Mackinac Wilderness
Upper Peninsula, eastern · Hiawatha National Forest (USFS)
The Wild and Scenic Carp River winding through unmarked forest, a quiet trout-water trip for people who like their trails faint.
From above. USDA NAIP, public domain.The vibe
Works for hammock, tent. 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 rules
No permit or fee; primitive dispersed camping. Minimal/unmaintained trails, remote. Centered on the Wild and Scenic Carp River.
~1 hr NW of the Mackinac Bridge.
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.