Sylvania Wilderness Backcountry Camping

Great family trip.

We had a great time visiting the Sylvania Wilderness. It’s a miniature version of the Boundary Waters, but even more accessible for first time canoe campers.

It was our paddling group's first time in the Sylvania Wilderness and we were pleasantly surprised. Although we traveled during the peak Independence Day holiday week, we were often alone. The distance between campsites was enough to keep our group mostly isolated from others. The trails and portages were well defined and in generally good condition. The in-the-ground fire rings with the swinging grills were great in both windy and wet weather. The campsites were well used but mostly clean with plenty of firewood nearby. The water on most lakes was clean and clear although Crooked Lake was a bit murky and weedy on the southern end. There is a fantastic sandy beach down in the southeastern end of Clark Lake that saved us from 90 degree heat and should not be missed. Fishing was great for the many different species of fish that liked our small spinners and poppers. We saw many types of birds including two smaller eagles in a nest and a swan family of six. The signpost for the Clark to Hay portage entry is missing, but it is where the maps show it. Some of the latrines are not too private, so carrying a small tarp may be useful.

It was great as usual seemed like less people than years past.

This was my second visit into the Wilderness and hopefully not my last. Be sure you stop at the Headquarters building to get your blue permit tag as they were not available at the Crooked Lake launch. Also know and follow the fishing regs as you may be challenged. Overall a first rate experience if you can handle the mosquitos (late June).

The campsite, Ermine 1 on Mountain lake was in very poor condition. Did not look like it had been used much this season and was not maintained. Could not locate the thunder box. Mosquitoes were terrible. Boat landing sites were very poor, and the density of the forest canopy did not permit much light in the campsite at all. I rate it a fair experience because we were able to camp there one nite. Caught a few fish in Mountain lake the day we left. Left one day early because of poor conditions at campsite and weather/bug conditions. Staff should work to clean up these places and provide amenities, ie., toilets, indicated in advertisements. Efforts should be made to make the campsite more open. Beautiful place but lousy camping conditions.

Beautiful clear water. We enjoyed seeing loons and eagles in the tree tops. We swam and fished. In years past the beaches were more prevalent. They are now overgrown with encroaching trees and shrubs. Other campers were respectful and quiet.

Trails could have been marked a letter better. Something out of your control were the number of bugs!

We've visited Sylvania every June since 2011. This year, we had fewer mosquitoes, so our camping was more relaxed with less bugs. Still a great place to stay a few nights.

Sylvania Wilderness offers a great experience, closer to home, to get away from the city and enjoy the peaceful outdoor setting.

Was swarmed by Mosquitos at the trail head. Put bug dope on(100% Deet). Walked 1/2 mi up trail and turned around and went back out and drove home. Spent $150 on gas, reservations and 16 hours of round trip driving. I am a native to Michigan born and raised and I NEVER have seen so many mosquitos EVER. The mosquitos were in my eyes, mouth, nose and ears. They were lighting by the dozens through the Deet. Must of ate a dozen mosquitos in the 1 mi I hiked in and out total. You would need a body net and something more powerful than 100% Deet bug repellent. Worst hiking experience I have had in 25 years of hiking Washington state and Michigan. I won't be returning to Sylvania Wilderness.