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Area Status: Not Cleared
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 nearly 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. 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 permit only. Permits can be obtained on a walk-in basis at the Sylvania Entrance Station or can be reserved by visiting Recreation.gov (see details below).
Fish Your National Forests: Fish available include: Trout, Native Trout, Bass, Walleye, Panfish, Pike; Types of fishing available include: Wade, Shore, Non-motorized boat, Float tube, Fly, Spin, Ice;
Maps:
- Sylvania Wilderness Map
- Clarks Lake Campground Map
At a Glance
| Current Conditions: |
Reservations required for camping in the wilderness from May 15 to September 30. |
| Operational Hours: |
The Entrance Station is open May 15th - September 30th Saturday - Thursday 8:30 a. m. - 5:00 p. m. CST and Friday 8:30 a. m. - 6:00 p. m. CST
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| Reservations: |
Reservation needed -
- May 15 to September 30
- One time reservation fee of $9.00
- Reservations can be made up to 6 months in advance of visit.
- Reservations must be made at least 3 days in advance of visit.
Go to: Recreation.gov or call 1-877-444-6777. Camping is first come, first served from October 1 to May 14. |
| Rentals & Guides: |
Outfitters are available in surrounding towns. |
| Area Amenities: |
Accessible,Boat ramp,Tent camping,Camping trailer,Fee charged for some activities,Picnic tables,Toilets,Drinking water,Parking |
| Fees |
Day Use - May 15 through September 30 Day pass includes use of developed facilities in Sylvania Recreation Area, parking, use of hot showers at Clark Lake Day Use Area
- Season Pass: $30/vehicle
- Day Pass: $5/vehicle
Note that registered Sylvania Backcountry Campers are not required to pay the day use for parking a vehicle at Clark Lake or Crooked Lake Boat Landing areas to access backcountry campsites. Camping - May 15 through September 30
- Wilderness Campsite: $15/night
- Clark Lake Campground: $18/night
Interagency Pass discounts do not apply to backcountry camping permits. Camping - October 1 through May 14
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| Permit Info: |
Permits are required for entrance into the Sylvania Wilderness year round:
- October 1 to May 14
- day permits may be obtained from trailheads
- camping permits are available from the kiosk at the Entrance Station.
- May 15 - September 30
- all permits must be obtained from the Entrance Station.
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| Open Season: |
January - December |
| Usage: |
Medium-Heavy |
| Restrictions: |
- 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
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| Closest Towns: |
Watersmeet, Mi is 7 miles to the east and Ironwood, Mi is 39 miles to the west. |
| Water: |
Handpump at Crooked and Clark Lake landing, pressurized water system at the RV Dump Station |
| Restroom: |
Vault toilet at the Entrance Station, Clark and Crooked Lake landing, and Clark Lake Day Use area |
| Passes: |
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General Information
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
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Activities
Camping & Cabins HIDE
Campground Camping
Recreation areas with activity Campground Camping:
![]() For those that don't wish to spend the night in the Wilderness we provide a drive in campground with 48 campsites. There is a pressurized water system, flush toilets, a developed beach and picnic area, a day use building that has showers, and a road system that provides access to Wilderness entry points.
| Fire Information | Please keep camp fires in the fire ring. Thank You.
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| No. of Sites | 48
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| Reservation Info | Reservations are accepted for 24 sites. Twenty-four (24) first come, first served sites are also available. Reservation -
- Reservations can be made up to 6 months in advance of visit.
- Reservations must be made at least 3 days in advance of visit.
- Go to: Recreation.gov or call 1-877-444-6777 to make a reservation.
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| No. of Accessible sites | 0
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| Status: | Open |
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| Open Season: | January-December |
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| Fees: | $18 a night |
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| Reservation info: | Reservations are accepted for 24 sites. Twenty-four (24) first come, first served sites are also available. Reservation -
- Reservations can be made up to 6 months in advance of visit.
- Reservations must be made at least 3 days in advance of visit.
