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U.S. Forest Service · Ottawa National Forest

Sylvania Wilderness Backcountry Camping

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.

Reservable50 sitesAccessibility info
Check availability on Recreation.gov ↗
Chimpmunk Campsite photo.
US Forest Service

Campsites

Group tent areas50
Total50

Amenities & rules

Tents

Fees: Camping Fee . Reserving Sylvania Wilderness Backcountry Campsite Permits are $15 per night. No pass discounts apply to backcountry camping permits, they are classified as a 'Special Recreation Permit.' Passports and Interagency Pass fee discounts do not apply to Special Recreation Permit sites per…

Compiled from site-level records; individual sites vary. Confirm on Recreation.gov or with the managing office.

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 ).

Campgrounds nearby

Data source: Recreation.gov RIDB, retrieved August 30, 2026. The Campsite Atlas is an independent publication and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Recreation.gov or any federal agency. Always confirm critical details on the official Recreation.gov page before you travel.