Tent Sites
Matthew B
VerifiedAugust 26, 2023 Stayed at: PERCH-2, Loop: Whitefish Lake
Lovely wilderness, quiet lakes, nice campsites. Killer mosquitoes, so make sure to get a site with plenty of breeze.
Helpful
About Sylvania Wilderness Backcountry Camping
Planning a trip to the Sylvania Wilderness? Watch for Alerts at the top of the page for any Alerts regarding this facility. Encompassing one of the largest tracts of remaining old growth forest in the Midwest, the Sylvania Wilderness encompasses 18,327 acres and is part of the National Wilderness Preservation System. 34 named lakes are within its boundary. Recreation opportunities include canoeing on Sylvania's undeveloped lakes, hiking through its old growth forest, and camping at one of its 50 designated backcountry campsites.Special rules and regulations are in place to protect the wilderness characteristics of Sylvania. If you are planning a trip, be sure to watch the Sylvania Wilderness Orientation Video and read the "Need to Know" tab on this web page to plan ahead and prepare.
Available sites
50 total sitesSeasonal information
2026
(Current year)
2026 Season availability
Current season
Upcoming seasons
Past seasons
Closed periods
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
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Dec
Currently open - Oct 1 to Dec 31
Campground Amenities
Most popular amenities
Showers
Water and Hygiene
- Showers
Water Access
- Beach Access
- Lake Access
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Rates, Sites & Availability
Select check-in and check-out dates to see real-time availability for each site.
50 Sites Available
⛺
ASH-1, Loop: Clark Lake
Tent
Yes shade
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ASH-2, Loop: Clark Lake
Tent
Yes shade
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BADGER-1, Loop: Crooked Lake
Tent
Yes shade
⛺
BADGER-2, Loop: Crooked Lake
Tent
Yes shade
⛺
BALSAM-1, Loop: Clark Lake
Tent
Yes shade
⛺
BALSAM-2, Loop: Clark Lake
Tent
Yes shade
⛺
BASS, Loop: Whitefish Lake
Tent
Yes shade
⛺
BEAR-1, Loop: Mountain Lake
Tent
Yes shade
⛺
BEAR-2, Loop: Mountain Lake
Tent
Yes shade
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BEAVER-1, Loop: Mountain Lake
Tent
Yes shade
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BEAVER-2, Loop: Mountain Lake
Tent
Yes shade
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BIRCH, Loop: Clark Lake
Tent
Yes shade
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BOBCAT, Loop: High Lake
Tent
Yes shade
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CEDAR-1, Loop: Clark Lake
Tent
Yes shade
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CEDAR-2, Loop: Clark Lake
Tent
Yes shade
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CHIPMUNK, Loop: Crooked Lake
Tent
Yes shade
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COYOTE, Loop: West Bear Lake
Tent
Yes shade
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DEER-1, Loop: East Bear Lake
Tent
Yes shade
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DEER-2, Loop: East Bear Lake
Tent
Yes shade
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EAGLE-1, Loop: Loon Lake
Tent
Yes shade
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EAGLE-2, Loop: Loon Lake
Tent
Yes shade
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ERMINE-1, Loop: Mountain Lake
Tent
Yes shade
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ERMINE-2, Loop: Mountain Lake
Tent
Yes shade
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FISHER-1, Loop: Crooked Lake
Tent
Yes shade
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FISHER-2, Loop: Crooked Lake
Tent
Yes shade
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FOX-1, Loop: Crooked Lake
Tent
Yes shade
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FOX-2, Loop: Crooked Lake
Tent
Yes shade
⛺
LOON, Loop: Loon Lake
Tent
Yes shade
⛺
LYNX-1, Loop: Mountain Lake
Tent
Yes shade
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LYNX-2, Loop: Mountain Lake
Tent
Yes shade
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MALLARD-1, Loop: Loon Lake
Tent
Yes shade
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MALLARD-2, Loop: Loon Lake
Tent
Yes shade
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MAPLE-1, Loop: Clark Lake
Tent
Yes shade
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MAPLE-2, Loop: Clark Lake
Tent
Yes shade
⛺
MINK-1, Loop: Crooked Lake
Tent
Yes shade
⛺
MINK-2, Loop: Crooked Lake
Tent
Yes shade
⛺
OSPREY-1, Loop: Loon Lake
Tent
Yes shade
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OSPREY-2, Loop: Loon Lake
Tent
Yes shade
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PERCH-1, Loop: Whitefish Lake
Tent
Yes shade
⛺
PERCH-2, Loop: Whitefish Lake
Tent
Yes shade
⛺
PIKE-1, Loop: Whitefish Lake
Tent
Yes shade
⛺
PIKE-2, Loop: Whitefish Lake
Tent
Yes shade
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PINE-1, Loop: Clark Lake
Tent
Yes shade
⛺
PINE-2, Loop: Clark Lake
Tent
Yes shade
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PORCUPINE-1, Loop: Crooked Lake
Tent
Yes shade
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PORCUPINE-2, Loop: Crooked Lake
Tent
Yes shade
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RACCOON, Loop: High Lake
Tent
Yes shade
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SQUIRREL-1, Loop: Crooked Lake
Tent
Yes shade
⛺
SQUIRREL-2, Loop: Crooked Lake
Tent
Yes shade
⛺
WOLF, Loop: East Bear Lake
Tent
Yes shade
No sites found matching your criteria.
