About Sylvania Wilderness Backcountry Camping
Number of accommodations: 50
Seasonal information
2026 Season availability
Campground Amenities
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Showers
Water and Hygiene
- Showers
Water Access
- Beach Access
- Lake Access
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Reviews (224)
What Guests Are Saying
Sylvania Wilderness offers stunning natural beauty, with well-maintained campsites and friendly staff, making it a favorite destination for backcountry camping. While some reviewers noted the need for better trail markers and experienced issues with mosquitoes, the overall experience is highly regarded, particularly in late September when the area is quieter. Many visitors appreciated the pristine lakes, the remoteness of the sites, and the opportunity for memorable outdoor adventures.
What Guests Are Saying
Sylvania Wilderness offers stunning natural beauty, with well-maintained campsites and friendly staff, making it a favorite destination for backcountry camping. While some reviewers noted the need for better trail markers and experienced issues with mosquitoes, the overall experience is highly regarded, particularly in late September when the area is quieter. Many visitors appreciated the pristine lakes, the remoteness of the sites, and the opportunity for memorable outdoor adventures.
Review Summary
Derek S
VerifiedAugust 3, 2021 • Stayed at: BADGER-1, Loop: Crooked Lake
The bay where Badger 1 and 2 are located is shallow and filled with weeds and algae. There's no swimming or readily accessible water. We had to paddle out over 100 yards to retrieve water. There shouldn't be campsites there.
Kurt J
VerifiedJuly 22, 2021 • Stayed at: FISHER-1, Loop: Crooked Lake
Good location (access to Southern Crooked). Easy canoe access.
2 small (3/4 person) tent locations with slight inclines.
If you're looking for privacy, this isn't the campsite for you. Fisher 1 & Fisher 2 are so close you'll hear your neighbor's campfire pop.
You won't be able to see the stars without going out on the lake at night.
If you visit in July, be prepared for mosquitoes (even during a drought like this year--2021).
Tom A
VerifiedJuly 22, 2021 • Stayed at: EAGLE-2, Loop: Loon Lake
Many of the lakes were clear and great for canoeing. Some of the campsites could have better portages/access for getting to them. But overall, the campsites were clean and well kept. I would encourage anyone to check out this beautiful wilderness. I love the sounds of the loons in the morning. What a great alarm clock to wake up to!
Jesse K
VerifiedJuly 22, 2021 • Stayed at: MAPLE-2, Loop: Clark Lake
Some of the best camping in a old growth woods
Peter W
VerifiedJuly 21, 2021 • Stayed at: EAGLE-2, Loop: Loon Lake
The canoeing was great, people were friendly and the mosquitoes were hungry. I morn the loss of beaches due to global warming. I am still ambivalent about the loss of picnic tables at camp sites. It was tough on my back. I saw lots of wildlife. That was quite special.
Nathanael B
VerifiedJuly 15, 2021 • Stayed at: BASS, Loop: Whitefish Lake
Josh B
VerifiedJuly 12, 2021 • Stayed at: COYOTE, Loop: West Bear Lake
The Sylvania Wilderness is a well kept secret even for Michigan and Wisconsin residents. If you want solitude and to get away from crowds this is a great place to visit. The fishery is well preserved, the wildlife is abundant and the sites are well kept. We stayed on West Bear Lake and didn't see anyone for 5 days on that lake. We went to East bear and saw one other paddler. The color of High Lake was really cool to see. This is a nice alternative to Boundary Waters and much closer for most people to travel to. Keep it clean and well preserved!
Robert H
VerifiedJuly 8, 2021 • Stayed at: PINE-1, Loop: Clark Lake
The Pine camp sites were very good. Our group hiked, paddled, swam and fished.
Patricia L
VerifiedJuly 8, 2021 • Stayed at: PORCUPINE-1, Loop: Crooked Lake
Awesome experience!
Chuck W
VerifiedJuly 8, 2021 • Stayed at: COYOTE, Loop: West Bear Lake
We portaged in in 90+ temp and humidity, no wind in trees, and it was worth every step. Site sits on a beautiful lightly wooded peninsula, great breeze for keeping bugs down. It was early June, the Blue Gills were active and large, the bass were not overly large, but fun to catch and release, my Grandson caught 2 Perch over 11 inches and a couple smaller ones. We ate fish everyday! On the way out it was cooler and a good breeze. We'll be back.
Location Sylvania Wilderness Backcountry Camping
Address:
Sylvania Wilderness
Watersmeet, MI, 49969
United States
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 miles west on US 2 to County Road 535 (Thousand Island Lake Road), then drive south on CR 535 approximately 4 miles to the Sylvania Wilderness and Recreation Area entrance.
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.
Latitude & Longitude: 46.2447 / -89.3106
Elevation: 554 feet
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Last updated: June 4, 2026
