Sylvania Wilderness Backcountry Camping
The numbers that decide it
- Longest rig
- Not published
- Sites
- 50
- Electric hookups
- Not published
- Pull-through sites
- Not published
- Paved access
- Not published
- Accessible sites
- Not published
- Driveway grade
- Not published
- Bear boxes
- Not published
- Campfires
- Not published
- Shade
- Yes
- Group sites
- Not published
Site-level detail from Recreation.gov, checked 2026-08-05. Where a field says “not published”, the agency has not published it — it does not mean zero. See it on Recreation.gov
Sylvania Wilderness Backcountry Camping
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 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 and are paddle or walk-in only. Camping is allowed only at designated sites. Campsites are primitive, but each is equipped with a campfire ring and a wilderness latrine. Camping is permitted at designated sites by Reservation only. Reservations MUST be reserved by visiting Recreation.gov (see details below). No first-come, first-serve walk in sites available. All sites can be booked through Recreation.gov . Fish Your National Forests: Fish available include: trout, bass, walleye, panfish, pike. Types of fishing available include, wade, shore, non-motorized boat, float tube, fly, spin, ice fishing following Sylvania’s special fishing regulations. Maps: • Sylvania Wilderness Map • Clarks Lake Campground Map
Before you go
Season
January 1 – December 31
Reservations
First-come, first-served
Fees
Backcountry campsite permits are $15/site/night and available through Recreation.gov. You do not have to pay the $5/vehicle daily fee if you have a wilderness backcountry reservation. • $5/vehicle daily fee, please use the fee tube at the Entrance Station or Clark Lake Picnic and Beach parking area. Do not pay any camping fees at day use fee tubes . • $30 Ottawa National Forest Annual Pass can be purchased by calling 906-932-1330 or at a Recreation Pass Sales Outlet
Hours
The Entrance Station is open every Thursday-Saturday, 9:00am – 4:00pm. • The Entrance Station will provide information on the rules and regulations, current conditions, wilderness and area information, and provide wilderness permits. • All backcountry reservation holders checking in during open hours will be required to watch the Sylvania Wilderness permit video. • The Entrance Station will be exact change cash or check only. The Entrance Station will not have cash to make change. • All rules and regulations apply. All backcountry campers must camp at a designated site with proof of reservation and have a wilderness permit which can be picked up at the Entrance Station. Rules and Regulations for Sylvania can be found on all the bulletin boards at the entrance station, trailheads, and canoe launches.
Restrictions
Motorized, mechanized or gas-powered vehicles, including motors, snowmobiles, portage wheels and bicycles, are not allowed: • Electric Motors allowed on Crooked Lake; maximum thrust of 48lbs (4 HP equivalent). • Wheelchairs are allowed • Be prepared to portage your canoe • Metal or glass food or beverage containers, including deposit bottles, cans and foam containers may not be taken into the wilderness • Dogs- • Are allowed on a leash in both the Wilderness/Recreation area, can be off leash during hunting seasons. • May not be left unattended and are not allowed in the Clark Lake Beach and Swimming area. • Aircraft Landings are not allowed, over flights are requested to remain at least 2,000 feet above the ground. • Special fishing regulations
Scenic drives that pass close
Make it a night on a better road
Byway plans the drive in — real stops, real weather, nothing invented.