Showers
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.
Site Details
Select a site to view details
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.
307 reviews
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
Based on 307 reviews
Showing 307 reviews
September 22, 2022 Stayed at: BIRCH, Loop: Clark Lake
The camp was well maintained, Bill the host is always helpful and friendly. We loved that the bathrooms well stocked and clean. A little disappointed that the showers were already closed but made due.
We came for the solitude and beauty of SYLVANIA and it proved as wonderful as the other 18 years we’ve been coming.
Helpful
September 22, 2022 Stayed at: BASS, Loop: Whitefish Lake
Big bass alert. What a blast.
Helpful
September 19, 2022 Stayed at: COYOTE, Loop: West Bear Lake
We had a fantastic long weekend on West Bear lake, camping at coyote. The temps were just right to deter insects, and although we got caught in some substantial rain on the way in, which continued through the night until the following day at noon, overall the weather was great. Despite only spending a couple hours fishing each evening, we did manage to have fish tacos for breakfast and an amazing fish fry our final day at camp. This is my fourth stay at coyote, and I just love the location. After having not been in the park for the last 8 years, it sure felt great to be back. Looking forward to next year already.
Helpful
September 15, 2022 Stayed at: ASH-1, Loop: Clark Lake
The Sylvania Wilderness is a wonderful gift to experience. Though one reserves a specific campsite, please don't let it hinder you from portaging to other lakes, perhaps even do a loop. It's worth the energy.
Helpful
September 15, 2022 Stayed at: BALSAM-2, Loop: Clark Lake
Bodacious.
Helpful
September 14, 2022 Stayed at: PIKE-1, Loop: Whitefish Lake
'K.I.S.S.' Sylvania backcountry is simply stunning and worth the venture. Not too difficult to navigate.....well maintained trails....and plenty of beautiful sights. Can't wait to return for the winter season! If a picture is worth a thousand words....then let our cheesy 'family' video speak for itself. https://youtu.be/7LTWfQ7PXFs
Helpful
September 12, 2022 Stayed at: PIKE-1, Loop: Whitefish Lake
Quiet, wild, and pristine. Clear waters with good fishing. Old growth forest, open and walk able. You can hear wolves howl at night. Check out the wiki page on this place to get a sense of how special it is.
Helpful
August 31, 2022 Stayed at: BOBCAT, Loop: High Lake
Not for the glamper!
Helpful
August 29, 2022 Stayed at: ASH-1, Loop: Clark Lake
Go to this site to find all of the info you need: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/ottawa/recarea/?recid=12331
If you go fishing, the rules are very complicated, size and quantity restrictions apply to some lake and not others, as well as method of fishing. (You can't use "barbs" on your hooks, that was the oddest thing to me until someone explained it, just file down or crimp back the part of the hood that prevents the fish from backing out).
Helpful
August 25, 2022 Stayed at: PERCH-1, Loop: Whitefish Lake
Beautiful forests and lakes. This place gives you a great wilderness feel for being somewhat small. Fishing is excellent and there are good opportunities to see an abundance of wildlife.
The portage trails aren’t marked and can take some exploring to find, in some cases. There were some blow-overs on some of the deeper portage trails, specifically getting into secluded Whitefish Lake. Both these things make everything feel a little more wild and rugged though.
I much enjoyed my trip to Sylvania and will be back.
Helpful
Sylvania Wilderness, Watersmeet, MI 49969 United States
Elevation: 554 ft
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.
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.
Last updated: October 24, 2026
Our team is here to help you find the perfect spot for your next adventure.
Replies within minutes
Watersmeet, MI
Tent Sites
