Sylvania (Clark Lake) Campground

Sylvania (Clark Lake) Campground

Part of Ottawa National Forest

Overview

Sylvania (Clark Lake) Campground is located seven miles southwest of Watersmeet, Michigan, adjacent to the 18,327 acre Sylvania Wilderness Area. This 48-site campground provides a home base for visitors who venture into the wilderness on day outings. Also a great camping area in general or overnight camping just 5 minutes off Highway U.S. 2. Some electrical sites available, pressurized toilet facilities and an RV Dump and Water Station. Some sites are reservable but there are always sites available on a first come first serve basis as well!

Facilities

This campground consists of four camping loops with a total of 48 campsites and provides drive-in campsites that can accommodate tents, trailers and motor homes. All sites are spaced with natural vegetation for screening. Each campsite offers a wood table, fire ring, lantern post and parking spur. Drinking water is provided by faucets in loops 2, 3, and 4, while two flush toilet facilities and one accessible vault toilet are evenly spaced throughout the campground. Also located adjacent to the campground is a day use facility that has a picnic area, canoe access landings, trailheads and a swimming beach. Located adjacent to the campground is a water and sewage dump station for RV's. Some sites are reservable on Recreation.gov but other sites are on a first come, first serve basis and typically there is always a site available.

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 one 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.

Nearby Attractions

Bond Falls located about 20 minutes North East. Porcupine Mountains located about 1 hour North West. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore located about 2 hours North East. Keweenaw Peninsula is located about 1.5 hours North.

Contact Info

For facility specific information, please call (906) 661-8870.

Important Notices

  • Camping in a developed recreation site is allowed for a period not longer than 14 days.
  • Campers must occupy the site the first night.
  • Eight people and two motorized vehicles are allowed per campsite with a maximum of one RV or camper trailer and two tents per camping site or three tents per camping site.
  • Don't Move Firewood: Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.
  • This campground is operated by Camp Host, LLC under a special use permit with the Ottawa National Forest.

Available Activities

  • SWIMMING SITE - Swimming
  • WILDLIFE VIEWING - Wildlife Viewing
  • HUNTING - Hunting
  • HIKING - Hiking
  • FISHING - Fishing
  • CAMPING - Camping
  • BOATING - Canoeing
  • BIKING - Mountain Biking

Directions

From Watersmeet, MI, take US 2 west approximately 3.5 miles to County Road 535, turn left onto County Road 535 and travel approximately 3.5 miles to the Sylvania Wilderness Recreation Area entrance on left.

Contact Information

Phone: 906-396-5428

Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip

Available Campsites

Photo Gallery