Explore food in the Newaygo area while you’re here! We’re still discovering new places around here and know that with tourism increasing to the area, the food scene is just going to keep growing! Here are just a few of our favorites below.
Newaygo Brewing Co.-18 Minutes from Base Camp
Located right in downtown Newaygo, this place has a great atmosphere and food! They have a lot of your favorite brewery foods like pizza, sandwiches, nachos, soups and salads. For drinks they have their own line of beers, ciders, and wines. It’s a great spot to grab a bite and then do a little shopping around while you’re downtown!
Chase Creek Smokehouse–40 Minutes from Base Camp
Head about 40 minutes north to Chase, MI, and you’ll find Chase Creek Smokehouse. A great stop and highly recommend! They have and area for live music, tons of outdoor seating, and a cozy lodge feeling. They’ve been around since 1999, and you can’t go wrong with anything on their menu!
Schindy’s– 18 Minutes from Base Camp
Head here if you’re looking for AMAZING thin crust, fresh ingredient pizza! Beware if you order their renowned breadsticks as an appetizer, you will most likely be full before you get your pizza! Full
bar, indoor & outdoor seating with a view of Diamond Lake. Also a great place to grab ice-cream in the warmer months, and if you forgot to bring something to camp you may be surprised to find a
few grocery items in their party store. Gas up with fuel if you need to before you leave because they have that too!
Driftwood Bar & Grill – 14 Minutes from Base Camp
Very nice outdoor patio with bar and deck overlooking the waters
of Croton Pond where you’re able to dock a boat. It’s the view that
makes this place a worthwhile stop. You can shoot some pool and
find local bands here on the weekends as well.
Red Anchor Inn -13 Minutes from Base Camp
Looking for a steak, prime rib, crab legs, or something on the fancier side, this is your best bet! Amazing daily specials! Perfect place for a great dinner.
Hillcrest Deli – 5 Minutes from Base Camp
Amish deli sandwiches! These things are huge, filling, and very
fresh! The Amish store also has many grocery items for some fun
shopping.
Diner Between the Dams-9 Minutes from Base Camp
If you are looking for a breakfast buffet and a good old mom and pops breakfast spot and one of the closest drives to base camp, go here! Their breakfast buffet is great!
Alamode Cafe-25 Minutes from Base Camp
Award winning breakfast place in Big Rapids. Very cozy vibe and great breakfast.
The Pine Cone – 4 minutes from Base Camp
Minutes from Base Camp! Ice cream and lots of other sweet treats or food! Local favorite for post adventure treats.
Hit-the-Road-Joe – 15 Minutes from Base Camp
Charming, lunch/brunch stop off the beaten path. Fair prices and adorable setting, fun for the kids and kids at heart. This farm to table stop has: Donkeys, goats, and pigs, along with a beautiful little walking garden. This place also boasts of a BBQ on the weekend and an occasional “Pizza on the fire” night. Cozy indoor seating but the outdoor seating is where it’s at in the warmer weather!!
Fatbelly Deli & Creamery – 13 minute drive
This place creates giant subs and sandwiches made fresh
and toasted in their oven as you wait. Right off the highway,
you can fill up whether you’re arriving to or departing from
Base Camp.
Smuggler’s At North Shore – 25 Minutes from Base Camp
WOW, this hidden gem has it all! A plentiful menu with top notch culinary creations, very friendly and attentive serving staff, and amazing atmosphere. This place makes the perfect dining spot whether you just stepped off the boat, jumped off the bike (Mt. or Motor), or are “dressed to the nines.” Brand new modern building (Fall 2023) with two levels of lakeside dining, both indoor and outdoor. (If you choose to put your boat in at Hess lake you will have docking access). Don’t be discouraged by their limited front door parking. There is ample parking just a short walk across the street. Located on Hess Lake in Newaygo.
River Stop Cafe – 20 Minutes from Base Camp
Quality food for breakfast, lunch and dinner, with a full bar in a
beautiful, historical downtown Newaygo building. They also have
a lovely seasonal patio out back where they grow their own herbs
and where you’ll find ample parking as well. (There are many cool
shops in the area too.) One of our favorites!
Sugar Creek Restaurant – 16 Minutes from Base Camp
This place is amazing for breakfast! Their burgers are incredible and
the rest of their lunch and dinner menu is full of delicious items!
Dragon Adventures Base Camp 