Sylvania Wilderness Backcountry Camping

SYLVANIA WILDERNESS BACKCOUNTRY CAMPING

Overview

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.

Facilities

The Sylvania Wilderness has 50 primitive individual backcountry campsites. Campsites are accessible by paddling or hiking and are not accessible by vehicles.
Each is marked with a post along the shoreline, has a campfire ring, a wilderness style latrine, and most only have room for 2-3 tents.
Campsites are located approximately 200 ft. from the shoreline.
All sites are accessible from the water, but only some have maintained hiking trails that lead to them. Make sure to check the Sylvania Wilderness Map to see which sites are located along hiking trails before planning to hike to your campsite.

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.

Important Notices

Please watch the Sylvania Wilderness Orientation Video to help you prepare for your trip to the wilderness.
Sylvania Wilderness Backcountry Campsite Permits are $15 per night. No pass discounts apply to backcountry camping permits, as 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.
Sylvania Wilderness Backcountry Campsite reservation holders do not have to pay the day use fee to park at Clark Lake or Crooked Lake Boat Landings 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 the daily fee for the Sylvania 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:
1. Camping – Camping is only permitted at designated sites by reservation only.
2. Between May 15 - September 30 each year, all users must register and have a valid wilderness permit. Permits can be obtained at the Sylvania Entrance Station.
3. Special fishing regulations apply to most Sylvania lakes. Transport of bass across National Forest Lands in Sylvania Wilderness and Recreation Area is prohibited.
4. Metal or glass food or beverage containers, including deposit bottles, cans, and Styrofoam are prohibited. Exceptions include fuel, insect repellent, medicine, toiletries, and containers designed and intended for repeated use.
5. Landing on islands from "ice-off" to July 15 is prohibited to protect nesting loons
6. Motorized, mechanized, or gas-powered vehicles are prohibited within the Wilderness (note exceptions below). Portage wheels and bicycles are also prohibited.
- Only electric motors with a maximum size of 24 volts or 48 pounds of thrust (4 HP equivalent) or less may be permitted or possessed on Crooked, Devil’s Head or Big Bateau Lakes within the Sylvania Wilderness.
- Wheelchairs are allowed
7. A maximum of 6 people per campsite is allowed.
8. Fires are only allowed in Forest Service fire rings at designated sites.
- Collect only dead and down wood.
9. Sailboats or other sailcraft area not allowed on Clark Lake or any lake within the Wilderness.
10. Commercial guiding for any purpose is prohibited.
11. Outside of campsites, a maximum of 10 people can be together.
12. Washing and bathing with soap must be done on land and 150 ft. or more from any lakeshore or wetland.
13. Pack and saddle stock is not permitted.
14. Dogs and other domestic pets must be on a 6 ft. leash and under control at all times except when hunting during a sanctioned Michigan state hunting season.
15. Metal detecting or possessing a metal detector is prohibited.
16. Digging holes or trenching is prohibited.
17. Firearms may not be used except for hunting and may not be used near campsites or other occupied areas.
Sylvania Wilderness and Recreation Area Map
For more information about the Ottawa National Forest, visit their website.

Available Activities

Winter Sports - Winter Sports
Hunting - Hunting
Hiking - Hiking
Fishing - Fishing
Camping - Camping
Boating - Boating
Canoeing - Canoeing
Cross Country Skiing - Cross Country Skiing
Picnicking - Picnicking
Snowshoeing - Snowshoeing
Swimming - Swimming

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.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellations <ul> <li>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.</li> <li>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.</li> <li>The reservation fee ($8 if made online or $9 if made through the call center) is non-refundable.</li> </ul> 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 <a href="https://www.recreation.gov/rules-reservation-policies" rel="nofollow">Rules and Reservations Policy page</a>.

Contact Information

Phone: 906-358-4724

SYLVANIA WILDERNESS
E23979 US 2 EAST
WATERSMEET, MI 49969

Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip

Available Campsites

Photo Gallery

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