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

Camping is allowed only at designated sites. The Sylvania Wilderness has 50 individual backcountry campsites that are located along eight lakes within the Wilderness. Campsites are accessible by paddling or hiking and are not accessible by vehicles. They are primitive, but each is marked with a post along the lake shoreline and has a campfire ring and a wilderness style latrine. 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

Recreation

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:

  • 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 and down wood. Damaging live vegetation is prohibited.

  • 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 - Metal or glass food or beverage containers, including deposit bottles, cans, and Styrofoam are prohibited, 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:

    • Wheelchairs are allowed

    • 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.

  • Dogs - Dogs must be under 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 prohibited to protect nesting loons.

  • Pack and Saddle Stock – The use of pack and saddle stock is prohibited.

  • Metal Detecting is prohibited. Possessing or using a metal detector in the wilderness in prohibited.

  • Digging and Trenching – Digging holes or trenching is not allowed.

• 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

<p><strong>Cancellations</strong></p> <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> <p><strong>No Show</strong></p> <p>Staff will hold a campsite until check-out time on the day following the arrival date. </p> <p>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>.  </p>

Contact Information

Phone: 906-358-4724

Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip