Sylvania Wilderness Backcountry Camping

Sylvania Wilderness, Watersmeet, Michigan, United States
Check Availability
The front of a canoe rests on the shore of a small lake surrounded by green trees
The shore of a lake with trees and a campsite marker post in the distance.
Waves approach a tree covered shore with gray storm clouds in the sky overhead.
The front of a canoe surrounded by a blue lake with another canoe in the distance.
A window is open on a log entrance station building with a staff member inside ready to greet visitors.

Featured amenities

Showers Showers
View all amenities

About Sylvania Wilderness Backcountry Camping

Planning a trip to the Sylvania Wilderness? Watch for Alerts at the top of the page for any Alerts regarding this facility.  Encompassing one of the largest tracts of remaining old growth forest in the Midwest, the Sylvania Wilderness encompasses 18,327 acres and is part of the National Wilderness Preservation System. 34 named lakes are within its boundary. Recreation opportunities include canoeing on Sylvania's undeveloped lakes, hiking through its old growth forest, and camping at one of its 50 designated backcountry campsites.Special rules and regulations are in place to protect the wilderness characteristics of Sylvania. If you are planning a trip, be sure to watch the Sylvania Wilderness Orientation Video and read the "Need to Know" tab on this web page to plan ahead and prepare.

Available sites

50 total sites
Tent Sites 50 sites Check Availability

Seasonal information

2026 (Current year)

2026 Season availability

Current season
Upcoming seasons
Past seasons
Closed periods
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Currently open - Oct 1 to Dec 31

Campground Amenities

Most popular amenities

Showers Showers
Water and Hygiene

Water and Hygiene

  • Showers
Water Access

Water Access

  • Beach Access
  • Lake Access
Missing information?

Rates, Sites & Availability

Select check-in and check-out dates to see real-time availability for each site.

50 Sites Available

Site
Price
⛺ ASH-1, Loop: Clark Lake Tent
Yes shade
⛺ ASH-2, Loop: Clark Lake Tent
Yes shade
⛺ BADGER-1, Loop: Crooked Lake Tent
Yes shade
⛺ BADGER-2, Loop: Crooked Lake Tent
Yes shade
⛺ BALSAM-1, Loop: Clark Lake Tent
Yes shade
⛺ BALSAM-2, Loop: Clark Lake Tent
Yes shade
⛺ BASS, Loop: Whitefish Lake Tent
Yes shade
⛺ BEAR-1, Loop: Mountain Lake Tent
Yes shade
⛺ BEAR-2, Loop: Mountain Lake Tent
Yes shade
⛺ BEAVER-1, Loop: Mountain Lake Tent
Yes shade
⛺ BEAVER-2, Loop: Mountain Lake Tent
Yes shade
⛺ BIRCH, Loop: Clark Lake Tent
Yes shade
⛺ BOBCAT, Loop: High Lake Tent
Yes shade
⛺ CEDAR-1, Loop: Clark Lake Tent
Yes shade
⛺ CEDAR-2, Loop: Clark Lake Tent
Yes shade
⛺ CHIPMUNK, Loop: Crooked Lake Tent
Yes shade
⛺ COYOTE, Loop: West Bear Lake Tent
Yes shade
⛺ DEER-1, Loop: East Bear Lake Tent
Yes shade
⛺ DEER-2, Loop: East Bear Lake Tent
Yes shade
⛺ EAGLE-1, Loop: Loon Lake Tent
Yes shade
⛺ EAGLE-2, Loop: Loon Lake Tent
Yes shade
⛺ ERMINE-1, Loop: Mountain Lake Tent
Yes shade
⛺ ERMINE-2, Loop: Mountain Lake Tent
Yes shade
⛺ FISHER-1, Loop: Crooked Lake Tent
Yes shade
⛺ FISHER-2, Loop: Crooked Lake Tent
Yes shade
⛺ FOX-1, Loop: Crooked Lake Tent
Yes shade
⛺ FOX-2, Loop: Crooked Lake Tent
Yes shade
⛺ LOON, Loop: Loon Lake Tent
Yes shade
⛺ LYNX-1, Loop: Mountain Lake Tent
Yes shade
⛺ LYNX-2, Loop: Mountain Lake Tent
Yes shade
⛺ MALLARD-1, Loop: Loon Lake Tent
Yes shade
⛺ MALLARD-2, Loop: Loon Lake Tent
Yes shade
⛺ MAPLE-1, Loop: Clark Lake Tent
Yes shade
⛺ MAPLE-2, Loop: Clark Lake Tent
Yes shade
⛺ MINK-1, Loop: Crooked Lake Tent
Yes shade
⛺ MINK-2, Loop: Crooked Lake Tent
Yes shade
⛺ OSPREY-1, Loop: Loon Lake Tent
Yes shade
⛺ OSPREY-2, Loop: Loon Lake Tent
Yes shade
⛺ PERCH-1, Loop: Whitefish Lake Tent
Yes shade
⛺ PERCH-2, Loop: Whitefish Lake Tent
Yes shade
⛺ PIKE-1, Loop: Whitefish Lake Tent
Yes shade
⛺ PIKE-2, Loop: Whitefish Lake Tent
Yes shade
⛺ PINE-1, Loop: Clark Lake Tent
Yes shade
⛺ PINE-2, Loop: Clark Lake Tent
Yes shade
⛺ PORCUPINE-1, Loop: Crooked Lake Tent
Yes shade
⛺ PORCUPINE-2, Loop: Crooked Lake Tent
Yes shade
⛺ RACCOON, Loop: High Lake Tent
Yes shade
⛺ SQUIRREL-1, Loop: Crooked Lake Tent
Yes shade
⛺ SQUIRREL-2, Loop: Crooked Lake Tent
Yes shade
⛺ WOLF, Loop: East Bear Lake Tent
Yes shade