- Go to: Recreation.gov or call 1-877-444-6777 to make a reservation.
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| Permit required?: | Y |
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| Permit: | Daytime and overnight visitors to Sylvania are required to have a permit.
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| Best Season: | June-August |
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| Difficulty Level: | Easy |
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Dispersed Camping
Recreation areas with activity Dispersed Camping:
![]() Dispersed Camping in the Sylvania Wilderness is permitted in designated campsites only. Wilderness campsites can be reached by water or by trails. Permits for campsites are required from May 15 to September 30. Sites can be obtained by reserving or on a walk-in basis, depending upon availability. To reserve a Wilderness campsite you can 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. A fire ring and a wilderness latrine are provided at each site. Click here for a Sylvania Wilderness Map
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General Info:
Permits & Regulations
Overnight campers in 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:
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Good Topographic Map and compass
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Water and high-energy drinks, dried fruit, nuts, etc
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First Aid Kit, whistle, pocketknife, flashlight
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Sturdy boots, warm jacket and extra clothing
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Sunglasses, sunscreen, and insect repellent
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Waterproof matches, lighter and candle for emergency fire starter
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Trowel, toilet paper, and garbage bags for sanitation
| Status: | Open |
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| Open Season: | January-December |
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| Reservation info: |
Call 1-877-444-6777 or visit their website www.recreation.gov to make reservations. A small number of Wilderness campsites are kept for walk up campers. They must be reserved at the Entrance Station.
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| Best Season: | June-August |
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| Difficulty Level: | Intermediate to Difficult |
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Fishing SHOW
Lake and Pond Fishing
Recreation areas with activity Lake and Pond Fishing:
![]() 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.
| Fishing Method |
Please see Fishing Regulations for Sylvania Wilderness and Perimeter area. These can be obtained at the Sylvania Entrance Station
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| Water Temperature |
Cold
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| Accessible Platform | No |
| Fishing Platform |
No
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| 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.
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| Fishing Mode |
Canoe or Bank
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| Special Designations |
Clark Lake and Crooked Lake have carry down landings.
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| Cleaning Station | No |
| Water/Flow Level |
Most lakes range from 10-25 feet deep. You can obtain specific lake depth information from the Entrance Station
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| Status: | Open |
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| Open Season: | January-December |
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| Permit required?: | Y |
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| Best Season: | May-August |
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| Difficulty Level: | Intermediate to Difficult |
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Hiking SHOW
Day Hiking
Recreation areas with activity Day Hiking:
There are about 26 miles of trail that wind through old growth forest and along lake shores. The trails are unmarked. Click here for a map of Sylvania Wilderness
| Fire Information |
Only in designated campsites in fire ring.
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| Open Season: | January-December |
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| Permit required?: | Y |
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| Permit: |
Daytime and overnight visitors are required to have a permit which can be obtained from the Entrance Station.
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| Best Season: | May-September |
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| Difficulty Level: | Intermediate to Difficult |
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Backpacking
Recreation areas with activity Backpacking:
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 or by walk-in. In both cases a permit is required to camp within the Sylvania Wilderness. Click here to view a map of Sylvania Wilderness
| Fire Information |
Campfires are only permitted in a fire ring at designated campsites.
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| Status: | Open |
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| Open Season: | January-December |
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| Reservation info: |
To reserve wilderness campsites call 877-444-6777 or go National Recreation Reservation Service Website
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| Permit required?: | Y |
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| Best Season: | June-September |
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| Difficulty Level: | Intermediate to Difficult |
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Nature Viewing SHOW
Viewing Wildlife
Recreation areas with activity Viewing Wildlife:
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.
General Info:
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.
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| Difficulty Level: | Intermediate to Difficult |
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Viewing Plants
Recreation areas with activity Viewing Plants:
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.
