Camp davis

When Michigan locals hear "campground," they typically envision recreational vehicles, tents, campfires, and family fun. However, Camp Davis, located at 219 S Portage Rd, Jackson, MI 49201, USA, presents a distinctly different picture. While the name might suggest a traditional camping spot, the reality, as hinted by a real customer review ("Silly little campground. I loved it. But I wouldn’t recommend you go. There’s nowhere to camp :o"), is that Camp Davis is not your typical public campground for general recreational use.

Rather, Camp Davis is a historical and active field station primarily associated with the University of Michigan's Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences. Since 1929, it has served as an unparalleled learning environment for students in geology, environmental science, and related fields. Its primary function is to host academic courses, research, and educational gatherings, making it a unique and specialized facility within the Michigan landscape. While it offers a "camp" experience, it's tailored for immersive academic programs rather than public vacation camping.

This article aims to clarify what Camp Davis truly is, for the benefit of Michigan residents who might come across its listing. We will explore its actual purpose, its unique location (which might differ from general public assumptions based on the Jackson, MI address), the services it offers to its specific clientele, and why, despite its name, it isn't a conventional recreational campground suitable for a typical family camping trip. Understanding this distinction is key to appreciating Camp Davis for its true value as a pivotal educational and research institution.

The address provided for "Camp Davis" at 219 S Portage Rd, Jackson, MI 49201, USA, can be a source of confusion for Michigan locals. While there might be a historical or administrative connection to this Jackson, Michigan address, the renowned University of Michigan's Camp Davis Rocky Mountain Field Station, which is the prominent entity associated with the name "Camp Davis," is actually located far from Michigan. This significant distinction is crucial for Michigan residents to understand.

The University of Michigan's Camp Davis is nestled in the mountains just south of Jackson Hole, Wyoming, near the village of Hoback Junction. It is situated on 120 acres of University-owned property, abutting the Hoback River and the Bridger-Teton National Forest. Its remote location within the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, and its proximity to Grand Teton National Park, make it an ideal outdoor classroom for geology, environmental science, and ecology studies.

Therefore, for Michigan residents looking for a local campground in Jackson, MI, the address 219 S Portage Rd should not be mistaken for a public recreational camping facility. It's highly probable that the Jackson, MI address is an administrative office or a former site, and not where the primary "Camp Davis" academic field station operates or where public camping is available. The actual Camp Davis, relevant to the University of Michigan's educational programs, is in Wyoming.

Accessibility to the Wyoming Camp Davis is specific to its academic purpose. Students and faculty travel to this remote, high-altitude location for intensive field courses. It is not designed for casual drive-up public access or typical recreational camping by Michigan residents. Understanding this geographical nuance is vital to prevent disappointment for those seeking a local Michigan camping experience under the name "Camp Davis."

Given that "Camp Davis" at the Jackson, MI address is likely a misidentification for a public campground and that the prominent entity known as Camp Davis is the University of Michigan's Rocky Mountain Field Station in Wyoming, the services offered are highly specialized and not geared towards typical recreational camping for Michigan locals.

The University of Michigan's Camp Davis provides services primarily to its enrolled students, faculty, and invited academic groups. These services are integral to supporting an intensive, outdoor-based educational curriculum. Based on information about the Wyoming field station, the services include:

• Academic Program Facilities:
  • Rustic Cabins: Students sleep in 14' x 14' rustic cabins, typically housing 3-4 students. These cabins are equipped with single beds, running water, electric outlets, and USB charging stations.
  • Classrooms and Labs: The facility includes fully equipped classrooms, a computer lab, a weather research station, and a seismic sensor for academic instruction and research.
  • Mess Hall/Dining Services: Provides prepared meals (breakfast and dinner daily, with students packing their own lunches for field work) to program participants.
• Field Work Support:
  • Transportation: Often includes transportation to and from Ann Arbor (for University of Michigan students) and daily transportation to various field sites during courses.
  • Gear Guidance: Provides guidance on necessary field gear, though students are generally responsible for bringing their own.
  • On-Site Medical/Emergency Support: Given the physically demanding nature of field work in a remote location, health and safety protocols and support are in place for program participants.
• Research Facilities: Supports ongoing faculty and student research in earth and environmental sciences.
• Event and Meeting Spaces: The facility is also open for academic conferences, alumni gatherings, and guest university programs, offering accommodations, dining, and event space.

