Four thousand roadless-feeling acres at the headwaters of the Manistee, where the last of the big pines came down a century ago and the river runs glass-clear through the stumps' grandchildren. The camping rule keeps tents near the two-tracks; the trout water and the emptiness are the point.
From above. USDA NAIP, public domain.The vibe
Works for hammock, tent, van / car. Measured dark skies, a real one for stargazing.
Hanging a hammock?
Depends whose trees they are. The DNR makes the rules, and wilderness areas can have their own take on hammocks, so check before you count on a hang. Wherever you hang: wide tree-friendly straps, no nails or wire, and don't tear the bark. We can't see the trunks from here, so eyeball it on arrival.
The rules
State-forest card camping with a twist: a standing order here bars camping more than 50 feet from a road open to motor vehicles, so you camp near the two-tracks, not deep in. Post the PR4134 card as usual.
Between Grayling and Kalkaska; ~2.5 hr from Grand Rapids.
Thicket is not the managing agency and not affiliated with it. The vibe read is our estimate from open data (OpenStreetMap, USGS elevation, NASA Black Marble nighttime light); the rules, permits, and access can change. Confirm with the agency before you go, and leave no trace.