Trailhead Bar, Restaurant & Campground

Introduction / Overview

For Michigan residents, particularly those in the Upper Peninsula and adventurers seeking an unparalleled off-road experience, Trailhead Bar, Restaurant & Campground on Drummond Island is a true gem. This unique destination perfectly blends the thrill of outdoor exploration with the convenience and comfort of on-site dining and a welcoming atmosphere. Known as "Drummond Island's Off Road Headquarters," Trailhead offers direct access to the island's extensive 117 miles of ATV and ORV trails, making it an ideal base for adrenaline seekers.

Beyond its prime location for riding, Trailhead provides a comprehensive experience, as it's the only campground on Drummond Island with a bar and restaurant on site. This means after a day of tearing up the trails or exploring the island's natural beauty, you can easily return for a satisfying meal, a cold beverage, and friendly conversation. Customers consistently praise the "super nice" owners and the "great atmosphere," often finding themselves making new friends. While some rustic campsites might be considered "a bit small" compared to typical large, sprawling sites, they are "large enough" and perfectly suited for what campers need, especially given the incredible value and the added bonus of clean bathrooms and showers. Trailhead Bar, Restaurant & Campground is more than just a place to stay; it's a vibrant community where adventure, good food, and great company come together, making it a highly recommended spot for Michigan locals.

Location and Accessibility

Trailhead Bar, Restaurant & Campground is uniquely situated at 32316 E Johnswood Rd, Drummond, MI 49726, USA, on the picturesque Drummond Island. This location, deep within Michigan's Upper Peninsula, offers a truly immersive natural experience. Accessing Drummond Island requires a ferry ride from DeTour Village, which itself is a scenic journey. Once on the island, the campground is conveniently located on Johnswood Road, a primary route that provides straightforward access.

What makes Trailhead's location particularly accessible for its target audience—off-road enthusiasts—is its direct adjacency to Drummond Island's extensive 117-mile ATV and ORV trail system. You can literally "just cross the road and you're on" the trails, eliminating the need to trailer your vehicles after arrival. The property also offers "FREE PARKING for those who just want to park their ATV/Jeep trailers and ride our awesome trails," highlighting its commitment to the off-road community. For traditional RV and tent campers, the internal roads are generally manageable, though the rustic nature of some sites might mean tighter turns or less expansive space compared to some larger, more modern RV resorts. Despite its island location, essential services like gas, a general store, and other local amenities are available within a reasonable driving distance on Drummond Island, ensuring convenience while maintaining a sense of secluded adventure. This blend of direct trail access and island charm makes Trailhead a highly accessible and desirable spot for Michigan's outdoor lovers.

Services Offered

• On-site Bar & Restaurant: The only campground on Drummond Island with a full-service bar and restaurant, offering delicious food, including specialty burgers and fresh local whitefish, as well as cold beverages.
• Diverse Campsite Options:
  • Rustic Tent Sites: Provide a basic camping experience with no water or electricity at the site.
  • Water + Electric Tent Sites: Offer the convenience of 20-amp or 30-amp electricity and water hookups for tent campers, complete with a fire pit.
  • Standard RV Sites (20/30 Amp): Suitable for RVs up to 30 feet long, with electricity (20/30 amp) and concrete pads.
  • Drive-Thru RV Sites (20/30 Amp): Accommodate RVs up to 100 feet long, with electricity (20/30 amp) and concrete pads, for easy pull-through access.
  • Deluxe Inland Lake RV Sites (30/50 Amp): Back-in sites next to an inland lake, offering 30-amp or 50-amp electricity, concrete pads, and accommodating RVs up to 100 feet long.
• Clean Bathrooms and Showers: Publicly praised by guests as a "huge plus for the price" and generally clean. Bathhouse use is for Trailhead patrons only.
• Dump Station: Available for RV guests.
• Pet-Friendly: Allows pets, with specific rules regarding leashing and waste disposal.
• Free ATV/Jeep Trailer Parking: Ample space for parking off-road vehicle trailers for guests.
• Fire Pits: Available at tent sites; RV sites permit self-contained patio fire pits, or a central fire pit may be available.
• Laundry Facilities: Available on-site for guest use.
• Water Hookups: Available at most tent and RV sites (except rustic tent sites).

Features / Highlights

• Ultimate Off-Road Headquarters: Direct access to Drummond Island's 117 miles of ATV and ORV trails, making it the premier spot for off-road enthusiasts in Michigan.
• Convenient On-Site Dining and Bar: The unique advantage of having a bar and restaurant directly on the campground, offering local favorites like fresh whitefish and specialty burgers, providing immense convenience after a day of activities.
• Friendly and Welcoming Owners/Staff: Consistently praised by customers for their "super nice" demeanor, helpfulness, and creating a "great atmosphere."
• Strong Community Vibe: Many guests report "making friends" and feeling a sense of camaraderie, making it a "home away from home" for seasonal campers.
• Value for Price: Campers appreciate the amenities, particularly the clean bathrooms and showers, given the cost of staying.
• Diverse Camping Options: Offers a range of sites from rustic tent camping to deluxe RV sites with various hookup options, catering to different preferences and vehicle sizes.
• Proximity to Local Fishing: Located on an island known for great fishing, with opportunities for whitefish and other species.
• Regulars and Repeat Visitors: Many customers express intentions to return, highlighting high satisfaction and loyalty.
• Quiet Environment at Night: Despite the bar and restaurant, the campground is generally noted for being quiet, allowing for peaceful rest.
• On-site Parking for Trailers: Free and ample parking for ATV/Jeep trailers.

Contact Information

Address: 32316 E Johnswood Rd, Drummond, MI 49726, USA

Phone: (906) 493-5463

Mobile Phone: +1 906-493-5463

Email: trailhead2010@yahoo.com

For the most current information, including reservations, specific site availability, restaurant hours, and any special events or holiday rates, it is highly recommended to visit their official website or contact them directly via phone or email.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For Michigan residents, particularly those who embrace the rugged beauty of the Upper Peninsula and the thrill of off-road adventures, Trailhead Bar, Restaurant & Campground on Drummond Island is an exceptionally suitable and appealing destination. Its prime location, with "literally just cross the road" access to Drummond Island's extensive 117 miles of ATV and ORV trails, makes it an unparalleled hub for local enthusiasts. This direct access minimizes travel hassles, allowing Michiganders to maximize their time exploring the island's unique terrain.

What truly sets Trailhead apart for the local community is its comprehensive, all-in-one experience. As the only campground on Drummond Island with an on-site bar and restaurant, it offers unmatched convenience. After a day of exhilarating trail riding, locals can effortlessly gather for "great meals" – including fresh whitefish caught by local fishermen – and "an ice cold one," fostering a strong sense of camaraderie and shared experience. The "super nice" owners and staff contribute significantly to the "great atmosphere," making it feel like a true "home away from home" for many seasonal campers and repeat visitors. While some sites might be considered more compact than typical rustic options, the overall value, including clean bathrooms and showers, is highly appreciated. For any Michigan resident seeking an adventurous yet comfortable escape, where direct trail access meets delicious food and a welcoming community on a beautiful island, Trailhead Bar, Restaurant & Campground is an essential Upper Peninsula destination, promising memorable experiences and reasons to return time and again.

Trailhead Bar, Restaurant & Campground

32316 E Johnswood Rd, Drummond, MI 49726, USA