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Ottawa/Sylvania (Clark Lake)
Overview
Located within the pristine expanse of the Ottawa National Forest, Ottawa/Sylvania (Clark Lake) offers a true northern Michigan escape. This campground serves as a primary gateway to the Sylvania Wilderness, a rare pocket of old-growth forest and crystal-clear lakes. Unlike modern commercial resorts, this park focuses on preserving a natural wilderness experience, making it a favorite for those who value quiet nights and starry skies over digital connectivity and modern luxuries.
Location & Surroundings
Situated just south of Watersmeet, MI, the campground sits on the northern shore of Clark Lake. The surrounding landscape is defined by towering hemlocks, massive pines, and a complex network of glacial lakes. Because it is located at the edge of the Sylvania Wilderness Area, the park feels incredibly secluded. Visitors are often treated to the haunting calls of loons and the sight of bald eagles soaring above the dense forest canopy that surrounds the water.
Amenities & Park Features
The park is designed for a rustic stay, emphasizing the natural beauty of the Upper Peninsula. While it lacks electricity and sewer hookups, it provides essential comforts for self-contained travelers. Featured amenities include:
- Pressurized water systems and hand pumps available seasonally for drinking water.
- Clean and well-maintained vault toilets located conveniently throughout the camping loops.
- A designated sandy swimming beach and day-use picnic area for family relaxation.
Each site is equipped with a fire ring and table. A paved boat launch is also available for those looking to explore the deep, clear waters of Clark Lake.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Outdoor recreation is the primary draw for visitors to this region. The adjacent wilderness area is a premier destination for backcountry canoeing and portaging, where motors are strictly prohibited to maintain the silence. Anglers frequently visit to test their skills against smallmouth bass and northern pike in a catch-and-release environment. For those willing to drive a short distance, the majestic Bond Falls and Agate Falls provide stunning photographic opportunities and accessible hiking trails through the rugged terrain.
Who This Park Is Best For
This campground is ideal for primitive RVers and tent campers who are looking to disconnect from the modern world. It is best suited for travelers with smaller rigs or camper vans who do not require hookups or paved pads. If you are a paddling enthusiast or a nature photographer seeking a tranquil home base in the deep woods, this location offers an authentic wilderness atmosphere that is rare to find elsewhere in the Midwest.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Alloura Borealis
Heart broken. Drove 3 states to go camping, could not find parking for over an hour. Once we found the parking, we saw our campsite was 9 miles away. The office was closed, we had no one to help. The paper maps are so over photocopied that you cannot read the names of any of the campsites. I don't think I will be back to Michigan for camping.
Nikki Rohde (OutThisDoor)
Gorgeous campground is great for rigs! The roads and sites are paved and smooth, lots of room to maneuver in our midsize fifth wheel. We went in late October. Three of the four loops were closed which forced all of us into the one loop so almost every spot was taken but the sites are spaced enough that you didn’t feel crowded. We didn’t have electricity but we had a generator. Dump was not available. Good location for fall hunting. There is also a boat launch with a large asphalt parking lot.
Ann Harris
Campground was quiet, clean and beautiful! Was very easy to launch canoe at Clark and Crooked Lakes. Bathroom was clean. Weather was beautiful and no mosquitoes! We were lucky to hit a warm stretch of weather with minimal wind. Will definitely return!
GoingNoWhereFast
Nice Campground, too bad they can't run it like a business. When I got there the Bathhouse/Restrooms had been broken for over 2 weeks. Needed a pump I could have changed in 2-3 hours. They decided to just place chemical porta-pottys instead of fixing the problem. Would not give any kind of refund after I wasn't staying there to use chemical toilets. No Notice or any posting until after you register, nothing on Forest Service Website, Nothing on Rec.gov. Apparently the Forest Service cares not a bit about their "Customers". Just their Budget!
Ann Wiskow
Nice campsites, clean restrooms. The showers were broken though so that sucked. And people were bathing in the lake at the beach -disgusting. That ruined any swimming there as I do not wish to swim in other peoples bathwater. Such irresponsible polluting a nice lake. Aside from that, the kayaking was awesome and lakes are beautiful. Nice portages to other lakes. Many of the campsites were reserved for the weekend but were empty. Rules say that you have to occupy the site on the first night it is reserved but there are no consequences if you don't, and they don't open them up for others to use. What's the point of the rule?
