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
Jeanine E
VerifiedAugust 5, 2025 • Stayed at: CEDAR-1, Loop: Clark Lake
I
Jennifer F
VerifiedAugust 2, 2025 • Stayed at: BOBCAT, Loop: High Lake
So beautiful. Easy to navigate and do day trips from our site to other areas of Sylvania.
Kurt J
VerifiedJuly 26, 2025 • Stayed at: BADGER-1, Loop: Crooked Lake
The campsite is adjacent to a dry creek which floods when it rains. Pools of water make for mosquito heaven.
Phillip H
VerifiedJuly 17, 2025 • Stayed at: ASH-1, Loop: Clark Lake
The trip was amazing. It is the first backpacking trip I took my boys on (age 9 and 10). We only hiked a mile in and they loved it. The mosquitoes were a little out of control but we had some thermacells to help keep them away. The lake and campsite we so nice!! I will go again 😁
Anthony R
VerifiedJuly 15, 2025 • Stayed at: LOON, Loop: Loon Lake
The Loon site is very nice and scenic, on a point so it gets plenty of breezes. The fire pit and best tenting area is a bit of a climb from the landing.
Scott M
VerifiedJuly 10, 2025 • Stayed at: SQUIRREL-2, Loop: Crooked Lake
Great site. Beautiful views. Bugs were thick.
Bancroft B
VerifiedJuly 3, 2025 • Stayed at: COYOTE, Loop: West Bear Lake
Great place
James K
VerifiedJuly 3, 2025 • Stayed at: PINE-1, Loop: Clark Lake
We stayed at Pine-1. It has a nice sandy beach and easy access to campsite. Fish was also very good.
Gary V
VerifiedJuly 3, 2025 • Stayed at: FISHER-2, Loop: Crooked Lake
Excellent trip, weather was hot , kind of buggy. But it was very secluded. Great time
Stephen T
VerifiedJune 9, 2025 • Stayed at: MINK-2, Loop: Crooked Lake
The Sylvania Wilderness never disappoints. We had five days of above average temperatures in mid-May followed by a strong storm. The place seemed nearly empty until we departed post storm. The warms temps brought out the mosquitoes but not as bad as I’ve experienced in June.
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
