Tom Lake

Tom Lake is a 404-acre lake located approximately 7 miles northwest of Hovland in Cook County, offering public boat access via a landing on the northwest side of the lake. The lake serves as the headwater for the Swamp River and is part of the Lake Superior North watershed. This access point is suitable for kayakers, canoeists, and motorboats, with most launch ramps accommodating 12-18 foot boats. There are no launch fees unless a vehicle permit is required for the specific access area.

The lake supports a backcountry camping site (managed as a first-come, first-served wilderness area) with one available campsite featuring a fire grate, latrine, and picnic table. Paddlers planning overnight trips should note standard backcountry practices: hang food packs, fully extinguish fires before leaving, treat or boil all water, and wash dishes and personal items away from the water. Tom Lake is primarily managed for walleye fishing, making it a good destination for anglers as well as recreational paddlers.

This is one of our Backcountry sites which is a near- wilderness single party site and is accessible only by foot or boat. These sites are first come, first served. There is one site on this lake, each have a fire grate, a latrine and may have a picnic table. A few reminders: Hang food packs, put your fire out each time you leave your campsite, treat or boil all water, wash yourself and dishes...

This is one of our Backcountry sites which is a near- wilderness single party site and is accessible only by foot or boat. These sites are first come, first served. There is one site on this lake, each have a fire grate, a latrine and may have a picnic table. A few reminders: Hang food packs, put your fire out each time you leave your campsite, treat or boil all water, wash yourself and dishes at least 150ft from any body of water, pack out all garbage and Leave No Trace. Use a Forest Map to locate campsites and accesses. (You can purchase a map on line at http://www.nationalforeststore.com/ or at any of the District offices or by mail.)

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