Campground

Tom's Lake Cabin

Hiawatha National Forest · RAPID RIVER · Michigan — managed by USDA Forest Service

Books out fast — 4 of 4 weekends we sampled are sold out
Tom's Lake Cabin campground
Photo: Recreation.gov · USFS - Hiawatha National Forest

Weekend availability at Tom's Lake Cabin

Live from Recreation.gov · checked Sep 10, 11:24 AM PT

Sold out 6 of the next 6 weekends — exactly when cancellation alerts earn their keep.

  • Fri, Sep 11
    Sold out
  • Fri, Sep 18
    Sold out
  • Fri, Sep 25
    Sold out
  • Fri, Oct 2
    Sold out
  • Fri, Oct 9
    Sold out
  • Fri, Oct 16
    Sold out

Friday + Saturday nights, sites bookable both nights. Counts come from a rotating sweep and can lag a cancellation by up to a day — alerts watch your exact dates within minutes.

How booked is Tom's Lake Cabin?

as of September 10

Weekends book out well ahead here — 4 of the 4 Saturdays we sampled, as far out as Nov, are already sold out. When a site frees up it's gone again within minutes, so people watch Tom's Lake Cabin and hear the instant one opens for their dates. Weekdays still have room — for now.

Weekends (Saturday night)

Sep 19Sold out
Oct 10Sold out
Nov 7Sold out
Nov 28Sold out

Weekdays (Wednesday night)

Sep 16Open
Oct 28Open
Nov 25Open

Availability checked directly against the reservation system, out to 3 months ahead.

Campsites & amenities

Site-level details from Recreation.gov's official catalog.

Campsites
1
Max rig length
24 ft
Cabin No Hookup

About this campground

Overview Tom's Lake Cabin was built in 1991 and will accommodate up to eight people. The cabin is situated on a small knoll overlooking Tom's Lake, a 23 acre lake in the heart of the Hiawatha National Forest.Recreation There are several hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails within a few miles from the cabin, including the Ironjaw semi-primitive area and the Pine Marten Run trail system offering 26 miles of trail. For the winter enthusiast, snowmobile trails can be found nearby, and the Pine Marten Run trail is frequently used for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing (although the trail is not groomed). Those trying their hand at fishing on the lake should note that boat access is carry-in only.Facilities The cabin has a wood stove and firewood is provided in addition to the pedestal grill and fire pit outside. The cabin does not have modern bathroom facilities or electricity. There is a hand pump for drinking water just outside the cabin and a pit toilet behind the cabin. The cabin is furnished with four twin bunk beds with mattresses and seating for eight. You should plan to bring all your own camping equipment including camp stove, dishes, cooking and eating utensils, toilet paper, water containers, lanterns, flashlights, bedding and pillows. There is a gate at the entry road for your use. You can close it if you wish for privacy, but we ask that you don't lock it in the event we need to get in for routine maintenance. We will leave it the way we found it. During the winter months, the 1/4 mile road into the cabin is not plowed. One must park in the parking lot provided along Co. Rd. 440 and walk, ski, or snowmobile in.Natural Features Tom's Lake Cabin is nestled adjacent to Tom's Lake and is ideal for swimming and fishing. Anglers will enjoy a day on the lake in search of largemouth bass and bluegill. After a day fishing and swimming, settle in for a wonderful campfire overlooking the lake and relax around the outdoor fire pit lined with a few benches. The Hiawatha National Forest is rich in wildlife, which includes 312 species that live within the Hiawatha National Forest region including whitetail deer, black bear, grey wolves, coyote, eagles, hawks, and rabbits. Over 250 species of birds use the Hiawatha, either when migrating through the area, as summer or winter range, or as permanent residents. Contact Info For local information, please call (906) 474-6442 or call (906) 387-2512 for general information. Nearby Attractions The cabin is within a short commute of the Big Island Lake Wilderness with its 23 small lakes and portages to challenge the canoeist. The nationally-designated Wild and Scenic Indian River is also nearby, and its 51 miles offer outstanding canoeing and fishing opportunities. Groceries, gasoline, fishing, camping supplies, boat rentals, ice, MDNR licenses, deli, and restaurants are available on Highway 13.

Getting there

From the intersection of U.S. Highway 2 and Forest Highway 13 (25 miles west of Manistique or 14 miles east of Rapid River) , drive north 19 miles on FH13 to County Rad 440. Turn right (east) on CR440 and drive about 3 miles to FR2082. Turn left (north) and drive to cabin.

Elevation
787 ft
Contact
1111111111
Hiawatha National Forest office

Activities

  • BIKING
  • WINTER SPORTS
  • HIKING
  • FISHING
  • CAMPING
  • BOATING
  • HORSEBACK RIDING

Nearby federal campgrounds

Never miss an opening at Tom's Lake Cabin

Popular Michigan campgrounds book out months ahead — but cancellations happen every day. We watch Tom's Lake Cabin around the clock and alert you the moment a sold-out site reopens for your dates, so you don't have to keep refreshing Recreation.gov.

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Details from Recreation.gov's official RIDB catalog. Conditions change — confirm with the managing office or on Recreation.gov before you go. Not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.