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Hours

Monday, Closed
Tuesday, 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Wednesday, 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Thursday, 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Friday, 12:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Saturday, 12:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Sunday, Closed

Trailhead Bar, Restaurant & Campground Introduce

Are you a Michigan local, especially one with a passion for off-road adventures, seeking a convenient and welcoming base to explore the vast trail systems of the Upper Peninsula? Look no further than Trailhead Bar, Restaurant & Campground on beautiful Drummond Island. This unique destination offers the perfect blend of outdoor excitement and convenient amenities, making it a go-to spot for those who love to ride and relax. It's more than just a campground; it's Drummond Island's "Off Road Headquarters," where good times, great food, and friendly faces are always on the menu.

Trailhead Bar, Restaurant & Campground consistently receives high praise from visitors, particularly for its unique combination of services and its prime location. One delighted camper shared, "Great campground. Water and 20/30/50A electric. Dump station is open and easy to get to. Sites will handle anything plus what you tow. Location is convenient to the trailheads. Bar/restaurant on site. Host offered lots of local knowledge for trails to see, places to go and allowed us to enjoy more of the island otherwise. We enjoyed every day we were here." Another visitor highlighted the overall experience: "The restaurant we had a few great meals and met the owners who were super nice! The food was good, service was good and overall atmosphere was great. The campground/restaurant has a great location for riding... We met really nice people throughout, the bathrooms and shower were a huge plus for the price. We will go back to the restaurant and campground the first chance we get! Made friends, had great meals and enjoyed our stay - Thank you Trailhead Campground and Restaurant." These reviews emphasize the convenience of having dining and lodging in one spot, the friendly atmosphere, and the strategic access to Drummond Island's extensive trail network. For Michigan locals, Trailhead offers a complete package for an adventurous yet comfortable island getaway.

Whether you're hitting the ATV trails, exploring the island, or simply enjoying a good meal and friendly conversation, Trailhead Bar, Restaurant & Campground provides an ideal setting for your Michigan adventure.

Location and Accessibility

Trailhead Bar, Restaurant & Campground is uniquely situated on **Drummond Island, Michigan**, making it a prime destination for Upper Peninsula adventurers. You'll find this integrated hub at **32316 E Johnswood Rd, Drummond, MI 49726, USA**. Drummond Island itself is a large freshwater island in Lake Huron, accessed via a short, convenient ferry ride from DeTour Village on the mainland.

The campground's specific location on Johnswood Road is a key part of its appeal, particularly for off-road enthusiasts. It offers an "ideal location for ATV or ORV trail riding literally just cross the road and you're on Drummond's 117 miles of trail riding." This direct access to Michigan's largest closed-loop ORV system is a significant advantage, eliminating the need to trailer your vehicles long distances once you've arrived. For Michigan residents, reaching Drummond Island is part of the adventure, involving a scenic drive through the Upper Peninsula followed by the enjoyable ferry crossing. Once on the island, the campground is easily navigable, providing a central and accessible base from which to explore all that Drummond Island has to offer, from its vast wilderness to its local charm. The convenience for trailers, with sites handling "anything plus what you tow" and ample parking, further enhances its accessibility for the target audience.

Services Offered

Trailhead Bar, Restaurant & Campground distinguishes itself by offering a comprehensive suite of services that cater specifically to the needs of travelers and off-road enthusiasts on Drummond Island, all within a single location.

