Sylvania Wilderness Backcountry Camping

Please watch the Sylvania Wilderness Orientation Video to help you prepare for your trip to the wilderness.

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Fishing Regulations: Sylvania Wilderness & Perimeter Area

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Sylvania Wilderness Map

Sylvania Wilderness Backcountry Campsite Permits are $15 per night. No pass discounts apply to backcountry camping permits, as they are classified as a 'Special Recreation Permit.' Passports and Interagency Pass fee discounts do not apply to Special Recreation Permit sites per FSH 2309.13.

Sylvania Wilderness Backcountry Campsite reservation holders do not have to pay the day use fee to park at Clark Lake or Crooked Lake Boat Landings to access backcountry campsites.

Use of the Clark Lake Day Use Area requires a daily $5.00 per vehicle fee, or a season pass for $30 per vehicle. The season pass covers the daily fee for the Sylvania Recreation Area.

Sylvania Wilderness Rules and Regulations

Permit holders are responsible for understanding and following all Sylvania Wilderness rules and regulations. Forest Service regulations are enforceable with a maximum penalty of $5,000 and/or 6 months in jail.

Rules and regulations are as follows:

1. Camping is only permitted at designated sites.

2. Between May 15 - September 30 each year, all users must register and have a valid wilderness permit. Permits can be obtained at the Sylvania Entrance Station.

3. Special fishing regulations apply to most Sylvania lakes. Transport of bass across National Forest Lands in Sylvania Wilderness and Recreation Area is prohibited.

4. Metal or glass food or beverage containers, including deposit bottles, cans, and Styrofoam are prohibited. Exceptions include fuel, insect repellent, medicine, toiletries, and containers designed and intended for repeated use.

5. Landing on islands from "ice-off" to July 15 is prohibited to protect nesting loons.

6. Motorized, mechanized, or gas-powered vehicles are prohibited within the Wilderness (note exceptions below). Portage wheels and bicycles are also prohibited.

-Only electric motors with a maximum size of 24 volts or 48 pounds of thrust (4 HP equivalent) or less may be permitted or possessed on Crooked, Devil’s Head or Big Bateau Lakes within the Sylvania Wilderness.

-Wheelchairs are allowed

7. A maximum of 6 people per campsite is allowed.

8. Fires are only allowed in metal Forest Service fire rings at designated sites.

-Collect only dead and down wood.

9. Sailboats or other sailcraft are prohibited on Clark Lake or any lake within the Wilderness.

10. Commercial guiding for any purpose is prohibited.

11. Outside of campsites, a maximum of 10 people can be together.

12. Washing and bathing with soap must be done on land and 150 ft. or more from any lakeshore or wetland.

13. Pack and saddle stock is not permitted.

14. Dogs and other domestic pets must be on a 6 ft. leash and under control at all times except when hunting during a sanctioned Michigan state hunting season.

15. Metal detecting or possessing a metal detector is prohibited.

16. Digging holes or trenching is prohibited.

17. Firearms may not be used except for hunting and may not be used near campsites or other occupied areas.

These prohibitions are in addition to the general prohibitions in 36 CFR Part 261, Sub-part A

For more information about the Ottawa National Forest, visit their website .