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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50 Sites Available
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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
Leonarf S
VerifiedJanuary 16, 2020 β’ Stayed at: BEAVER-1, Loop: Mountain Lake
We had a great time. Welcome center personnel were very helpful. https://youtu.be/AIOzOOUgFWs
Weldon W
VerifiedJanuary 16, 2020 β’ Stayed at: WOLF, Loop: East Bear Lake
We have stayed at this same backcountry campsite several times. This year we had such a good time fishing for a week in the early summer, we came back in the fall. Good sleeping, clean air, clear waters, quiet, it is just the best camping experience we have had anywhere.
Thomas G
VerifiedJanuary 15, 2020 β’ Stayed at: OSPREY-2, Loop: Loon Lake
Great and beautiful place
Michael F
VerifiedJanuary 15, 2020 β’ Stayed at: BALSAM-1, Loop: Clark Lake
A hidden gem that makes for a wonderful weekend get-away.
Frank H
VerifiedJanuary 15, 2020 β’ Stayed at: BOBCAT, Loop: High Lake
All the solitude of the Boundary Waters, but much easier to access.
Patricia M
VerifiedJanuary 15, 2020 β’ Stayed at: BEAVER-1, Loop: Mountain Lake
Mother Nature rules--unfortunately. Two years ago my friend and I had the perfect camp site and weather. We wanted to have another five days in the Sylvania this past summer, got the camp site we love, but lasted only three days because the thunder storms and hail were almost nonstop.
Arranging the trip on the website was easy, the ranger at the entrance station was welcoming. Nothing one can do about the weather!
Steven A
VerifiedJanuary 15, 2020 β’ Stayed at: OSPREY-1, Loop: Loon Lake
Solo canoeing at itβs best.
Bob N
VerifiedJanuary 14, 2020 β’ Stayed at: PORCUPINE-2, Loop: Crooked Lake
My health was not up to par due to a recent auto accident, so my experience was limited.
Jonathan J
VerifiedJanuary 11, 2020 β’ Stayed at: PORCUPINE-1, Loop: Crooked Lake
Sylvania is a great place to paddle. Considerate BWCAW light, perfect for wilderness campers who can maybe no longer do the heavy portages and long distance paddling of the great BWCA. I will be back to Sylvania next year, 2020
Dawn L
VerifiedJanuary 11, 2020 β’ Stayed at: BALSAM-2, Loop: Clark Lake
Great experience for our first tent camping with kids.
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