  • Full-Service Restaurant: An on-site **restaurant** provides delicious meals, including "specialty burgers" and "fresh planked whitefish" often caught by local fishermen. This convenience means campers don't need to leave the site for quality dining.
  • Bar: A fully stocked **bar** is available, offering a place to relax, socialize, and enjoy "an ice cold one" after a day of adventuring. This amenity is a significant draw, especially as it's the only campground on Drummond Island with a bar and restaurant on site.
  • RV Campsites: The campground features RV sites with full hookups, including **water and 20/30/50A electric**. Sites are designed to "handle anything plus what you tow," accommodating various RV sizes and tow vehicles.
  • Tent Camping: Both **water + electric tent sites** and **rustic tent sites** are available, catering to different preferences for tent campers, with fire pits included at rustic sites.
  • Dump Station: A readily accessible and easy-to-use **dump station** is provided for RVs, ensuring convenience for waste disposal.
  • Clean Bathrooms and Showers: Visitors consistently praise the availability and cleanliness of the **bathrooms and showers**, which are a "huge plus for the price," providing comfort often not found at rustic campgrounds.
  • Free Parking for Trailers: For those coming specifically to ride the trails, the campground offers **FREE PARKING for ATV/Jeep trailers**, with plenty of room, making it an ideal staging point for day riders.
  • Local Knowledge from Host/Owners: The staff and owners are known for being "super nice" and offering "lots of local knowledge for trails to see, places to go," enriching the visitor's experience of the island.
  • Pet Friendly: The campground is **pet friendly**, allowing visitors to bring their furry companions along for the adventure.

Features / Highlights

Trailhead Bar, Restaurant & Campground boasts several key features and highlights that firmly establish it as a premier destination for outdoor enthusiasts on Drummond Island, particularly those drawn to its extensive trail system.

  • Drummond Island's Off-Road Headquarters: This is its definitive highlight. Trailhead is strategically positioned as the go-to place for off-roading, with immediate access to **Drummond's 117 miles of ATV/ORV trails** directly across the road. This unparalleled convenience for riders is a major draw.
  • On-Site Bar & Restaurant: The convenience of having a **bar and full-service restaurant on site** is a significant advantage. After a day on the trails, campers can enjoy "delicious food" and "an ice cold one" without having to travel, fostering a relaxed and social atmosphere.
  • Friendly Owners and Staff: Customer reviews consistently highlight the **super nice, friendly, and helpful owners and staff**. Their willingness to share local knowledge enhances the overall visitor experience, guiding guests to the best trails and island attractions.
  • Well-Maintained Facilities: Despite offering rustic options, the campground is commended for its **clean bathrooms and showers**, providing essential comforts that are highly valued by campers.
  • Spacious RV Sites: The campground offers sites that can "handle anything plus what you tow," including **20/30/50A electric and water hookups**, making it suitable for a wide range of RVs and towables.
  • Community and Atmosphere: Visitors often mention meeting "really nice people throughout" and enjoying the "overall atmosphere," indicating a **welcoming and social environment** where friendships are easily made.
  • Convenient Dump Station: The presence of an **open and easy-to-get-to dump station** adds to the convenience for RV campers, simplifying their stay.
  • Strategic Location for Island Exploration: Beyond the trails, its central location on Drummond Island provides a great base for exploring other island activities like **fishing, hiking**, and discovering local points of interest.

Contact Information

Ready to plan your next off-road adventure or peaceful retreat on Drummond Island? Here's how you can get in touch with Trailhead Bar, Restaurant & Campground:

  • Address: **32316 E Johnswood Rd, Drummond, MI 49726, USA**
  • Phone: **(906) 493-5463**
  • Mobile Phone: **+1 906-493-5463**

For the most up-to-date information on campsite availability, restaurant hours, or details about the trails, a direct phone call is recommended. The friendly staff will be happy to assist you in planning your visit to this unique Michigan destination.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For Michigan residents, particularly those in the Upper Peninsula and enthusiasts of outdoor recreation, Trailhead Bar, Restaurant & Campground on Drummond Island is an exceptionally suitable and highly appealing destination. It caters directly to the local lifestyle and preferences, offering a blend of adventure and convenience that is hard to find elsewhere.

Firstly, its reputation as "Drummond Island's Off Road Headquarters" makes it an immediate draw for the significant number of Michigan locals who own ATVs, ORVs, and Jeeps. The direct access to "117 miles of trail riding" from literally "across the road" eliminates logistical headaches, allowing locals to maximize their time on the trails. This strategic positioning makes it an unparalleled base for exploring the state's largest closed-loop off-road system.

