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๐Ÿฝ๏ธ Restaurants Near the Campground

From a hole-in-the-wall gas station pizza that'll change your life, to fine dining worth the drive โ€” here's where we eat. Look for John's Picks for our personal favorites.

These are the spots John personally recommends to every guest at the campground.

John's Pick

BP Gas Station Pizza

~5 miles Frederic, MI

Trust us on this one. Locals know โ€” this is legitimately some of the best pizza in northern Michigan, and yes, it comes from a gas station. Don't knock it until you've tried it.

Pizza Local Secret Closest
John's Pick

Frederic Inn

~7 miles Frederic, MI

Your neighborhood bar and grill in the truest Up North sense. Friendly crowd, good food, and the kind of place where everyone knows your name by the second visit.

Bar & Grill Local Favorite
John's Pick

The Keg Bar

~10 miles Waters, MI

A classic Up North bar with cold drinks, great food, and good people. The kind of spot you'll want to come back to every trip โ€” and most guests do.

Bar & Grill Waters, MI
John's Pick

Gobblers of Waters

~10 miles Waters, MI

A true northern Michigan gem. Known for generous portions and a welcoming atmosphere โ€” a great spot for a hearty meal after a day on the trails or the water.

American Waters, MI
John's Pick

Mama Leone's

~22 miles Gaylord, MI

Worth every mile of the drive. Mama Leone's is old-school Italian done right โ€” the kind of restaurant that makes you slow down and enjoy the meal.

Italian Date Night Gaylord
John's Pick

Big Buck Brewery & Steakhouse

~23 miles Gaylord, MI

A landmark Up North dining experience. Craft beer, serious steaks, and a massive lodge-style atmosphere that screams northern Michigan. Great for a group or a special night out.

Steakhouse Brewery Gaylord

5โ€“10 miles away ยท Frederic & Waters

BP Gas Station Pizza

~5 miles Frederic, MI

The local legend. Trust us on this one โ€” it's the most talked-about recommendation we make. Grab a pie on your way back from anywhere.

PizzaLocal Secret

Frederic Inn

~7 miles Frederic, MI

Your neighborhood bar and grill โ€” close, casual, and consistently good. A great first-night stop after you get settled in.

Bar & Grill

Swamp II Bar & Restaurant

~7 miles Frederic, MI

A local fixture with a loyal following. Cold beer, good food, and the kind of no-frills atmosphere that fits perfectly after a day outdoors.

Bar & Grill

The Keg Bar

~10 miles Waters, MI

Cold drinks, great food, and a classic Up North vibe. One of the most popular spots with our returning guests year after year.

Bar & Grill

Gobblers of Waters

~10 miles Waters, MI

Generous portions and a warm welcome. A solid choice any night of the week, especially after a long day of hiking or paddling.

American

Bennethum's Northern Inn

~10 miles Waters, MI

A special occasion restaurant in the truest sense. Elegant Up North dining in a beautiful setting โ€” make a reservation and make a night of it.

Fine DiningSpecial Occasion

15โ€“20 miles away ยท Grayling

Goodale's Bakery & Deli

~18 miles Grayling, MI

A Grayling institution. Stop in for a fresh-baked breakfast or a stacked deli sandwich before hitting the trails or the river.

BakeryDeliBreakfast

Grayling Restaurant

~18 miles Grayling, MI

Classic American comfort food in the heart of Grayling. A reliable, welcoming spot for a sit-down meal after a day of exploring.

AmericanComfort Food

Ray's BBQ Brews & Blues

~18 miles Grayling, MI

Smoked meats, cold craft beer, and live blues โ€” sometimes all three at the same time. A fun, lively spot with serious BBQ credentials.

BBQLive Music

Paddle Hard Brewing

~18 miles Grayling, MI

The closest strong craft brewery to the campground. Great beer, flatbreads, a shaded patio, and occasional live music. Rated 4.4 stars with 260+ reviews.

BreweryPatioLive Music

Mimi & Pipi's Casa Italiana

~18 miles Grayling, MI

Homestyle Italian in a cozy setting. Pasta, sauces, and flavors made with care โ€” a welcome change of pace from the usual Up North bar food.

Italian

Spike's Keg O' Nails

~18 miles Grayling, MI

A Grayling staple with a loyal local crowd. Good bar food, cold drinks, and the kind of laid-back atmosphere that makes you stay longer than planned.

Bar & Grill

20โ€“25 miles away ยท Gaylord

Mama Leone's

~22 miles Gaylord, MI

Old-school Italian done right. The kind of restaurant that earns a repeat visit on every trip north โ€” rich sauces, warm bread, and a timeless atmosphere.

ItalianDate Night

Snowbelt Brewing Co.

~22 miles Gaylord, MI

Right in downtown Gaylord's Alpine Village. Pet-friendly patio, rotating craft taps, and live music on weekends. Bring the dog.

BreweryDog FriendlyPatio

Alpine Tavern & Eatery

~22 miles Gaylord, MI

A Gaylord go-to with a solid menu and a welcoming crowd. Perfect for a relaxed dinner after a day of golf or sightseeing in town.

AmericanGaylord

Big Buck Brewery & Steakhouse

~23 miles Gaylord, MI

A true Up North landmark. Lodge-style dining room, hand-cut steaks, house-brewed beers, and a menu that satisfies everyone at the table.

SteakhouseBreweryGroups