Tom'S Lake Cabin

Star4.58
55 reviews
8181 US HWY 2, RAPID RIVER, MI, 49878, USA
Family FriendlySummer Destination

Quick Facts

810 ft

Price

$45/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens Rapid River/Manistique Ranger District site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Tom'S Lake Cabin
$45.00 - $45.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The nightly fee for Tom's Lake Cabin is $45, applicable year-round. Additional fees may apply for reservation services: $8 online/app booking, $9...
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Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
906-474-6442 OR 906-387-2512bmadden@fs.fed.us
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What Campers Say

4.58

Top-Rated

Based on 55 reviews

Most mentioned

location

Some mention

small

"Reviews highlight the cabin's serenity, well-maintained facilities, and abundance of recreational activities. Some concerns include cleanliness and minor maintenance issues like a broken storm door."

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Campground Map

8181 US HWY 2, RAPID RIVER, MI, 49878, USA

Tom'S Lake Cabin

8181 US HWY 2, RAPID RIVER, MI, 49878, USA

Driving directionsFrom 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 the cabin.
The entry road to the cabin is accessible year-round except during winter when the 1/4-mile road is not plowed, requiring guests to park at a lot along County Road 440 and walk, ski, or snowmobile in. The drive includes paved and unpaved roads.
Nearby places
Manistique (25 miles west, approx. 40 minutes drive), Rapid River (14 miles east, approx. 20 minutes drive)
Nearby supplies
Groceries, gasoline, fishing and camping supplies, boat rentals, ice, MDNR licenses, deli, and restaurants are available on Highway 13.

Best Time to Camp at Tom'S Lake Cabin

Experience the magic of true seasons at Tom's Lake, where winter transforms the landscape into a crystalline wonderland. Though temperatures can plunge below -13°F, the cabin's crackling wood stove creates a cozy haven after days spent snowshoeing through silent forests or gliding across frozen trails on cross-country skis. When summer arrives, gentle breezes sweep across the lake, creating perfect conditions for trail adventures, lazy afternoons fishing from the shore, and refreshing swims in the clear waters.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Summer highlights include fishing, swimming and hiking; reviews call out summer activities positively.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.5 / 5
Top 15% in MI

Forest setting and trails imply strong fall foliage and scenic hikes; foliage praised in descriptions.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Spring offers wildlife and thawing lake access; fewer specific review comments than other seasons.

Best
Winter(Dec-Feb)
4.5 / 5
Top 1% in MI

Winter stays recommended; reliable wood stove and snow-covered trails make it cozy and appealing in winter.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: January 1, 2025 - December 31, 2025.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open year-round. Reservations start June 21, 2025 for peak season (January 1 - December 31, 2025).
  • Current Alerts: None reported.

About Tom'S Lake Cabin

Perched on a scenic knoll with sweeping views of pristine Tom's Lake, this charming 1991-built cabin offers an authentic Northwoods escape in the heart of Hiawatha National Forest. Your private sanctuary awaits, where up to eight guests can disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with nature's rhythms. Here, mornings begin with mist rising off the lake and evenings end with the haunting call of loons echoing across the water.
Tom's Lake Cabin offers primitive-style lodging in a secluded environment. It is a cabin rental without modern facilities but includes essential amenities like a wood stove and fire pit.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Guests may stay up to 14 consecutive nights.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Firewood available
Lodging and accommodations
Vault toilets
Cabin Lodging

Activities you can enjoy

Tom's Lake Cabin provides ample recreational opportunities, including hiking, biking, horseback riding, fishing, swimming, and winter sports. The nearby Pine Marten Run trail system offers 26 miles of trails for various activities, including snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
HikingSeveral hiking trails are accessible within a few miles of the cabin, such as the Pine Marten Run trail system. Reviews highlight the beautiful trails and scenic views. One user stated, "Lots of good views and quiet nature."
FishingFishing is available on Tom's Lake, targeting largemouth bass and bluegill. However, boat access is carry-in only. A user mentioned, "Fishing on Tom’s was slow but had great luck everywhere else!"
SwimmingThe lake is ideal for swimming, although specific facilities or safety measures are not mentioned.
BikingBiking trails are nearby, including the Ironjaw semi-primitive area and the Pine Marten Run trail system.
BoatingBoat access is carry-in only, which adds to the rustic charm of the cabin experience. Canoeing and kayaking opportunities are mentioned in nearby attractions.
Wildlife viewingThe Hiawatha National Forest is rich in wildlife, including whitetail deer, black bear, grey wolves, coyotes, eagles, hawks, and rabbits. Birdwatching is a popular activity, with over 250 species observed in the area.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsIn winter, icy roads and extreme cold can be challenging. Wildlife like bears and wolves may be present but are generally not aggressive.
Active AlertsNone reported.

Weather at Tom'S Lake Cabin

Reviews

4.6
55 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Tom'S Lake Cabin is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews highlight the cabin's serenity, well-maintained facilities, and abundance of recreational activities. Some concerns include cleanliness and minor maintenance issues like a broken storm door.
Review Summaries
Based on 55 reviews

What Campers Love

Campers appreciated the stocked firewood, functionality of the wood stove, and scenic surroundings. "Beautiful location," "roomy & cozy," and "great family experience" are common sentiments.
Based on 55 reviews

Common Concerns

Cleanliness issues and minor maintenance concerns were noted in reviews. One user stated, "Not clean...just so dirty that we are talking about getting it just to clean." Another mentioned, "Storm...
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Based on 55 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring additional supplies like camp chairs for comfort and a small boat to explore other lakes nearby. One reviewer advised, "Use the cabin log to determine your best itinerary each day."
Based on 55 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Winter visits are highly recommended due to the well-stocked wood stove and scenic snow-covered trails. Summer reviews mention fishing and hiking as highlights.
Based on 55 reviews

Camper Quotes

"We love Tom's Lake Cabin! Even though it hit -13 in the mornings we stayed comfortable." "Fishing on Tom’s was slow but had great luck everywhere else!" "The cabin itself was roomy and the...
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Based on 55 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Most reviews focus on Tom's Lake Cabin itself. Specific feedback includes issues with the storm door and cleanliness, alongside praise for the cabin's amenities and location.
Based on 55 reviews

Accessibility Features

Winter access requires parking at a lot and traveling 1/4 mile to the cabin due to unplowed roads. "Plan to ski, snowshoe, or snowmobile the quarter-mile entry road," according to official sources.
Based on 55 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed but must be leashed and cannot be left alone in the cabin. No specific issues were reported related to pet policies.
Based on 55 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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