It is critical for Michigan residents to understand that these services are part of an educational program and not available for booking by the general public for recreational camping. The "campground" aspect of Camp Davis is tied to the rustic living arrangements for students during their field studies, not a commercial camping operation.

The features and highlights of Camp Davis, specifically referring to the University of Michigan's Rocky Mountain Field Station, are centered around its academic mission and unique environmental setting, rather than typical campground amenities. These aspects make it an extraordinary learning environment:

• Premier Field Study Location: The foremost highlight is its location near Jackson Hole, Wyoming, nestled between the Hoback River and the Bridger-Teton National Forest, within the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. This provides unparalleled access to a wealth of diverse geological, ecological, and historical features, serving as a "living laboratory" for students.
• Immersive Academic Programs: Camp Davis offers intensive, accelerated summer courses in geology, environmental science, and ecology. These programs are primarily "80% outdoor field based," allowing students to gain hands-on experience in geological mapping, ecosystem science, and environmental studies in a real-world setting.
• Historical Significance: Operating since 1929, Camp Davis has a rich history as a University of Michigan field station, initially serving engineering students before transitioning to geological sciences. Its long-standing tradition underscores its importance in experiential learning.
• Rustic Cabin Accommodations: Students reside in newly built (2019) rustic cabins, offering a unique "camp life" experience. These cabins provide basic comforts like single beds, running water, and electrical/USB outlets, blending a wilderness feel with essential modern conveniences.
• High Student-to-Faculty Ratio: With a typical student-to-instructor ratio of 6:1, the camp offers a tight-knit and personalized academic environment, allowing for focused learning and direct mentorship from professors.
• Challenging and Rewarding Field Trips: Coursework involves physically demanding activities, including hiking and climbing at altitudes between 4,000 and 10,000 feet. This rigorous approach is designed to provide comprehensive, real-world skills in earth sciences. Overnight camping trips to places like the Wind River Mountains and Yellowstone National Park are also part of the curriculum.
• Remote and Inspiring Environment: The remote location of the field station offers a truly inspiring summer experience, fostering a deep connection with nature and providing endless recreational possibilities for students during their off-hours (e.g., fly fishing, hiking, playing sports).
• Community and Camaraderie: Despite the academic rigor, the shared experience of living and studying together in a remote setting often fosters strong bonds and "lifelong friends" among students, creating a unique sense of community.

It's crucial for Michigan residents to understand that these features are intrinsic to an academic field station designed for specialized educational purposes and are not part of a public campground offering general recreational camping to visitors.

As an academic field station operated by the University of Michigan, Camp Davis does not offer "promotions or special offers" in the typical sense of a public recreational campground. Its primary focus is on educational programs, and the costs associated are structured as tuition and program fees for enrolled students rather than nightly camping rates or discounts.

However, for University of Michigan students and prospective guest students from other institutions interested in attending the field courses, there are avenues related to financial assistance and application processes that could be considered 'benefits' or 'opportunities':

• Financial Aid and Scholarships: Students wishing to apply for financial aid for their Camp Davis courses can find more information and online applications through the University of Michigan's financial aid resources (e.g., LSA Financial Aid, Geological Society of America scholarships). This helps make the specialized educational experience more accessible.
• Rolling Admissions/Application Deadlines: The application process for Camp Davis courses often operates on a rolling basis, allowing flexibility for students to apply. Specific deadlines for applications and financial aid are published annually by the University of Michigan.
• Inclusion of Program Fees: The program fees (currently $463 per credit for Spring/Summer 2025 as per some UMich sources) cover food, books, lodging (in the rustic cabins), and transportation to and from Ann Arbor (for U-M students), as well as transportation to field sites. This comprehensive fee structure bundles essential services, which can be seen as an inclusive offering for participants.
• Cancellation Policy: Students typically have a deadline (e.g., April 30th for some sessions) to cancel without financial penalty, providing a window for decision-making without full financial commitment.

