North Manitou Island
Lower Peninsula, NW · National Park Service (NPS)
Fifteen thousand acres of designated wilderness on an island an hour off Leland, the Lower Peninsula's closest thing to Isle Royale: camp anywhere legal, 300 feet off the water and the trails. No fires in the wilderness, stove only; the village has the only pumps and fire rings, plus eight first-come sites for the cautious. Closed for 2026 while the docks are rebuilt, so plan this one for 2027.
From above. USDA NAIP, public domain.The vibe
Works for hammock, tent. Measured dark skies, a real one for stargazing.
Hanging a hammock?
Depends whose trees they are. The National Park 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
CLOSED for 2026 while the docks are rebuilt; no ferry until 2027. Normally: a paid Backcountry Use Permit plus park pass, bought in person (Hart Visitor Center, campground offices, or the Leland dock), then camp at-large; no reservations.
Ferry from Fishtown Dock, Leland (~2.75 hr from Grand Rapids). No ferry in 2026.
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.