SYLVANIA WILDERNESS and the OTTAWA NATIONAL FOREST

This page presents a good overview of the Sylvania Wilderness and Recreation Area and the special provisions that are important to its survival.  As well, there is information about the vast and rugged Ottawa National Forest where the canoeing and camping opportunities are endless.

PLEASE DO NOT contact Sylvania Outfitters
for campsite reservations in the Ottawa National Forest and Sylvania Wilderness Area.
Reservation contact information is listed below.

We have included the following information about the Sylvania Wilderness Area to help you get acquainted with some of the area's guidelines and regulations. For further information, give the Visitor's Center a call at the number listed.  For a great map of Sylvania Wilderness area, click on The Big Map at the bottom of this page.  Remember that the download time is fairly long, but the view is worth the wait!
 

ENTRANCE STATION HOURS:
8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Saturday through Thursday, and
8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Friday

WALK-IN PERMIT AVAILABILITY

Unreserved campsites are available on a first come, first serve basis. Note that 13 of the campsites were left unreserved and set aside for those visitors who were unable to make their reservations.

DAY USE FEES

Daytime visitors to Sylvania Wilderness and Recreation Area will be charged a day use facility fee from May 15 to September 30 annually. Visitors entering through the entrance station will pay fees as follows: $20.00 per vehicle for a season pass or $5.00 per vehicle for a daily pass. Pick up permits and pay fees upon arrival at the Entrance Station located on Co. Rd. 535 (Thousand Island lake Road) Watersmeet, MI.  Summer phone: 906-358-4404

SYLVANIA CAMPSITES

The limit per campsite is 6 people with a maximum group size of 10 while in the Sylvania Wilderness. Separated groups can rendezvous at the Clark Lake Day Use Area which is outside the Wilderness and has no group restriction.

BETWEEN MAY 15 AND SEPTEMBER 30TH

Every overnight camping party needs a validated OVERNIGHT CAMPING PERMIT and day users must have a DAY USE PERMIT.  There is a $10 per site, per night camping fee. 
Pick up permits and pay fees upon arrival at the Entrance Station located on Co. Rd. 535 (Thousand Island lake Road) Watersmeet, MI.  
Summer phone: 906-358-4404

Commercial Guiding Services are not permitted In the Sylvania Wilderness

Special fishing regulations apply in the Sylvania Tract that are very important to know.  A few are listed here.  NOTE: This is not a complete list of regulations.  It is mandatory that you are familiar with all the special provisions.  We will provide you with the complete list or you should pick one up at the entrance station.

No Bass may be kept at any time for any reason.
No live bait may be used.
Only barbless hooks are allowed.
Special length and possession regulations apply for Lake Trout, Northern Pike and Walleye.
Special regulations apply for the taking of panfish.
No motor-powered craft of any kind are allowed. (See Crooked Lake's special regulations.)
No fishing is allowed before the last Saturday in April or after the 31st of October.

Please take note of these other important Regulations:

DOGS:  Are allowed on a six foot leash both in the Wilderness and the Recreation Area.  Dogs may be off leash only during sanctioned State of Michigan hunting seasons.  They may not be left unattended and are not allowed in the Clark Lake beach and swimming area.

WHEELED VEHICLES:  Bicycles or mechanical portaging wheels are not allowed in the wilderness.  Wheelchairs are permitted.

CANS AND BOTTLES:  Non-burnable and disposable food and beverage containers including cans, bottles and styrofoam are not allowed in the wilderness. Permitted containers include containers of fuel, insect repellent, medicines, personal toiletries and reusable plastic containers.  Any permitted containers must be packed out.

COOKING:  Cooking in the wilderness is allowed only at campsites designated by a cast iron fire ring even when using a cook stove.

CAMPFIRES:  Campfires are allowed only in fire rings at designated sites.  Use only dead and down material for firewood.  Cutting live trees is damaging and unlawful.

DIGGING:  Digging holes or trenching is not allowed.

ISLANDS:  Landing on islands is prohibited from ice-off to July 15th to protect nesting loons. 

CROOKED LAKE

Although within the boundaries of the Sylvania Wilderness and Recreation Area, Crooked Lake's fishing regulations are governed by the current State of Michigan Fishing Regulations. You are also allowed to use electric motors on this scenic and fertile lake. Check the regulations.

CAMPING AREAS JUST OUTSIDE THE SYLVANIA WILDERNESS
Ottawa National Forest

Information about the Ottawa National Forest can be found at
Watersmeet Ranger District
Old U.S. 2   P O Box 276
Watersmeet, MI 49969
Phone: 1-906-358-4551
See online information HERE

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CLARK LAKE DRIVE IN

On the northern edge of Sylvania this typical National Forest Auto Access Campground is available on a first come, first serve basis. (1/2 mi. from lake)
$12.00 per night plus the $5 Vehicle Pass or $20 per Season Pass.

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MARION LAKE GROUP CAMPSITE

Larger groups can be accommodated at the Marion Lake Group Campsite. Camping is near a picnic area, beach and playing field.

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NORTH CISCO CHAIN CAMPSITES

Big Africa and Record Lake are on the north end of the Cisco Chain of 15 Lakes on the edge of Sylvania.
Motorboats are common, as the Chain is developed. But, there are no cabins on these two lakes, camping is quite unrestricted on these old established sites.

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ONTONAGON RIVER CANOE TRIP
2- 3 DAYS TO BOND FALLS FLOWAGE

Starting at Sylvania Outfitters, this trip entails more advanced canoeing skills and some portaging. Using dry boxes is a must!
The Burned Dam Campground on the Ontonagon River is the only developed campsite along this canoe route. (It is also accessible by car.)
By river, it is on the portage around Mex-i-mine Falls. Campsites are available on a first come, first serve basis.

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For information about these and other canoe trips, call Sylvania Outfitters at 906-358-4766. 
Sylvania Outfitters does not handle campsite reservations!

Main Page
Sylvania Outfitters Complete Information and Rates	The Big Map of the  Sylvania Wilderness Area
Prepacked Meals For 2 or 4 Persons	Cross country ski equipment, trail maps, and more

Links to Informative Websites
Our store carries Backpacker's Pantry products...   Gourmet, Freeze-Dried Backpacking Food	Sylvania Wilderness Cabins	Watersmeet, MI Information	Hunt's Guide To The Upper Peninsula of Michigan

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