It is important for Michigan residents to understand that access to Camp Davis is through enrollment in one of its specific academic programs, and any "offers" are related to the educational cost and not recreational camping discounts. Interested individuals should consult the University of Michigan's Earth and Environmental Sciences Department website for the most accurate and up-to-date information on program costs and financial aid opportunities.

To reiterate the distinction, "Camp Davis" at the Jackson, MI address is not a public recreational campground. The prominent "Camp Davis" is the University of Michigan's Rocky Mountain Field Station in Wyoming, which is a specialized academic facility.

Therefore, the contact information provided (219 S Portage Rd, Jackson, MI 49201, USA, with a phone number that routes to the University of Michigan's Ann Arbor campus) pertains to the administrative aspects of the University of Michigan's Earth and Environmental Sciences Department, which oversees the Camp Davis field station. For any inquiries regarding the actual Camp Davis programs in Wyoming, or if you suspect this Jackson address might be related to a different, local entity named "Camp Davis," it's best to use the University's official channels.

• University of Michigan Ann Arbor Office (for Camp Davis programs):
  • Phone: 734-615-8600
  • Text Message: 734-678-1564
  • Email: campdavis@umich.edu
  • Address: 1100 N. University, 2534 NUB, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
• Camp Davis Rocky Mountain Field Station (Wyoming):
  • Phone: 307-733-3091
  • Email: campdavis@umich.edu
  • Address: 13405 S. Bryan Flat Rd. Jackson, WY 83001
• Official Website: sites.lsa.umich.edu/camp-davis/ (This is the most comprehensive resource for information on their academic programs).

If you are a Michigan resident specifically looking for a recreational campground in Jackson, MI, and not an academic field program, it is strongly advised to search for other local campgrounds in the Jackson area, as Camp Davis at the 219 S Portage Rd address is not a public camping facility. Contacting the University of Michigan numbers will provide information about their field study programs, not general recreational camping opportunities.

For Michigan locals, it is crucial to clarify that "Camp Davis" at 219 S Portage Rd, Jackson, MI 49201, USA, is not a typical public recreational campground suitable for family vacations or casual overnight stays. The prominent entity known as Camp Davis is the University of Michigan's Rocky Mountain Field Station, located in Wyoming, and serves a highly specialized academic purpose.

Therefore, Camp Davis is NOT suitable for Michigan locals seeking a conventional public camping experience. The single review provided ("Silly little campground. I loved it. But I wouldn’t recommend you go. There’s nowhere to camp :o") strongly corroborates this, indicating that it is not set up for general public camping. Its resources are dedicated to its educational mission.

However, if a Michigan local is a University of Michigan student, a prospective student from another university, or a professional interested in intensive, field-based earth and environmental science education, then Camp Davis (the Wyoming field station) is an exceptionally suitable and unparalleled resource. It offers:

• World-Class Experiential Learning: Provides a unique opportunity to gain hands-on scientific training in a breathtaking natural laboratory, contributing to a high-quality education.
• Immersive Environment: The remote location fosters deep focus on academic studies, combined with a unique community experience among peers and faculty.
• Career Preparation: The rigorous field training is invaluable for students pursuing careers in geology, environmental science, and related fields.

In summary, while the name "Camp Davis" and a Michigan address might initially mislead, for the vast majority of Michigan residents seeking a place to pitch a tent or park an RV for recreation, this "campground" is not the right fit. Its suitability is strictly for those engaged in or pursuing the specific academic and research opportunities offered by the University of Michigan's renowned field station.