Facility Details - SYLVANIA WILDERNESS BCTRY CAMP, MI

Overview

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.

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, forest 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.

Facilities:

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.

Activities and Amenities

Within Facility
Beach Access Berry Picking Boat-In Sites Boating Campfire Rings Canoeing Cross Country Skiing Drinking Water (Hand Pump) Educational Programs Fishing Hiking	Hunting Lake Access Parking Area Picnic Shelters Pit Toilets Showers Snowshoeing Swimming Trash Collection Visitor Center

Know Before You Go

Special rules apply within the Sylvania Wilderness and must be observed by all visitors;
click here for these rules and a detailed map
Prior to camping any time between May 15 through Sept 30, visitors are required to handle reservations, fee payment, registration and watch a Leave No Trace video at the Sylvania Entrance Station (Sat-Thu 8:30-5, Fri 8:30-6); call (906) 358-4404 for information
A $5/day or $20/season facility pass is required for use of the developed facilities within Sylvania Recreation Area; pass includes parking, as well as hot showers at the Clark Lake Day Use Area
Motorized, mechanized or gas-powered vehicles, including portage wheels and bicycles, are not allowed; some exceptions can be made for electric motors by contacting the entrance station
Wheelchairs are permitted
Be prepared to portage your canoe
Before July 15, landing on islands is not allowed in order to protect nesting loons
Metal or glass food or beverage containers, including deposit bottles, cans and styrofoam may not be taken into the wilderness
Camping is free and open at designated sites outside the reservation season on a first come, first served basis from October 1st through May 14th
Click here to learn more about Ottawa National Forest

Getting There:

GPS Info. (Latitude, Longitude):
46.24472, -89.31056
46°14'41"N, 89°18'38"W

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 4 miles west on U.S. 2 to County Road 535, then drive south on CR 535 approximately 4 miles south to the Sylvania Recreation Area.