About Sylvania Wilderness Backcountry Camping
Number of accommodations: 50
Seasonal information
2026 Season availability
Campground Amenities
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Showers
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- 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
Ben V
VerifiedJune 1, 2024 • Stayed at: CHIPMUNK, Loop: Crooked Lake
it was good to enjoy the woods for a week.fishing was great,bugs were not bad,weather was semi coopertive.
Andrew I
VerifiedOctober 25, 2023 • Stayed at: BADGER-2, Loop: Crooked Lake
Beautiful place
Richard G
VerifiedOctober 5, 2023 • Stayed at: PORCUPINE-1, Loop: Crooked Lake
Good experience, campsites need better identification markers, they are hard to find when paddling in from the lake.
Richard G
VerifiedSeptember 23, 2023 • Stayed at: RACCOON, Loop: High Lake
Arrived too late to paddle to my paid remote site in the Sylvania Wilderness Area in the Ottawa National Forest, so I set up camp in an unoccupied site the general camping area. I was evicted just at dark, the man said “online money reservations are no good in this area,” and that I had to pay again in order to stay. Unfortunately I had no additional cash so I spent the night in my car on the road. Nice way to treat people.
thomas c
VerifiedSeptember 19, 2023 • Stayed at: FISHER-1, Loop: Crooked Lake
Just go!
Thomas S
VerifiedSeptember 9, 2023 • Stayed at: BASS, Loop: Whitefish Lake
My son and I had an outstanding time at the Bass site. Early on the trip, the wind was from the northwest and there was a nice breeze through the site that kept the mosquitoes at bay (perfect weather 70 and sunny in August). One morning, it rained quite a bit, but the site handled it quite well. The wind shifted to the west and some mosquitoes came out, but it was more than manageable. There is a lot of dead wood lying about. I think this site isn't used a lot. The landing site is fine, just come in a little to the right of the post. The lake is beautiful and very remote - a wonderful experience. One thing to note, we put in at Clark Lake and went through Glimmerglass and Hay Lakes. It was quite nice, but a lot of work for two people with all our gear and water. On the way out, we took the trail that led to the west of Whitefish Lake. The Outfitters group was easy to work with in changing the pickup point of the canoe. For small groups, of two or so, I'd recommend the Whitefish Lake entry point.
Matthew B
VerifiedAugust 26, 2023 • Stayed at: PERCH-2, Loop: Whitefish Lake
Lovely wilderness, quiet lakes, nice campsites. Killer mosquitoes, so make sure to get a site with plenty of breeze.
Anne S
VerifiedAugust 24, 2023 • Stayed at: BALSAM-1, Loop: Clark Lake
We always love our backcountry experience in Sylvania. Thank you for maintaining superior trails, campsites and old growth forest.
Scott P
VerifiedAugust 22, 2023 • Stayed at: PINE-1, Loop: Clark Lake
Always quiet, peaceful and I have yet to have a bad experience in the Sylvania Wilderness!
Kaarn H
VerifiedAugust 19, 2023 • Stayed at: MAPLE-1, Loop: Clark Lake
Beautiful campsite, though lots of dirt/dust due to dry conditions. Nice swimming beach nearby. Lots of mosquitos.
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
