Sylvania Wilderness Backcountry Camping

Ottawa National Forest

Planning a trip to the Sylvania Wilderness? Watch for Alerts at the top of the page for any Alerts regarding this facility.

The Sylvania Wilderness encompasses 18,327 acres of primitive lands and is part of the National Wilderness Preservation System. Visitors can camp in 50 designated campsites within the Sylvania Wilderness. Visitors enjoy endless canoeing, fishing, hiking and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Sylvania Wilderness Backcountry Camp is not a physical campground located at one location. The 50 individual sites are located along eight lakes within the Sylvania Wilderness. Camping is allowed only at designated sites. Campsites are primitive, but each is equipped with a campfire ring and a wilderness latrine.

Need to Know

Sylvania Wilderness Backcountry Permits are $15 per night. No pass discounts apply to backcountry camping permits, they are classified as a 'Special Recreation Permit.' Passports and Interagency Pass fee discounts do not apply to Special Recreation Permit sites per FSH 2309.13.
Registered Sylvania Backcountry Campers are not required to pay the day use fee solely for parking a vehicle at Clark Lake or Crooked Lake Boat Landing areas to access backcountry campsites. Use of the Clark Lake Day Use Area requires a daily $5.00 per vehicle fee, or a season pass for $30 per vehicle. The season pass covers Lake Ottawa Recreation Area, Sylvania Recreation Area, and Black River Harbor Recreation Area.
Sylvania Wilderness Rules and Regulations

Permit holders are responsible for understanding and following all Sylvania Wilderness rules and regulations. Forest Service regulations are enforceable with a maximum penalty of $5,000 and/or 6 months in jail.

Rules and regulations are as follows:
- Camping – Camping is permitted at designated sites, by permit only. Campsites are identified by an in ground Forest Service fire ring.
- Fishing - Special fishing regulations apply to Sylvania lakes. Transport of bass across National Forest Lands in Sylvania Wilderness and Recreation Area is prohibited.
- Firewood - Collect only dead wood that is no longer standing. Damaging live vegetation is unlawful.
- Campfires - Only permitted within a U.S. Forest Service fire ring. Put fires out cold to the touch at night and each time you leave your campsite. Camp stoves are allowed and are recommended.
- Groups Size – A maximum of 6 people per campsite is allowed for any purpose or activity. No more than 10 people may be together at any place in the Wilderness—on the water, on trails, or on portages. Smaller groups have less impact on the land and other visitors, and are more likely to see wildlife.
- Containers - Carry your food and drinks in reusable plastic containers. Metal or glass food or beverage containers, including deposit bottles, cans, and Styrofoam may not be taken into the wilderness, except for fuel, insect repellent, medicines and toilet articles. Permitted containers are those designed and intended for repeated use.
- Motorized and Mechanized - Motorized, mechanized or gas-powered vehicles, including motors, snowmobiles, portage wheels and bicycles, are not allowed. Note the exceptions below:
- Dogs - Dogs must be under human control and on a 6 foot leash at all times, except when hunting during sanctioned Michigan State hunting seasons. They are not allowed in the Clark Lake Beach or swimming area.
- Washing and Bathing – All washing and bathing with soap must be done on land, 150 feet or more from any lake shoreline or wetland.
- Firearms – May not be used except for hunting, and may not be used near campsites or other occupied areas.
- Islands – Landing on islands from “ice-off” to July 15 is not allowed in order to protect nesting loons.
- Pack and Saddle Stock – The use of pack and saddle stock is not permitted.
- Metal Detecting – It is prohibited to possess or use a metal detector in the wilderness.
- Digging and Trenching – Digging holes or trenching is not allowed. Each campsite has a wilderness latrine.
Sylvania Wilderness backcountry campsite coordinates.
Sylvania Wilderness portage trail lengths.
For more information about the Ottawa National Forest, visit their website.
If you will be camping in Sylvania Wilderness, take a few moments to watch this video that explains the rules and regulations to follow during your trip .
Sylvania Wilderness and Recreation Area Map

Natural Features

The old-growth forests and pristine lakes in the region provide habitat for a wide range of animal and plant life, including rare orchids, bald eagles, loons and osprey. The wilderness contains 34 named lakes, some with sandy beaches and others surrounded by record-size red and white pines. The Ottawa National Forest is comprised of nearly 1 million acres and is located in the western reaches of Michigan's Upper Peninsula. The forest's rolling, tree covered hills extend from the south shore of Lake Superior to the Wisconsin border. Lakes, rivers and waterfalls are found throughout this beautiful landscape.

Recreation

Sylvania's abundant lakes provide plentiful non-motorized boating, canoeing, kayaking and fishing opportunities. Other popular activities include hiking and viewing wildlife.

Changes & Cancellations

Cancellations

If you cancel reservation at least 14 days prior to check in date, all recreation fees, minus a $10 cancellation fee and the reservation fee ($8 if made online or $9 if made through the call center) will be refunded.
If you cancel reservation less than 14 days prior to check in date, all recreation fees, minus $10 cancellation fee, reservation fee ($8 if made online or $9 if made through the call center), and first night’s use fee will be refunded.
The reservation fee ($8 if made online or $9 if made through the call center) is non-refundable.

No Show

Staff will hold a campsite until check-out time on the day following the arrival date.

For more information about rules and reservation policies, visit the Recreaiton.gov Rules and Reservations Policy page.

Contact Information

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SYLVANIA WILDERNESS E23979 US 2 EAST WATERSMEET MI 49969

Phone Number

For campground inquiries, please call: 906-358-4724

Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip

Driving Directions

Wilderness campsites can be accessed from Sylvania Recreation Area or from entry points on the perimeter of the wilderness (see map). To reach Sylvania Entrance Station and Recreation Area: From Watersmeet, travel approximately 3.5 miles west on US 2 to County Road 535, then drive south on CR 535 approximately 4 miles to the Sylvania Wilderness and Recreation Area entrance.

Available Campsites

Photo Gallery

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