SYLVANIA WILDERNESS BACKCOUNTRY CAMPING

Ottawa National Forest · Michigan · Recreation.gov

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The front of a canoe rests on the shore of a small lake surrounded by green trees

A campsite with a firegrate surrounded by trees with water visible beyond the trees.

A green canoe rests on a sandy beach. Blue water and a wooded shoreline beginning to show fall color are in the distance.

Waves approach a tree covered shore with gray storm clouds in the sky overhead.

About

Planning a trip to the Sylvania Wilderness? Watch for Alerts at the top of the page for any Alerts regarding this facility. Encompassing one of the largest tracts of remaining old growth forest in the Midwest, the Sylvania Wilderness encompasses 18,327 acres and is part of the National Wilderness Preservation System. 34 named lakes are within its boundary. Recreation opportunities include canoeing on Sylvania's undeveloped lakes, hiking through its old growth forest, and camping at one of its 50 designated backcountry campsites. Special rules and regulations are in place to protect the wilderness characteristics of Sylvania. If you are planning a trip, be sure to watch the Sylvania Wilderness Orientation Video and read the "Need to Know" tab on this web page to plan ahead and prepare.The Sylvania Wilderness has 50 primitive individual backcountry campsites. Campsites are accessible by paddling or hiking and are not accessible by vehicles. No more than 6 people are allowed per campsite. Each is marked with a post along the shoreline, has a metal 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.Located along the watershed divide between Lake Superior and the Mississippi River, old-growth northern-hardwood forest and undeveloped lakes are the primary features of the Wilderness. They 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. Several lakes support unique fisheries.Ottawa National Forest Clark Lake PavilionCanoeing, kayaking, fishing, hiking, and backcountry camping are the most popular activities. Campsites are scattered along 8 lakes within the wilderness. There a nearly 30 miles of hiking and portage trails. 18 lakes have maintained portage trails leading to them. Special Fishing Regulations apply

Amenities

Drinking water
Toilets (pit)
Showers

Availability at SYLVANIA WILDERNESS BACKCOUNTRY CAMPING

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