Sylvania (Clark Lake) Campground

If you’re looking for a Fido-friendly place to pitch your tent in Michigan’s stunning Ottawa National Forest, you’d be barking mad not to check out Sylvania Campground at Clark Lake! You’ll need to sacrifice a couple of your creature comforts, of course -- Sylvania doesn’t have any showers or any water or sewer hookups for your RV. That being said, the day-use area across the street does have showers, electricity is provided, and the campground was recently furbished, so you can rest assured that you can park your vehicle on freshly paved, even ground.

Sylvania is also in a pretty furrific location! All sites are well-shaded by gorgeous trees, and the campground is perched on the side of the lake itself. There’s also plenty of forest undergrowth between sites, so you’ll have plenty of privacy.

The campground offers a couple of ways to stay -- as well as the standard electric sites, non-electric sites are available for those seeking a more rustic (or budget-friendly) experience. Go at the right time and you might get a spot for the low, low price of absolutely free -- in the late spring and early fall, some sites don’t charge a fee, though there aren’t any services provided at the campground outside of peak season. There’s no entrance fee to the area, and sites start at $18. However, you will need to pick up a camping permit, which you can get at the entrance to the campground. Although 24 of Sylvania’s 48 sites are set aside for walk-ins, it still pays to book early, particularly if you’ll need to stay at one of the campground’s accessible sites.

You and your buddy are sure to sniff out something to do during your stay! Keen anglers will be glad to know that Clark Lake is a great place to cast a line, but the main draw of Sylvania is its proximity to all sorts of pawesome trails. The Sylvania Wilderness Area is a real mutts-visit for hound-dog hikers, and routes meander through oak and hickory forest, past some of the 34 named lakes in the wilderness area, and along clear, natural springs. Avid birders might want to keep an eye out for osprey, loons, and even the occasional bald eagle. Remember to pick a wilderness permit before you go!

WiFi isn’t available at Sylvania, and cellular coverage varies from network to network. Remember to bring waste bags to clean up after your four-pawed pal, and have a grrr-eat time Sylvania Campground at Clark Lake!