South Manitou Island
Lower Peninsula, NW · National Park Service (NPS)
The gentler Manitou: three rustic campgrounds (Bay, Weather Station, Popple), a lighthouse you can climb, the Valley of the Giants cedars, and the Francisco Morazan wreck offshore. Day-boat foot traffic thins to nothing when the last ferry leaves. Closed for 2026 with the dock work; back in 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 per-night Backcountry Use Permit, individual sites at the three rustic campgrounds first come, first served; no at-large camping here.
Ferry from Fishtown Dock, Leland. 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.