Use Building.
- Permits & Regulations: All day and overnight users must have a permit that can be obtained from the Entrance Station. The use of soaps or other cleaning agents is not permitted in any Sylvania Lakes.
- Safety Information: There are no lifeguards on duty, please use caution and supervise all children.
- Clothing Requirements: Bathing suit required. No Lifeguard on Duty. No soaps or cleaning agents are permitted in any Sylvania Lake.
- Hours of Operation: Day Use area is open to the public from 6am - 10pm daily
- Difficulty Level: Intermediate
Backpacking Info
Backpacking in the Sylvania Wilderness opens up about 26 miles of trails that wind through old growth forest and along lake shores. Camping is available at designated locations by reservation. A permit is required to camp within the Sylvania Wilderness.
- Map: Sylvania Wilderness Map
- Fire Information: Campfires are only permitted in a fire ring at designated campsites.
- Status: Open
- Open Season: January-December
- Reservation info:
- To reserve wilderness campsites, go to Recreation.gov.
- Permit: Required
- Best Season: June-September
- Difficulty Level: Intermediate to Difficult
Day Hikes Info
There are about 26 miles of trail that wind through old growth forest and along lake shores. The trails are unmarked.
- Map: Sylvania Wilderness Map
- Fire Information: Only in designated campsites in fire ring.
- Open Season: January-December
- Permit: Daytime and overnight visitors May 15 – Sept. 30 are required to have a permit which can be obtained from the Entrance Station.
- Best Season: May-September
- Difficulty Level: Intermediate to Difficult
Picnicking - Single Info
Sylvania Recreation area provides a large picnicking area that is co-located with the Clark Lake day use area and pavilion. There are several tables and grills provided.
The Clark Lake pavilion, located within the Clark Lake day use area, sits in a beautiful north wood setting, at the north end of Clark Lake. The pavilion provides a large indoor gathering area complete with picnic tables, limited seating, and a fireplace.
- No. of Sites: 5
- No. of Accessible Sites: 0
- Status: Open
- Permit: Required
- Hours of Operation: Day use areas are open from 6am - 10pm daily
- Difficulty Level: Easy to Intermediate
XC Skiing/Snowshoeing Info
The Sylvania Wilderness provides 26 miles of non-groomed trails that travel through old growth forests and along the shoreline of lakes. Many of the trails connect with two groomed trails outside the wilderness (Sylvania Wilderness Outfitters Ski Trails and Land O' Lakes Ski Trails).
Permits & Regulations: All daytime and overnight users of the wilderness are required to have a permit which can be obtained at the Entrance Station.
Safety Information: We want your visit to the wilderness to be an enjoyable time. Please take the time to prepare and make sure you have the necessary survival equipment:
- Good Topographical Map and compass
- Water and high-energy trail food
- First Aid Kit, Whistle, pocketknife, and Flashlight
- Appropriate cold weather clothing
- Waterproof matches, lighter and candle for emergency fire starter
- Be advised cell phones rarely work in the wilderness
Viewing Wildlife Info
This 18,327-acre Wilderness with its 34 named lakes provides you with opportunity to view wildlife in their natural setting. Whitetail Deer, Bear, Beaver, Otter, Waterfowl, Bald Eagles and many other species call this Wilderness home.
- Permits & Regulations: All daytime and overnight users of the Wilderness are required to have a permit which can be obtained from the Entrance Station.
- Safety Information: When viewing wildlife please be aware of your surroundings. Some animals can become aggressive, especially if they have young ones in the area. Enjoy the opportunities to view these animals but please be aware of your surroundings when doing so. Please - Don't feed the animals.
- Species: Whitetail Deer, Beaver, Waterfowl, Owls, Bald Eagles, Loon, and Osprey.
- Difficulty Level: Intermediate to Difficult
Viewing Plants Info
The Sylvania Wilderness is a 18,327-acre Wilderness that includes 34 named lakes that provide you with an opportunity to view plant life in an environment that promotes growth. Rare Orchids and old growth forest are featured throughout the wilderness.
- Species: Orchids, Old Growth White Pine and Red Pine.
- Status: Open
- Permit: Required
- Difficulty Level: Intermediate to Difficult