Hopkins Creek State Forest Campground
Northern Lower Peninsula · Missaukee County
Seven sites on a trout creek in dense evergreen, one held back for backpackers, and a stop on the 420-mile Shore-to-Shore Trail. Horses and ORVs are barred from the campground itself; the equestrian camp shares the access road, so you will see trailers, not hear hooves. The DNR calls it a peaceful retreat, and for once the brochure is not overselling.
From above. USDA NAIP, public domain.The vibe
Works for tent, hammock, van, and a smaller rig. Measured dark skies, a real one for stargazing.
Hanging a hammock?
Hammocks are fine in Michigan state parks. There's no rule against them. The rule is about the tree: use wide, tree-friendly straps, no nails or wire, and don't tear the bark. The state sets no strap or tree-size requirement, so when in doubt, ask the park. We'll point you at sites that likely have trees worth hanging from, but we can't see the trunks, so eyeball it on arrival.
The facts
- 7 rustic sites.
- Vault toilets and hand-pump water. No hookups, no showers.
- No reservation exists. Drive in, take an open post, self-register ($20 a night). Summer Fridays fill early; have a second pick down the road.
5.
Thicket is not affiliated with the Michigan DNR. The facts come from the DNR's open GIS data (a public record); the vibe read and the words are ours, estimated from open data (OpenStreetMap, USGS elevation, NASA Black Marble nighttime light). Sites, fees, and access can change, and first come, first served means no promises. Confirm on the DNR page, and pack out what you pack in.