Government Island
Upper Peninsula, E (Les Cheneaux) · Hiawatha National Forest (USFS)
The only public island in the Les Cheneaux chain, an old Coast Guard station turned free paddle-in camp: established sites, fire rings, a shoreline loop trail, and thirty-some channels of protected flatwater around it. The kind of overnight a sea kayak was built for.
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 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
No permit and no fee; established sites with fire rings and two outhouses. Paddle or boat access only, typically launched from Cedarville or Hessel.
Launch from Cedarville or Hessel; ~30 min east of the bridge, then paddle.
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.