Pere Marquette State Forest (dispersed)
Lower Peninsula, NW · Michigan DNR (state forest)
The northwest Lower's working forest, Cadillac to Traverse City: river headwaters, kettle lakes, and quiet oak ridges between the famous parks. Closest big block of hang-a-card camping to Grand Rapids after the Manistee, and it sees fewer people.
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 state forest land: post a camp registration card (PR4134), 1+ mile from any state forest campground, off posted ground.
Cadillac and Kalkaska country; ~1.75 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.