Exterior view of the front of the cabin
Kitchen and Dining Area
Bunk Style Beds

Tom's Lake Cabin

Open — Open year-round for reservations via Recreation.gov. During winter months, the quarter-mile access road is not plowed; visitors must park at the lot on County Road 440 and walk, ski, or snowmobile in. Check-in is 2:00 p.m., check-out is 12:00 p.m.

Temporary Area Closure for Big Pines Picnic Area

The Big Pines Picnic Area will be temporarily closed due to timber harvest. Activities in the area may include logging trucks and other equipment. For your safety, please stay alert while in the vicinity and choose another location for recreation.

Hiawatha National Forest Seeks Public input on Grand Island Visitor Use Management Project

The Hiawatha National Forest is seeking input on the development of a management plan for the Grand Island National Recreation Area.

Forest Supervisor's Orders

As a visitor to the National Forest, you are asked to follow certain rules designed to protect the Forest, natural resources and to provide for public safety of visitors. These rules are available to you on-line below or at any office of the Hiawatha National Forest.

Restricting Public Entry to Stonington Quarry

Persons with a valid permit; Federal, State, or Local members of rescue or fire fighting force in the performance of official duties; Forest Service employees conducting surveys or monitoring and as approved by the Forest Supervisor.

Haymeadow Trail and Bridge Closed

The Haymeadow Creek Hiking Trail Bridge is closed until it can be repaired or replaced. -- Located on the hiking loop near Haymeadow Creek Dispersed Campsites, the bridge failed an inspection due to significant rot. We will update this notice as repairs are implemented.

About

Tom's Lake Cabin is a rustic rental cabin built in 1991, situated on a small pine-covered knoll overlooking Tom's Lake, a 23-acre lake in the heart of the Hiawatha National Forest. The cabin accommodates up to eight people and features four twin bunk beds with mattresses, a wood stove with provided firewood, seating for eight, an outdoor pedestal grill, and a fire pit with benches. There is no electricity or modern plumbing; water is obtained from a hand pump outside the cabin, and a pit toilet is located behind the cabin. Guests must bring all camping equipment including camp stove, dishes, utensils, toilet paper, water containers, lanterns, flashlights, bedding, and pillows. The lake is ideal for swimming and fishing, with anglers targeting largemouth bass and bluegill via carry-in boat access only. Several hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails are within a few miles, including the Ironjaw semi-primitive area and the Pine Marten Run trail system offering 26 miles of trail. Winter enthusiasts can access nearby snowmobile trails, and Pine Marten Run is frequently used for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, though not groomed. The cabin is near Big Island Lake Wilderness with 23 small lakes and portages, and the nationally-designated Wild and Scenic Indian River offering 51 miles of canoeing and fishing. The Hiawatha National Forest is rich in wildlife including whitetail deer, black bear, grey wolves, coyote, eagles, hawks, and rabbits. Over 250 species of birds use the forest as migrants, seasonal residents, or permanent inhabitants. This is a pack-in, pack-out facility with no trash services. Pets are allowed on leash but cannot be left alone in the cabin.

Directions

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 Road 440. Turn right (east) on CR440 and drive about 3 miles to FR2082. Turn left (north) and drive to cabin.

Nearby Campgrounds

Amenities

Water Yes
Fires Allowed Yes
Toilets Yes
Dump Station No
Wifi No
Pets Allowed Yes
Showers No
Electric Hookups
Water Hookups
Sewer Hookups
Camp Store No
Price $45

Vehicle

Max RV Length
Max Trailer Length
Big Rig Friendly No
Pull Through Sites No

Contact

Email bmadden@fs.fed.us
Phone +1 (906) 474-6442

Cell Service

AT&T None
Verizon None
T-Mobile None

Availability

Photos

Exterior view of the front of the cabin
Kitchen and Dining Area
Bunk Style Beds
Front View
Fire Ring and Picnic Area
Tom's Lake Cabin - Interior

Community Posts

No posts yet. Be the first to share your experience!