The Sylvania Wilderness and Sylvania Recreation Area, is located near Watersmeet, Michigan and is part of the National Wilderness Preservation System. Combined with the adjacent Recreation Area, the 18,327 acre wilderness offers an outstanding experience for those who want to camp, fish, hike, canoe, ski or enjoy the solitude of a wilderness experience.

Few Wildernesses compare to Sylvania. Here you will find 34 named lakes - some with sandy beaches, others surrounded by record-size red and white pines. This large natural area with its old growth forest and pristine lakes provides habitat for a wide range of living things. While exploring Sylvania you might see threatened or endangered plants and animals - like rare orchids, bald eagles, loons and osprey.

Camping is permitted at designated sites by permit only. Permits can be obtained on a walk-in basis at the Wilderness Entrance Station or can be reserved through Reserve America on line at www.Recreation.gov. Reservations can also be made by calling toll free, 1-877-444-6777. International calls can be directed to 518-885-3639 and TDD calls to 1-877-833-6777.

Daytime visitors to the Sylvania Wilderness and Recreation area will pay a fee for use of the facilities. Day Use fees will be implemented May 15 through September 30 annually through the Sylvania A-frame entrance station and are set as follows: $20 per vehicle for a season pass, $5 per vehicle for a daily pass. Camping fees are $10 per night for a wilderness campsite and $14 per night for Clark Lake Campground (auto access sites). Designated campsites have fire grates and wilderness latrines. The recreation area includes a day use building, hot showers, boat launches, picnic areas, beach, parking areas plus other facilities. Special fishing regulations apply to Sylvania lakes. They can be obtained from the State of Michigan or from the Watersmeet District Office.

• Sylvania Reservations Sylvania Planning Your TripSylvania Rules and Regulations Sylvania Fishing Regulations
• Sylvania Wilderness Map

McCormick Wilderness:

This 16,580 acre wilderness is located on the Kenton Ranger District and boasts a variety of landscape types ranging from nearly level to rocky cliffs and outcrops. You will find small scattered lakes and the Yellow Dog National Wild and Scenic River. Access is by foot. Canoeing opportunities are limited by lengthy portages. There are no developed campsites and dispersed camping is allowed.

Sturgeon River Gorge Wilderness:

This 14,139 acre wilderness is located on the Kenton Ranger District. Here you will find the Sturgeon National Wild and Scenic River and its tributaries with steep rugged gorges up to 300 feet deep, and 1/2 to 1 mile wide. Access to the interior is by cross country navigation or on overgrown old logging roads which may be difficult to find and follow. There are no developed campsites and dispersed camping is allowed.