HomeMichiganPresque Isle County

Tomahawk Lake

Presque Isle County, Michigan Inland Lake Connected Water
38.7 acres32 ft deep1 launchRec Passport required
Tomahawk Lake Access Map 1 launch
Depth Map → Click markers for details
Boat Launches on Tomahawk Lake
Tomahawk Lake State Forest Campground Boat Launch
Onaway State Park · Unimproved ramp, 1 lane, 1 trailer spots
Open Motorboat Kayak Rec Passport
View ramp details →
Connected Waterways

Tomahawk Lake sits in the state forest lands of Presque Isle County. Nearby lakes include Shoepac Lake and Clear Lake, both within a short drive, though they are separate water bodies rather than part of a connected chain.

Winter & Ice Safety

Tomahawk Lake is in Presque Isle County where winters are consistently cold, so it likely freezes reliably. Specific depth data isn't available, but the lake's small size suggests it ices up early. Always check conditions locally before venturing out.

Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a boat launch on Tomahawk Lake?
Yes, there's a small boat ramp at one end of the lake, located at the Tomahawk Lake State Forest Campground. It's suited for kayaks, canoes, and small boats — don't expect a concrete ramp for large powerboats. The launch has a 4.9 rating from visitors.
What fish are in Tomahawk Lake?
Bass are the most commonly mentioned species — reviewers report largemouth bass jumping in the mornings and fish rising in the evenings. The lake likely holds panfish as well given the area, but detailed stocking or survey data is limited.
Can you swim in Tomahawk Lake?
Yes. The state forest campground has a small beach right on the lake, and reviewers consistently praise the swimming. The beach tends to stay uncrowded even in peak summer. There's also reportedly a hidden swimming hole with a sandy bottom nearby.
Is there camping at Tomahawk Lake?
Yes — Tomahawk Lake State Forest Campground is a rustic campground right on the shore. Many sites face the lake directly. Facilities include vault toilets and a pump well (no electric hookups). Sites are decently sized with good spacing. Shoepac Lake State Forest Campground is also nearby as an alternative.
Where is Tomahawk Lake in Michigan?
Tomahawk Lake is in Presque Isle County in the northeastern Lower Peninsula, surrounded by state forest land. Clear Lake State Park and Shoepac Lake are both nearby.
Is Tomahawk Lake crowded?
No — this is one of the quieter lake campgrounds in northern Michigan. Reviewers consistently describe it as secluded and uncrowded, even during summer. It's a bit off the beaten path, which keeps the traffic down.
Can you bring kayaks to Tomahawk Lake?
Absolutely. Kayaking and canoeing are popular here. If you camp at one of the lakefront sites, you can paddle right from your campsite. The small boat ramp also works for launching kayaks.
Are there ORV trails near Tomahawk Lake?
Yes. The Tomahawk Lake State Forest Campground has ORV trail access, and the surrounding state forest has trails for off-road vehicles, hiking, and biking.
Scout's Notes
Lake Vibe & Fishing Intel

Tomahawk Lake is a quiet, off-the-beaten-path lake in Presque Isle County — the kind of place regulars beg you not to tell anyone about. It sits in state forest land with a rustic campground right on the shore, and many campsites face directly onto the water. There's a small boat ramp at one end suited for kayaks, canoes, and small boats. The lake has bass (reviewers report them jumping in the mornings and fish rising in the evenings) and the overall feel is remote and peaceful, even in summer.

The Tomahawk Lake State Forest Campground is the main draw here — vault toilets, a pump well, and a small beach that somehow stays empty most of the time. The area is ORV-friendly with trail access from the campground, and hiking and biking are popular in the surrounding state forest. Shoepac Lake and Clear Lake State Park are both nearby, making this corner of Presque Isle County a solid base for exploring multiple lakes. If you want a rustic, uncrowded Michigan lake experience with a campsite right on the water, Tomahawk is hard to beat.

Sources: Wikipedia, Google Reviews, DNR data, campground & beach reviews, ShorelineScout enrichment