Drummond Island (dispersed)
Upper Peninsula, E · Michigan DNR (state forest)
Michigan's biggest island you can drive onto: a short ferry from De Tour, then tens of thousands of state-forest acres, alvar flats, fossil beaches, and the Marble Head cliffs over the North Channel. ORV culture is real here on the east-side trails; camp the shorelines and the quiet returns.
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
Free dispersed camping on the island's big state-forest block: post a camp registration card (PR4134), 1+ mile from any state forest campground, off posted ground. Car ferry from De Tour Village, every hour.
Hourly car ferry from De Tour Village; ~5.5 hr from Grand Rapids to the dock.
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.