Sylvania Wilderness Backcountry Camping

I took my 10 and 14 year old boys to Sylvania for a 3 night trip. This was the introduction to canoe camping for the younger boy, as I plan on taking him along on a BWCA trip next year.
Sylvania is similar to BWCA, but there are some significant differences. The main one for me is the distance from the water to the fire grate. In BWCA, it is like 20 yards, but in Sylvania, it is closer 50 yards. I don't like being so far from the water... you can't see the beautiful sunrise/sunset. Also, there is no open ground near the shoreline, so if your gear gets wet (like ours did), nothing drys out because no sun or breeze reaches the camp.
The positive difference is the the portages are much easier... flatter, wider, and less elevation change.
The similarity is the fishing is fantastic at both.
Overall, it was a great experience, but I'll stick to the BWCA.

Though described as potentially buggy the skeeters weren’t too bad-maybe because the winds were up a bit. If my memory is correct the description talks about stairs leading up from the landing. As far as I know there are no stairs. The landing is extremely difficult with a 4-5 ft steep slope immediately upon landing and no real good consistent foot holds. I’ve been going to Sylvania for over 40 years and this is one of the most difficult landings I’ve encountered. It’s doable but beware. Maybe because the water levels are high is contributing to the difficulty.

Beautiful

The trip was nice. The entire Ermine site was on a hill so it was very different to find good tent sites. I thing the camp site could have been put in a better place. The wild life was great. We seen Eagle, Otter, Osprey, and Loons.

Couldnt get to site. Most mosquitos I’ve ever seen. No campfire rings or signs

I couldn't find my campsite, so i slept in a parking lot with lots of mosquitos. The roads could be marked with more clear signage.

The Pine camp sites were very good. Our group hiked, paddled, swam and fished.

Awesome experience!

We portaged in in 90+ temp and humidity, no wind in trees, and it was worth every step. Site sits on a beautiful lightly wooded peninsula, great breeze for keeping bugs down. It was early June, the Blue Gills were active and large, the bass were not overly large, but fun to catch and release, my Grandson caught 2 Perch over 11 inches and a couple smaller ones. We ate fish everyday! On the way out it was cooler and a good breeze. We'll be back.

Was a great first trip for our 3 year old! Not too much traveling but still got to enjoy a canoe trip. Just remember bug spray and head nets!