No available sites
All sites are booked for your selected dates. Try showing all sites to see booked options, create an alert to be notified when something opens up, or adjust your dates.
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Site Details
Select a site to view details
50 Sites Available
Site
Price
⛺
ASH-1, Loop: Clark Lake
Tent
Yes shade
⛺
ASH-2, Loop: Clark Lake
Tent
Yes shade
⛺
BADGER-1, Loop: Crooked Lake
Tent
Yes shade
⛺
BADGER-2, Loop: Crooked Lake
Tent
Yes shade
⛺
BALSAM-1, Loop: Clark Lake
Tent
Yes shade
⛺
BALSAM-2, Loop: Clark Lake
Tent
Yes shade
⛺
BASS, Loop: Whitefish Lake
Tent
Yes shade
⛺
BEAR-1, Loop: Mountain Lake
Tent
Yes shade
⛺
BEAR-2, Loop: Mountain Lake
Tent
Yes shade
⛺
BEAVER-1, Loop: Mountain Lake
Tent
Yes shade
⛺
BEAVER-2, Loop: Mountain Lake
Tent
Yes shade
⛺
BIRCH, Loop: Clark Lake
Tent
Yes shade
⛺
BOBCAT, Loop: High Lake
Tent
Yes shade
⛺
CEDAR-1, Loop: Clark Lake
Tent
Yes shade
⛺
CEDAR-2, Loop: Clark Lake
Tent
Yes shade
⛺
CHIPMUNK, Loop: Crooked Lake
Tent
Yes shade
⛺
COYOTE, Loop: West Bear Lake
Tent
Yes shade
⛺
DEER-1, Loop: East Bear Lake
Tent
Yes shade
⛺
DEER-2, Loop: East Bear Lake
Tent
Yes shade
⛺
EAGLE-1, Loop: Loon Lake
Tent
Yes shade
⛺
EAGLE-2, Loop: Loon Lake
Tent
Yes shade
⛺
ERMINE-1, Loop: Mountain Lake
Tent
Yes shade
⛺
ERMINE-2, Loop: Mountain Lake
Tent
Yes shade
⛺
FISHER-1, Loop: Crooked Lake
Tent
Yes shade
⛺
FISHER-2, Loop: Crooked Lake
Tent
Yes shade
⛺
FOX-1, Loop: Crooked Lake
Tent
Yes shade
⛺
FOX-2, Loop: Crooked Lake
Tent
Yes shade
⛺
LOON, Loop: Loon Lake
Tent
Yes shade
⛺
LYNX-1, Loop: Mountain Lake
Tent
Yes shade
⛺
LYNX-2, Loop: Mountain Lake
Tent
Yes shade
⛺
MALLARD-1, Loop: Loon Lake
Tent
Yes shade
⛺
MALLARD-2, Loop: Loon Lake
Tent
Yes shade
⛺
MAPLE-1, Loop: Clark Lake
Tent
Yes shade
⛺
MAPLE-2, Loop: Clark Lake
Tent
Yes shade
⛺
MINK-1, Loop: Crooked Lake
Tent
Yes shade
⛺
MINK-2, Loop: Crooked Lake
Tent
Yes shade
⛺
OSPREY-1, Loop: Loon Lake
Tent
Yes shade
⛺
OSPREY-2, Loop: Loon Lake
Tent
Yes shade
⛺
PERCH-1, Loop: Whitefish Lake
Tent
Yes shade
⛺
PERCH-2, Loop: Whitefish Lake
Tent
Yes shade
⛺
PIKE-1, Loop: Whitefish Lake
Tent
Yes shade
⛺
PIKE-2, Loop: Whitefish Lake
Tent
Yes shade
⛺
PINE-1, Loop: Clark Lake
Tent
Yes shade
⛺
PINE-2, Loop: Clark Lake
Tent
Yes shade
⛺
PORCUPINE-1, Loop: Crooked Lake
Tent
Yes shade
⛺
PORCUPINE-2, Loop: Crooked Lake
Tent
Yes shade
⛺
RACCOON, Loop: High Lake
Tent
Yes shade
⛺
SQUIRREL-1, Loop: Crooked Lake
Tent
Yes shade
⛺
SQUIRREL-2, Loop: Crooked Lake
Tent
Yes shade
⛺
WOLF, Loop: East Bear Lake
Tent
Yes shade
No available sites
All sites are booked for your selected dates. Try showing all sites to see booked options, create an alert to be notified when something opens up, or adjust your dates.
