Tom's Lake Cabin

$45.00/night

Show on map 906-474-6442 OR 906-387-2512 bmadden@fs.fed.us

RAPID RIVER/MANISTIQUE RANGER DISTRICT, 8181 US HWY 2
RAPID RIVER, MI 49878

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.

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.

Contact Info

For local information, please call (906) 474-6442 or call (906) 387-2512 for general information.

Camp site features

Across 1 camp site:

Pets allowed: all 1 sites
ADA accessible: all 1 sites
Longest RV: 24 ft
Largest party: 8 people

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.

Stay Limit

Check in from 2 PM, check out by 12 PM.

Reviews

38 reviews

5 stars

4 stars

1 stars

Monika L

Loop:Tom's Lake Cabin

Site:

Reviewed a month ago

This was our second trip to Tom's Lake cabin and we enjoyed it as we did last year. The cabin's previous occupants had done a good job of wiping down the counter and tables, and sweeping the cabin and privy, which we appreciated. Our days were cold and windy, but the foliage was glorious, and in the evenings we stayed cozy in the cabin with a nice fire in the wood stove. During the days, we hiked on the North Country Trail in Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, where gale force winds buffeted the lake. With adequate hats and jackets, the trail on the bluff above the lake, sheltered by trees, still made for an enjoyable hike. Our hike on the nearby Bruno's Run Trail was beautiful amid the fall color. We even watched a pair of loons on McKeever Lake. Because of the strong winds, we didn't spend as much time sitting around Tom's Lake as we might have liked. The cabin has several windows but is still rather dark during the daytime, so bringing good lanterns is important.

Melissa C

Loop:Tom's Lake Cabin

Site:

Reviewed a year ago

Had the cabin booked for 2 weeks. Everything was fine until half way through. Then a logging operation started 900 feet from the cabin's front door. They worked for 12 hours a day and it was so loud it would wake us up in the morning and we had to listen to it throughout the entire day as we could easily hear it inside the cabin. Called the recreational manager for that district, Brenda, and left a message stating what the problem was and that we were leaving early due to all the noise. Requested a refund for the 2 nights we missed on the voicemail and through Recreation.gov. I also spoke to the Munising Ranger Station about my concerns as the station where the manager was located was closed to the public. He took all my info and said the manager would call me back. I have had zero response and my refund request had been pending online for almost a month. Logging operations in a national forest are scheduled events. I should have been notified in advance so I could have changed my plans without losing money. Never again. Poor experience, extremely poor customer service. I could have at least gotten a phone call back or a 2 night refund. Ridiculous.

Jim F

Loop:Tom's Lake Cabin

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Reviewed a year ago

Very clean, new mattresses, no mice, and beautiful. This is our third trip there and hope to do many more. The biggest concern we have is getting the reservation on line. We got it when someone cancelled.

Jennifer C

Loop:Tom's Lake Cabin

Site:

Reviewed a year ago

Special place. Lucky to score a 3 day stay. Remote but close to town. Cabin was cool even with temps in the 80’s. The bunk area was spacious and glad to see roller shades as were people that sleep in. Beds were comfortable. It was super quiet. Kitchen/dining area had plenty of storage/space for gear and food prep. Only downside was previous campers did not clean up after themselves. Spent an hour cleaning up after them before we could set up for stay. Hopefully I left it better than I found it for the next guests.

Scott C

Loop:Tom's Lake Cabin

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Reviewed 2 years ago

Wonderful Christmas at Tom's Lake with our family. Eben Ice caves were beautiful. Kids enjoyed sledding in areas around cabin. Enjoyed the lake Superior shoreline east of Munising. We had no cell service within 10 miles of the cabin, so it really felt like a retreat.

WILLIAM Z

Loop:Tom's Lake Cabin

Site:

Reviewed 2 years ago

Cabin is great. The wood burning stove works very well. It was nice to have the wood provided. I look forward to coming back.

Availability

See the Camp Sites section below to find detailed booking availability.

Reserve

Popularity: Very quiet

Busiest in November, when about 14% of guest capacity is reserved. Based on 4 years of reservations.