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
Dwight J
VerifiedMay 24, 2025 • Stayed at: FISHER-1, Loop: Crooked Lake
I camped at 3 different Backcountry campsites the first days they were available for a he season. There were a lot of downed trees at the campsites and on portage trails. However, with the unseasonably cool weather it made for good fire wood availability at campsites. Bear 1 should be described as a hike in site. The climb uphill from the lake is insane for paddlers that have to haul their gear up to the campsite. In general I'd prefer the sites to be a little closer to the shoreline. Overall I had a good wilderness experience.
Kyle R
VerifiedOctober 7, 2024 • Stayed at: LYNX-1, Loop: Mountain Lake
We had a wonderful, albeit short, trip to Sylvania. Perfect weather, great campsites, no litter or bad behavior in sight. Everything was well maintained and the Forest Service staff did a great job with the check-in.
Alan Z
VerifiedSeptember 11, 2024 • Stayed at: EAGLE-2, Loop: Loon Lake
An absolutely amazing place.
Danika W
VerifiedSeptember 10, 2024 • Stayed at: PIKE-1, Loop: Whitefish Lake
Sylvania Wilderness is a favorite. Pristine lakes and towering old-growth forests. Northern lights, loon calls, and wolves howling.
Dave S
VerifiedSeptember 10, 2024 • Stayed at: ERMINE-2, Loop: Mountain Lake
Had a very nice time.
Mike D
VerifiedSeptember 7, 2024 • Stayed at: BOBCAT, Loop: High Lake
Such a peaceful, beautiful place. Almost felt like we had the whole place to ourselves.
Andrew P
VerifiedAugust 21, 2024 • Stayed at: MALLARD-2, Loop: Loon Lake
A great trip with my friend and my two sons, will definitely be back!
Amanda S
VerifiedAugust 16, 2024 • Stayed at: BALSAM-1, Loop: Clark Lake
Beautiful and secluded. Sites were nice.
Kurt J
VerifiedAugust 8, 2024 • Stayed at: BADGER-1, Loop: Crooked Lake
Badger 2 is the better site.
Badger 1 has a poor boat landing. The fire pit grate is broken like so many others. The tent sites are small and surrounded by raspberry shoots--great for kids in late July and early August, but also great for mosquitoes.
Kurt J
VerifiedAugust 8, 2024 • Stayed at: BADGER-2, Loop: Crooked Lake
Definitely better than Badger 1.
Very few trees for hammock camping near the designated tent sites. Very few trees near the fire pit for a tarp should you desire to tie to a tree. Because there are few trees near the tent and fire pit locations, great opportunities for seeing stars.
The shallow waters and the transition towards the Fisher sites (east along the southern shore) hold tons of perch.
30 inch tree nearly 3 feet off the ground obstructs the path the the toilet. There is a hole at the base of the toilet that drains after a rain.
Fire pit is shallow from mud run off. A stout paddle can dig it deeper, but no one will be willing to dedicate the time to dig it out completely.
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
