Tomahawk Lake State Forest Campground

4.74

47 reviews

Summer Destination

Featured in:Hidden Gem Campgrounds Michigan Hiking Camping Michigan Tent Camping Michigan +1 more

Quick Facts

853 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

25 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Michigan DNR site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

853 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

25 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Michigan DNR site

Official Website

Get Directions

Tomahawk Lake State Forest Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

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

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground

Michigan

Provider

(989) 733-8279

Help improve this page

See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

4.74

Top-Rated

Based on 47 reviews

39 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietlakebeachsites

"Google reviews are largely positive (many 4–5★), praising the campground's secluded, quiet character, lakeside sites, and sandy beach; a small number of negative comments exist."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Tomahawk Lake State Forest Campground

45.2320, -84.1655

Driving directionsLocated about 13 miles southeast of Onaway via M-33 South and Tomahawk Lake Highway.

Accessible from M-33 South and Tomahawk Lake Highway; remote state forest roads lead to the campground.

Nearby places

Onaway — ~13 miles (SE)

Best Time to Camp at Tomahawk Lake State Forest Campground

Tomahawk Lake welcomes adventurers year-round, transforming with each season. Summer brings warm days perfect for swimming and paddling, while autumn paints the surrounding forest in brilliant golds and reds. When snow blankets the north woods, the campground becomes a winter wonderland ideal for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing along the same trails you hiked in warmer months. Each season offers its own magic and outdoor possibilities.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Summer: warm days, swimming and paddling at the sandy beach are highlights.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Autumn foliage 'brilliant golds' and scenic lakeside views make fall appealing.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.5 / 5

Spring mist and reopening lakeside activities make spring pleasant though details are brief.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.0 / 5

Open year-round and winter noted, but description lacks specific winter recreation details.

Planning Tips

About Tomahawk Lake State Forest Campground

Escape to the wooded shores of Tomahawk Lake, where 25 rustic campsites nestle among towering trees along a pristine 40-acre lake. This back-to-basics retreat features a sandy beach perfect for swimming, vault toilets, hand-pumped water, and direct lake access from select sites—plus the legendary High Country Pathway runs right through camp.

Rustic state forest campground with 25 sites for tent and trailer use; first-come, first-serve with a 15-day maximum stay.

Weather and SeasonsTomahawk Lake welcomes adventurers year-round, transforming with each season. Summer brings warm days perfect for swimming and paddling, while autumn paints the surrounding forest in brilliant golds and reds. When snow blankets the north woods, the campground becomes a winter wonderland ideal for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing along the same trails you hiked in warmer months. Each season offers its own magic and outdoor possibilities.

Natural Features and SceneryPicture yourself waking to mist rising off Tomahawk Lake's glassy surface, your tent tucked beneath a canopy of mixed hardwoods and pines. The campground's sandy shoreline beckons swimmers and sunbathers, while picnic tables dot the beach area for waterside meals. This is Michigan's remote north at its finest—dense forest surrounds you, and wildlife sightings are the norm rather than the exception. Keep your eyes peeled for majestic elk, black bears moving through the understory, and white-tailed deer at dawn and dusk. Birders will find plenty to celebrate here. The High Country Pathway and Atlanta Trail system weave through the area, opening up endless possibilities for hiking, paddling quiet waters, and ORV adventures into the backcountry.

Geological RegionPresque Isle County, northern Lower Michigan; on the wooded shore of 40-acre Tomahawk Lake within state forest lands/Atlanta Trail/High Country Pathway area.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

15-day maximum stay

Amenities available

Potable water

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Lake-focused, rustic recreation: fishing (listed species), paddling/boat access, swimming at a sandy beach, hiking on the High Country Pathway, mountain biking, ORV access to the Atlanta Trail System, hunting access on adjacent state land, and winter activities (cross-country skiing, snowshoeing).

HikingHigh Country Pathway passes through or adjacent to the campground and provides day-hike and backpacking options.

FishingTomahawk Lake produces largemouth bass, panfish and crappie.

SwimmingSandy shoreline and a small beach/swim area centrally located in the campground with picnic tables.

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsWildlife presence includes elk, bear and whitetail deer; the surrounding state forest is open to hunting. ORV traffic is allowed to/from the campground on trails and forest roads.

Weather at Tomahawk Lake State Forest Campground

Reviews

4.7

47 reviews

Top-Rated

Tomahawk Lake State Forest Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

Google reviews are largely positive (many 4–5★), praising the campground's secluded, quiet character, lakeside sites, and sandy beach; a small number of negative comments exist.

Review Summaries

Based on 47 reviews

What Campers Love

Secluded and quiet; many campsites directly on or near the lake with easy kayak access; sandy beach with picnic tables; reviewers note decent-sized sites and overall pleasant rustic experience; ORV...

Based on 47 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

First-come, first-serve — arrive early for lakeside sites. Choose shoreline sites for paddling and views. Be prepared for rustic camping (hand-pump water, vault toilets) and for wildlife in the area...

Based on 47 reviews

Camper Quotes

Great campground on the shore of Tomahawk lake. Sites are decent sized and many are right on the lake.; Doesn't get much better that Tomahawk for rustic camping. Hiking, biking, fishing... Love it .

Based on 47 reviews

0 review

Add your voice to the Outdoorithm community

Been to Tomahawk Lake State Forest Campground? Your review helps fellow campers discover what makes this place special—and what to expect.

Last updated February 2, 2026

Nearby Campgrounds

Campgrounds you may also like

Popular campgrounds in Michigan

Campgrounds

Tomahawk Lake State Forest Campground