Sylvania Wilderness Backcountry Camping in MI -- Campground & RV Camping

Set within an 18,327-acre old-growth northern hardwood forest along the Lake Superior and Mississippi River watershed divide, Sylvania Wilderness features 50 primitive backcountry campsites scattered across eight undeveloped lakes. Sites are water-accessible or reached via nearly 30 miles of hiking and portage trails; drive-in camping is not available. Each site accommodates up to six people and includes a post marker, metal fire ring, and wilderness latrine, with no drinking water on site. The surrounding preserve encompasses 34 named lakes stocked with unique fisheries.

Getting there: Backcountry wilderness campsites can be accessed from the Sylvania Recreation Area by parking at the Clark Lake or Crooked Lake Boat Landings, or from entry points on the perimeter of the wilderness (see map). To reach the Sylvania Entrance Station and Recreation Area: From Watersmeet, travel approximately 3.5 miles west on US 2 to County Road 535 (Thousand Island Lake Road), then drive south on CR 535 approximately 4 miles to the Sylvania Wilderness and Recreation Area entrance.

• Little separation from through roads or other sites here, a 50-site campground with the nearest through road 0.1 miles off.
• Open country, with nothing named rising within 30 miles.
• A group campground, with most of them shaded.

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