Tent Sites
Michael J
VerifiedSeptember 14, 2020 Stayed at: BADGER-1, Loop: Crooked Lake
Beautiful lakes and woods. Excellent primitive campsites. The cam host was very helpful and friendly.
Helpful
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 sitesSeasonal information
2026
(Current year)
2026 Season availability
Current season
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Closed periods
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
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Jul
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Currently open - Oct 1 to Dec 31
Campground Amenities
Most popular amenities
Showers
Water and Hygiene
- Showers
Water Access
- Beach Access
- Lake Access
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Rates, Sites & Availability
Select check-in and check-out dates to see real-time availability for each site.
50 Sites Available
⛺
ASH-1, Loop: Clark Lake
Tent
Yes shade
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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
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EAGLE-2, Loop: Loon Lake
Tent
Yes shade
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ERMINE-1, Loop: Mountain Lake
Tent
Yes shade
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ERMINE-2, Loop: Mountain Lake
Tent
Yes shade
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FISHER-1, Loop: Crooked Lake
Tent
Yes shade
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FISHER-2, Loop: Crooked Lake
Tent
Yes shade
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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
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.
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Site Details
Select a site to view details
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
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.
Reviews
307 reviews
Summary
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
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: Oldest First
Michael R
VerifiedSeptember 18, 2020 Stayed at: COYOTE, Loop: West Bear Lake
This is an amazing place. Beautiful in every respect. My concern is that there is no penalty for reservations that are made but not used, meaning sites sit empty.
Helpful
Richard P
VerifiedSeptember 19, 2020 Stayed at: OSPREY-1, Loop: Loon Lake
The Sylvania Wilderness lake canoeing is quite nice, serene, and met our expectations......but in our four days and 6 different lakes we saw very little wildlife, which surprised us. The lake levels were several feet higher than normal so the landings at the campsites and portage accesses were more challenging and sometime muddy or mucky. The portage sites at some of the less traveled lakes were hard to find and several were impossible to find. We wish the portage landings were marked, it would have helped.
Helpful
John B
VerifiedSeptember 23, 2020 Stayed at: PINE-2, Loop: Clark Lake
Good camping spot with plenty of room, scenic, convenient to the water but for the second year no lid on the toilette seat.
Helpful
Dan G
VerifiedSeptember 25, 2020 Stayed at: BALSAM-2, Loop: Clark Lake
My husband and I loved the solitude. Hiking trails gave access to beautiful scenery. We saw eagles and many loons. We were concerned at first because someone had our campsite. They finally found their receipt that showed they were on wrong one. Rather than making them move we just took their spot. All worked out great.
Helpful
Peg Z
VerifiedOctober 2, 2020 Stayed at: CHIPMUNK, Loop: Crooked Lake
We arrived during peak autumn color. Spectacular.
The beauty of the lakes and the forests which include old growth hemlocks gave a sense of awe that has served to ground and calm me for more than a week after the trip.
Thank you for the beauty of the campsites and for protecting this pristine wilderness.
Helpful
Mariah S
VerifiedOctober 4, 2020 Stayed at: EAGLE-2, Loop: Loon Lake
I spent 5 days leisurely paddling and relaxing in Sylvannia. The portages were very spottable and quite navigable. The campsites are well labeled and well maintained. I appreciated the spots of fall color I saw and the opportunity to sling up my hammock and read. Didn't see too many people, and enjoyed the birds.
Helpful
Ryan L
VerifiedOctober 5, 2020 Stayed at: BASS, Loop: Whitefish Lake
Excellent fishing. Awesome campsites and beautiful lakes. A great spot so close to home for me living SE Wisconsin. Will definitely be returning.
Helpful
Matt B
VerifiedFebruary 2, 2021 Stayed at: MAPLE-2, Loop: Clark Lake
Wonderful, secluded location with very nice sites to paddle into.
Helpful
Jessica M
VerifiedMarch 23, 2021 Stayed at: WOLF, Loop: East Bear Lake
Amazing!
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...
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.
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
Nearby destinations
Last updated: October 24, 2026
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Watersmeet, MI
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Managed by the USDA Forest Service