Clark Lake Pavilion
Ottawa National Forest
Planning a visit to the Clark Lake Pavilion? Watch for Alerts at the top of the page for any Alerts regarding this facility. The Clark Lake Pavilion, located within the Clark Lake day use area, sits in a beautiful north woods setting; at the north end of Clark Lake. The pavilion provides a large indoor gathering area complete with picnic tables, limited seating and a fireplace. The large parking area serves as parking for the pavilion and Clark Lake day use area; there are 46 parking spots, 2 accessible parking spots, and 1 bus/larger vehicle parking spot.
The Clark Lake day use area offers a large outdoor picnic area complete with picnic tables and grills, a beautiful sandy beach, as well as an enclosed pavilion with a fireplace. Co-located within the pavilion are flush toilets and shower facilities.
Nearby, the Clark Lake campground offers four camping loops with a total of 48 campsites, paved access roads, pressurized water system, flush toilets and a trailer dump station.
There are canoe access landings at the north end of Crooked Lake and Clark Lake to access paddling opportunities within the wilderness.
Need to Know
- A request does not grant an individual or group exclusive rights to the occupancy and use of the day use building. For the safety and convenience of others, please do not block, restrict or interfere with the public use of the day use building. The person who reserved the site will be responsible for the conduct of the group and will be the Forest Service contact.
- Groups over 75 individuals must complete an application for a non-commercial group use special use permit. For a permit, please contact Brian Hinch, (906) 358-4020.
- Parking: No vehicles are allowed on the grass. Please use the parking lot.
- All pets must be restrained or on a leash.
- Portable grills must be used in a safe manner. Grills are not to be used inside the building. Do not discard used charcoal on the grass.
- Extension cords must be used in a safe manner. Electrical outlets are available inside the building.
- When decorating the day use building, nothing can be mounted to walls, ceiling, floor, or other building fixtures with the use of nails, staples, tape, glue, or other means of adhesion.
- Loud music is not allowed.
- No overnight camping. This is a day use area only, open from 6am-10pm daily.
- Remove all personal property when leaving daily.
- Gambling or gambling machines or devices are not permitted.
- The sale of liquor or other intoxicating beverages is prohibited. Also charging admission for picnics on public land is prohibited.
- Please pack out all garbage and litter with you. There are dumpsters available in the parking lots of the Clark Lake and Crooked Lake landings.
- Be courteous to your fellow visitors.
- Enjoy your visit to the Ottawa National Forest. If you have any questions, please call 906-358-4724.
- Don't Move Firewood: To limit the spread of invasive tree-killing pests, firewood from outside the area is not permitted. Some states have quarantines and may confiscate your firewood. Please help protect our forests from invasive species by obtaining your firewood at or near your camping destination and burning it on-site. Visit dontmovefirewood.orgfor more information .
Natural Features
The Clark Lake pavilion sits just outside the Sylvania Wilderness boundary at the north end of Clark Lake. Clark Lake is a crystal clear lake with a natural sandy shoreline, providing excellent swimming and outdoor picnic opportunities just a short walk from the pavilion.
Sylvania Wilderness encompasses 18,327 acres of primitive lands and is part of the National Wilderness Preservation System. With its untouched, virgin timber still standing tall, Sylvania looks and feels today like it did when it was first discovered. Sylvania Wilderness welcomes the new and returning visitor with towering, ancient trees, the lonesome call of loons and soft pine needles underfoot. A staggering 4,000 acres of this wilderness is covered by water.
Nearby Attractions
The Wilderness Lakes Trails system encompasses 38 miles of bike and pedestrian trails that traverse Michigan and Wisconsin, as well as encircling Sylvania Wilderness. This trail system provides a multitude of riding and pedestrian opportunities and has something for everyone.
The Land O' Lakes cross country ski trails, adjacent to Sylvania Wilderness, offer approximately 6.5 miles of groomed ski trail. Whether you are an expert skier, or a beginner, you're sure to find a favorite trail that lets you enjoy the great outdoors all winter long.
The almost one million acres of the Ottawa National Forest are located in the Western Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The forest extends from the south shore of Lake Superior to the Wisconsin border. The area is rich in wildlife viewing opportunities; breathtaking views of rolling hills dotted with lakes, rivers and waterfalls; and spectacular fall colors.
Recreation
Clark Lake day use area, Clark Lake campground, and the Sylvania Wilderness provide visitors with a multitude of opportunities to enjoy picnicking, paddling, fishing, hiking, swimming, camping and the solitude of wilderness. With more than 30 named lakes, 26 miles of hiking trails, and 50 backcountry campsites on the wilderness landscape there are no shortage of hiking, paddling, and camping opportunities throughout the area.
The Clark Lake campground is just a short drive from the pavilion and provides an overnight camping option for those wishing to camp in the area.
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, you forfeit the entire total paid.
No Show
Staff will hold facility until check-in time on 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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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
From Watersmeet, Michigan:
Travel approximately 3.5 miles west on US Highway 2 to Country Road 535. Turn left (south) onto County Road 535 and travel approximately 4 miles to the Sylvania Recreation Area entrance. From the Sylvania Recreation Area entrance, follow the signs to the Clark Lake day use area.
Available Campsites
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