Reviews
307 reviews
Summary
Sylvania Wilderness offers a stunning, serene environment ideal for first-time campers, with beautiful weather, mild portage trails, and clean, spacious campsites. Visitors enjoyed peaceful paddling experiences, abundant wildlife, and friendly park staff, making for a memorable outdoor adventure. While some reported issues with mosquitoes and campsite accessibility, the overall experience remains highly praised, with many eager to return.
Based on guest feedback
4.5
Overall rating
Based on 307 reviews
5 stars
69.4% (213)
4 stars
18.9% (58)
3 stars
6.5% (20)
2 stars
2.9% (9)
1 star
2.3% (7)
Showing 307 reviews
Verified Only
Sort by: Newest First
Anne S
VerifiedAugust 24, 2023 Stayed at: BALSAM-1, Loop: Clark Lake
We always love our backcountry experience in Sylvania. Thank you for maintaining superior trails, campsites and old growth forest.
Helpful
Scott P
VerifiedAugust 22, 2023 Stayed at: PINE-1, Loop: Clark Lake
Always quiet, peaceful and I have yet to have a bad experience in the Sylvania Wilderness!
Helpful
Kaarn H
VerifiedAugust 19, 2023 Stayed at: MAPLE-1, Loop: Clark Lake
Beautiful campsite, though lots of dirt/dust due to dry conditions. Nice swimming beach nearby. Lots of mosquitos.
Helpful
Mark B
VerifiedAugust 18, 2023 Stayed at: CEDAR-2, Loop: Clark Lake
Very beautiful. There is a natural beach on the southern shore of Clark Lake that is great for swimming. The campsites are beautiful. Be prepared for mosquitoes. Even though it was early August, mosquito head nets were essential to being able to cook and enjoy the early morning and evening hours. In the main part of the day, the mosquitos were AWOL.
Helpful
Jane B
VerifiedAugust 16, 2023 Stayed at: BEAVER-2, Loop: Mountain Lake
Stayed on mountain lake in beaver 1 and 2. The sights had lots of room for tents, plenty of dead wood for fire. Not much privacy between the sights . Also stayed on whitefish. Hard work getting there, but worth it. Peace and quiet, true wilderness feeling. Nice swimming beach,good fishing. Pike 1 and 2 are a hike up from the water but breezy, and sunsets were amazing. Room for tents and easy firewood. The sights were separated so more privacy.
Helpful
David R
VerifiedAugust 13, 2023 Stayed at: BADGER-1, Loop: Crooked Lake
A mini Boundary Waters experience that is easily navigable off a map. Fishing was excellent on Crooked lake. High lake and some of the other deeper lakes were crystal clear with sandy bottoms but less fish. The Sylvania Outfitters is a great place to rent gear, get information, etc. It can seem if it's busy at first near the launch, but even during the busy summer season you encounter few other people.
Helpful
John R
VerifiedAugust 12, 2023 Stayed at: BOBCAT, Loop: High Lake
Had a great visit with perfect weather. Bobcat is a great campsite.
Helpful
Steven P
VerifiedAugust 10, 2023 Stayed at: LYNX-2, Loop: Mountain Lake
Sylvania Wilderness is an area that is unusual because you can reserve a specific campsite for just your group in a true wilderness area. Many wilderness areas can have several groups in a campsite or they are taken on a first come first served basis. Here you can be sure that you have a specific campsite even if you start late in the day.
Helpful
Elden H
VerifiedJuly 24, 2023 Stayed at: BIRCH, Loop: Clark Lake
The non-portage trails are becoming overgrown in many places, and many blazed trees have fallen down or the paint is fading.
Helpful
Location & Directions for Sylvania Wilderness Backcountry Camping
Sylvania Wilderness, Watersmeet, MI 49969 United States
Elevation: 554 ft
Getting There
Backcountry wilderness campsites can be accessed from the Sylvania Recreation Area by parking at the Clark Lake or Crooked Lake Boat Landings, or from entry points on the perimeter of the wilderness (see map). To reach the Sylvania Entrance Statio...
Backcountry wilderness campsites can be accessed from the Sylvania Recreation Area by parking at the Clark Lake or Crooked Lake Boat Landings, or from entry points on the perimeter of the wilderness (see map). To reach the Sylvania Entrance Station and Recreation Area: From Watersmeet, travel approximately 3.5 mi west on US 2 to County Road 535 (Thousand Island Lake Road), then drive south on CR 535 approximately 4 mi to the Sylvania Wilderness and Recreation Area entrance.
Highway access
The campground is accessible via US 2, located approximately 3.5 miles to the north. From US 2, take County Road 535 (Thousand Island Lake Road) south for about 4 miles to reach the Sylvania Entrance Station.
Nearby Campgrounds
Nearby destinations
Last updated: October 24, 2026
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Watersmeet, MI
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Managed by the USDA Forest Service