I have been visiting Quetico for the last 22 years and enjoyed every trip. It is hard however, to string more than a few days together for a conoe/fishing trip beyond my annual trek to Quetico. I have been visiting the Sylvania Wilderness in the U.P. of Michigan a few times each summer for the last 15 years. It is only about 6 hours from my house (as opposed to 12 hours for Quetico) so I can run up there on a three day weekend. Its not Quetico but its the next best thing I know of.

The Sylvania Wilderness is a fine place to go, however, if you go expecting the BWCA or Quetico, you will be very disappointed.  First to answer your question, "are permits needed?".  Yes, and you need to get them very early.  I think the last I knew you had to have a permit no later than May 15th and there were no "walk-ins".  Furthrmore, the campsites are assigned on the permit.  You don't go looking for a campsite (that can be good).   If you want to make a loop, you need to plan it out,  and coordinate your itinerary with the sites you're assigned. Total length of stay is limited to 14 days, which is probably not enough time to portage into all the accessible lakes and make side excursions off on the more remote hiking trails. Group size is limited to 5, although 2 groups can travel together but must have their own sites.

All portage trails are clear and well marked and seldom exceed a half-mile in length. The loop from Crooked Lake to Mountain, East Bear, West Bear, Kerr, and High lakes, is accomplished with six portages that probably add up to a total of less than half a mile. The other major loop--from Clark to Loon, Fisher, Florence, Big Bateau, Cub, and Deer Island--requires several slightly longer portages, but none that are difficult for anyone in reasonably good physical condition. Actually a walk-in-the-park compared to the BWCA and Q.

There are a lot of fishing regulations.

Unlike the BWCA, there is soil under foot.  You can get a tent stake into the ground.  Trees are mature and big and, unlike the BWCA, many hardwoods.  Fire pit.  Box latrine.

I always thought it a great place for a relaxed weekend, or to take kids to, or to take newbies to canoe camping to, etc.

I recommend Sylvania, but IMHO it is more of a state park canoe trail than a wilderness.

I, too, would like to paddle Sylvania sometime.  It's relatively close for me (four hour drive), so it's a legitimate wilderness canoeing possibility.

Without expecting someone to mention his or her favorite campsite specifically, could someone make a suggestion for some nice campsites?  Also, regarding the loop that people commonly travel, don't remember all the lake names, how long does it take to paddle that loop?  A decent day trip with day pack and otherwise empty canoe?  I'd appreciate your feedback.

Happy Trails...

Thanks for the input, Bannock.  Having the map online is very handy.  It's exactly what I was looking for. 

The loop I was referring to is in the northeast part of Sylvania.  It consists of Crooked, Mountain, East Bear, West Bear, Kerr and High Lakes. 

You said you camped at Badger.  If I were camped there (or nearby), how long would it take to paddle that loop with a nearly empty canoe? 

Thanks again for your help!

Happy Trails...