Huron National Forest (dispersed)
Lower Peninsula, NE · Huron National Forest (USFS)
The east side's big woods: jack pine plains and the AuSable corridor from Mio to the lake, laced with two-tracks where you can pull off and camp free. Mind the posted Kirtland's warbler areas, that little bird owns the young jack pine here. The river campgrounds themselves are designated-site, so go find your own hill instead.
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 Forest Service 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 general forest land; keep clear of developed campgrounds and posted closures, stay a stint then move on. Kirtland's warbler management areas are posted and off limits.
Roughly M-33 to Oscoda country; ~2.5 hr from the Detroit side.
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.