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| Status: | Open |
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| Permit required?: | Y |
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| Difficulty Level: | Intermediate to Difficult |
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Picnicking SHOW
Picnicking
Recreation areas with activity Picnicking:
![]() Sylvania Recreation area provides a large picnicking area that is co-located with the Clark Lake beach and Day Use Building. There are several tables and grills provided.
| No. of Accessible Sites | 0 |
| No. of Sites | 5 |
| Status: | Open |
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| Permit required?: | Y |
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| Hours of Operation: |
Day use areas are open from 6am - 10pm daily
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| Difficulty Level: | Easy to Intermediate |
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Water Activities SHOW
Boating - Non-Motorized
Recreation areas with activity Boating - Non-Motorized:
![]() 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 (pdf)
| Starting Point |
Ending Point |
Rods |
Feet |
| Crooked Lake |
High Lake |
22 rods |
363 feet |
| Crooked Lake |
Corey Lake |
34 rods |
561 feet |
| Crooked Lake |
Clark Lake |
112 rods |
1,848 feet |
| Crooked Lake |
Mountain Lake |
13 rods |
214.5 feet |
| Mountain Lake |
East Bear Lake |
96 rods |
1,584 feet |
| West Bear Lake |
Kerr Lake |
97 rods |
1,600.5 feet |
| West Bear Lake |
East Bear Lake |
40 rods |
660 feet |
| High Lake |
Kerr Lake |
38 rods |
627 feet |
| Clark Lake |
Loon Lake |
99 rods |
1,633 feet |
| Glimmerglass Lake |
Hay Lake |
126 rods |
2,079 feet |
| Whitefish Lake |
Hay Lake |
158 rods |
2,607 feet |
| Whitefish Lake |
parking lot |
242 rods |
3,993 feet |
| Loon Lake |
Fisher Lake |
140 rods |
2,310 feet |
| Loon Lake |
Florence Lake |
78 rods |
1,297 feet |
| Loon Lake |
Deer Island Lake |
92 rods |
1,518 feet |
| Deer Island Lake |
Cub Lake |
79 rods |
1,303 feet |
| Cub Lake |
Big Bateau Lake |
7 rods |
115 feet |
| Florence Lake |
Fisher Lake |
133 rods |
2,194 feet |
| Florence Lake |
Big Bateau Lake |
34 rods |
561 feet |
| 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 |
| Launch Ramps | No |
| Status: | Open |
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| Permit required?: | Y |
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| Difficulty Level: | Easy to Difficult |
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Swimming
Recreation areas with activity Swimming:
![]() The 34 named lakes in the Sylvania Wilderness provide the opportunity for swimming. Some of the lakes have a non maintained shore line 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.
General Info:
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 life guards 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.
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| Hours of Operation: |
Day Use area is open to the public from 6am - 10pm daily
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| Difficulty Level: | Intermediate |
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Winter Sports SHOW
XC Skiing/Snowshoeing
Recreation areas with activity XC Skiing/Snowshoeing:
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).
General Info:
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 a enjoyable time. Please take the time to prepare and make sure you have the neccessary survival equipment:
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Good Topographical Map and compass
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Water and high-energy trail food
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First Aid Kit, Whistle, pocketknife, and Flashlight
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Appropiate cold weather clothing
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Waterproof matches, lighter and candle for emergency fire starter
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Be advised cell phones rarley work in the wilderness
Amenities
| Picnic tables |
In day use areas and Clark Lake Campground |
| Drinking water |
Handpump at Crooked and Clark Lake landing, pressurized water system at the RV Dump Station and Clark Lake Campground |
| Toilets |
Vault toilet at the Entrance Station, Clark and Crooked Lake landing, and Clark Lake Day Use area. Flush toilets in the Clark Lake Campground and Clark Lake Day Use Building |
| Parking |
At designated trailheads, landings, and day use area |
| Boat ramp |
Clark Lake & Crooked Lake - Carry Down Only |
| Fee charged for some activities |
Facility Permit and Camping |
| Tent camping |
50 Wilderness campsites and 48 campsites in the Clark Lake Campground |
| Accessible |
Toilet in Loop 1 of Campground |
| Camping trailer |
48 campsites in the Clark Lake Campground |
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