Secondly, the convenience of having an on-site bar and restaurant cannot be overstated for locals. After a long day of riding or exploring, the ability to simply walk to a welcoming establishment for "delicious food" and "an ice cold one" transforms the camping experience from basic to truly relaxing and enjoyable. This integrated approach means less hassle and more time for unwinding and socializing with fellow adventurers.

Furthermore, the welcoming and knowledgeable staff, praised for their "local knowledge," act as invaluable guides for visitors. For Michigan locals looking to discover hidden gems or get insider tips on the best trails and island attractions, this personal touch significantly enhances their experience, making them feel truly at home on Drummond Island. The "friendly" atmosphere and opportunities to make "nice people throughout" also contribute to a strong sense of community, something many Michiganders value in their recreational pursuits.

Finally, the comprehensive camping amenities, including water, various electric hookups, and clean showers, combined with pet-friendly policies, ensure a comfortable stay for a diverse range of local campers. Whether it's a weekend escape or a longer seasonal stay, Trailhead Bar, Restaurant & Campground offers a unique, convenient, and truly Michigan-centric outdoor adventure experience. It's more than just a place to stay; it's a community hub for local adventurers.

Location

MichiganChippewa CountyDrummondEast Johnswood Road

Customer Reviews

4.0
153 reviews
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jim JGdorado
Jul 13, 2025

Great campground. Water and 20/30/50A electric. Dump station is open and easy to get to. Sites will handle anything plus what you tow. Location is convenient to the trailheads. Bar/restaurant on site. Host offered lots of local knowledge for trails to see, places to go and allowed us to enjoy more of the island otherwise. We enjoyed every day we were here

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Dirty Jak & The Dusty Bean
Jul 11, 2023

The restaurant we had a few great meals and met the owners who were super nice! The food was good, service was good and overall atmosphere was great. The campground/restaurant has a great location for riding but would say the campsites are a bit small compared to the typical rustic campground sites we usually stay at -- although they are large enough and during our stay were great for what we needed. We met really nice people throughout, the bathrooms and shower were a huge plus for the price. We will go back to the restaurant and campground the first chance we get! Made friends, had great meals and enjoyed our stay -- Thank you Trailhead Campground and Restaurant.

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Christina Wyrick
Jul 14, 2025

We camped here in our motorhome for our first trip ever to Drummond Island. The location was great, however after camping for over 35 years, this was probably the worst campground ever. There were really tall weeds around us and the fire pit was about 12” in diameter. Also, NO picnic table (unless you want to rent one!). We were on site 4 which is right by the bathroom and was ok, however these were NOT the cleanest! The biggest turnoff was the dead animal smell from the dumpster that was placed right outside the back of the restaurant and 20 feet from our campsite! Our view was the literally the back of the restaurant. The smell was so horrible, we couldn’t go outside. Ate at the restaurant and the food was good, but was charged incorrectly for substituting fries for chips. Menu states $3.50 but was charged $5. Waitress didn’t want to fix it and said, “just take the different out of a tip.” Not too impressed by our whole experience. For these reasons, I can’t recommend this place at all!

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Dennis Sullivan
May 04, 2025

Just came in for dinner with a group of 10. They couldn't get the orders correct, one guests walleye was not cooked all the way. Had hard time getting a refill of water. The fried fish has a thick batter which was not cooked all the way through as well. The smoked pork tacos seemed to be very good. Hopefully they get their ducks in a row.

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April Priebe
Jun 16, 2023

We had an amazing stay while we got our vacant lot ready to move our camper to. Missy and the crew are very thoughtful and generous with making us feel welcome and ensuring we had everything we needed. Some real Upper Charm. The food at the bar is great and we love the relaxed atmosphere. It was very conviene y to have something to go to when both our kids were asleep and awake ;) playground and the other facilities were well maintained.We will definitely be back and will recommend this campground to all that come up to stay by us on beautiful Drummond!