What is Camp Davis?
Camp Davis Rocky Mountain Field Station is a research and teaching facility owned and operated by the University of Michigan and managed by the Dept. of Earth & Environmental Science. Each summer Camp Davis offers courses in Geology, Environmental Science and the Humanities. The Camp Davis facility is also open to Academic conferences, Alumni gatherings and guest Universities and Colleges.
How long has the program been operating?
The University of Michigan has been operating Camp Davis each summer since 1929. Camp Davis initially served the Dept. of Engineering. In 1965 management of the Camp was transferred to the Dept. of Geological Sciences which has recently been renamed the Dept. of Earth & Environmental Science. A detailed history, written by Professor Emeritus Eugene Glysson, can be found here.
What kind of weather can I expect?
Summer temperatures at Camp Davis can rise and fall quite severely throughout the day, ranging from 30° at night to 90° during mid-afternoon. Average summer rainfall is 1.38 inches, making the Jackson Hole area very dry during the summer months.
What is the elevation at Camp Davis?
The elevation at Camp Davis is 6113 feet above sea level. Excursions throughout the region may require participants to be hiking at altitudes between 6000 and 10,000 feet about sea level.
Camp Davis is located approximately 30 miles south of Jackson, Wyoming near the village of Hoback Junction. Situated on 120 acres of University owned property Camp Davis abuts the Hoback River and the Bridger Teton National Forest.
What is the Camp Address?
The Camp Davis mailing address is 13405 South Bryan Flat Rd. Jackson, Wyoming 83001. From Hoback Junction, drive southeast on Highway 189/191 to the Moose statue and turn right on to S. Bryan Flats Road. Follow across the Hoback River and up the hill to a right turn on to Camp Davis Road.
What is the Camp phone number?
The Camp Davis business phone number is 307-733-3091,
What kind of clothes should I bring?
Temperatures can rise and fall severely, and rain and snow storms while infrequent (Yes, it sometimes snows during the summer) happen very quickly. Participants are encouraged to dress in layers, peeling off jackets and sweaters as the day progresses. Old sneakers are perfect for rocky lake and river bottoms and will help to prevent cuts and scraps while swimming.
Do cell phones work at Camp Davis?
Most cell phones do not function at Camp Davis. Because Camp is located within a deep valley reception is very weak at best. Some newer model phones have received successful reception in the past. Cell phones do work well within the town of Jackson and on select mountain tops. A land-line phone is available free of charge for domestic calls.
What are accommodations like?
All cabins are less than 10 years old. Each cabin is insulated, has a porch or deck, electric heat w/ thermostat and en suite bathroom and shower. Staff cabins (12) have either a double bed or a twin-over-double bunk bed, a table and two chairs, a large loft (suitable for children ages 8 - 16), a small fridge, and a small shower/toilet room. Student cabins (28) have two twin bunk beds (4 single mattresses), a large bathroom, and plentiful closet and storage space. Student handicapped cabins (2) have one twin bunk bed, a large bathroom, and copious storage.
Is laundry available?
Three onsite washing machines are provided free of charge and clothes are line dried. Because of the relative low humidity, drying time is extremely quick.
What types of food are offered each day?
The food at Camp Davis is excellent. Three meals are offered each day. Breakfast, consisting of a hot entrée, potato, meat, fresh fruit and waffles is served each morning. A varied selection of lunch meats, cheeses, breads, fruits and vegetables are provided to pack bag lunches each morning. A cocktail hour and dinner will be served each evening. Several entrees, including vegetarian offerings, are served each evening family style in the large and colorful mess hall. Special dietary requirements can usually be accommodated.
Will I have access to computers and email?
Yes, a computer lab with numerous computers is available for use 24/7. These computers each have high speed internet connections. Wifi is available in some locations around Camp, generally in or near teaching classrooms.
Are their any health concerns I should know about?
Yes, Because of Camp Davis’s altitude and low humidity some participants experience minor symptoms of altitude sickness. These symptoms including headache, nausea, dizziness and general malaise. Symptoms are usually not severe and pass once participants have become acclimated. It is extremely important to consume plenty of water during your stay, as the possibility of dehydration is greatly increased.
Is a Camp nurse on duty?
No, there is no longer a resident nurse at Camp Davis. Staff members are trained in Basic Life Saving techniques, including basic first aid, AED use, patient stabilization and CPR.
How close is the nearest medical facility?
The nearest hospital and is located in Jackson, Wyoming. Approximately 30 miles away.