Reviews

307 reviews

Summary

AI generated

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

Overall rating

Based on 307 reviews

Write a review
5 stars 69.4% (213)
4 stars 18.9% (58)
3 stars 6.5% (20)
2 stars 2.9% (9)
1 star 2.3% (7)

Showing 307 reviews

Verified Only
Sort by: Newest First
Newest First Oldest First

Tamela V

Verified

September 7, 2026 Stayed at: OSPREY-2, Loop: Loon Lake

Portage from Clark to Loon not long. We had a very heavy canoe and the Portage had some up hill climbs. This made it difficult for us.

Helpful

Tamela V

Verified

September 7, 2026 Stayed at: MAPLE-1, Loop: Clark Lake

Nice area. Trails to hike. Spent 2 weeks. Great experience.

Helpful

John Z

Verified

September 1, 2026 Stayed at: MAPLE-1, Loop: Clark Lake

The trip was great this year. Not too many mosquitos, great rain free weather and picked to right campsite to view the Perseid's meteor show. Unfortunately there was cloud cover so we only saw a few meteors.

Helpful

Joe l

Verified

August 31, 2026 Stayed at: MINK-2, Loop: Crooked Lake

The fishing could have been better, the thunderstorms and cold front shut er down for the few days we were there. Caught some small panfish and pike but nothing to eat. The crew at sylvania outfitters are awesome, tons of knowledge and the best help, I give them 10 stars!!

Helpful

Rebecca L

Verified

August 30, 2026 Stayed at: FISHER-1, Loop: Crooked Lake

Sylvania is a beautiful place! We had some nights in the wilderness area and other nights in the Clark Lake campground. Sadly, the bathrooms were locked at one point due to plumbing issues and only one outhouse was available for the entire campground at that point.

Helpful

Dennis M

Verified

August 27, 2026 Stayed at: LYNX-1, Loop: Mountain Lake

Excellent backwater getaway with well situated remote campsites

Helpful

gary k

Verified

August 27, 2026 Stayed at: RACCOON, Loop: High Lake

No notification on fire ban posted. We are trail runners and the trails need clearing brushing and basic maintenance. If you don’t maintain trails you will lose them. It’s a critical part of experience.

Helpful

Vern S

Verified

August 24, 2026 Stayed at: RACCOON, Loop: High Lake

Beautiful spot. Great fishing. Friendly folks on the lakes were always willing to share fishing tips.

Helpful

Location & Directions for Sylvania Wilderness Backcountry Camping

Sylvania Wilderness, Watersmeet, MI 49969 United States

Elevation: 554 ft

Getting There

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...

Nearest town

Watersmeet, MI - 8.2 mi

About 11 min to downtown

Highway access

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.

Nearby Campgrounds

Clark Lake Pavilion
Closed for Season

Campground / RV park

Clark Lake Pavilion

Watersmeet, MI

The Clark Lake Pavilion, situated in a scenic north woods area at the north end of Clark Lake, offers a spacious indoor gathering space with picnic tables and a fireplace. Visitors should check for alerts regarding the facility before their visit....
Land O' Lakes Nature RV Resort (Age Restricted 25+)

Campground / RV park

Land O' Lakes Nature RV Resort (Age Restricted 25+)

Land O' Lakes, WI
4.8 (5)
Tamarack Springs Campground

Campground / RV park

Tamarack Springs Campground

Conover, WI
5.0 (5)

Nearby destinations

Explore destination

Watersmeet

7 mi away

City
Explore destination

Land O' Lakes

9 mi away

City
Explore destination

Conover

15 mi away

City

Last updated: October 24, 2026

Message us

Need help?

Our team is here to help you find the perfect spot for your next adventure.

Message us

Replies within minutes

Explore Watersmeet, MI

Population: 250

Elevation: 1,604 ft

Learn more about Watersmeet

From our Travel Guides

View all guides
USDA Forest Service Logo
Managed by the USDA Forest Service